As my term as Public Policy Director of AAUW Florida comes to an end, I am extremely pleased to introduce you to our new Director for Public Policy, Kay Lee-Smith. She is well-qualified and enthusiastic, and we are very fortunate to have her join the board. Since she agreed to be a candidate too late for her bio to be included in the spring Florivision, you may read it below, in her own words.
I urge you to give Kay your wholehearted support as she works to advance our public policy in Florida. This work takes place not just during Lobby Days, although that is important. We need to be advancing equity for women and girls all year long, and we cannot do that by just meeting together and enjoying our own company. Legislators will vote for bills that people support, and if they will not do so, the people will elect others. Where do we come in? We need to let the legislators know what kinds of things we would like to see in state government. We need to try to get others to join us, or to join others, so that our combined voices may be heard. These are trying times for equity for women and girls, and we cannot advance it by keeping silent. If we do not speak up and bear witness, women and girls stand to lose what has been gained throughout our lifetimes. So be strong, be civil but principled, and above all, be there!
Patricia DeWitt, incoming President-Elect, AAUW of Florida
Director of Public Policy, AAUW Florida
Dr. Lee-Smith is a public servant with experience in the fields of Project Management; Business and Community Planning; Policy Analysis; and Research, Real Estate, and Systems Administration. She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. Dr. Lee-Smith is a member of the Tampa Florida Branch of AAUW, where she has served as Newsletter Chair and Director of Communications.
Dr. Lee-Smith joined AAUW because of the vision, “Bringing together Individuals with a common goal of breaking through education and economic barriers for all women.” Her goal as AAUW Florida Director of Public Policy is to help promote the agenda for women by advocating for the passage of all legislation regarding women’s rights.
Dr. Lee-Smith is also a member of the Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves on the Economic Development and Social Action Committees. She is also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Gamma Mu Honor Societies, the American Society of Public Administrators, and the Conference of Minority Public Administrators. Her research interests are environmental, economic, healthcare, and educational disparities.
Dr. Lee-Smith is married to the LTC (Retired) David Smith and they have three children Tara, David II, and Jon-Kyle. She is a member of the United Methodist Church and currently attends St. James UMC, Tampa, Florida. She believes success equals a trained mind and a heart inspired by God.
AAUW Advocacy in Florida 