About
Professional Experience
- South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc., Founder and CEO, 2001-2021 (Adult and Pediatric Home Care)
- Owner of Dr. Barbara Sharief DNP Inc. a family practice where she practices seeing adults and kids autonomously as a Family Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Barbara Sharief receives her
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Dr. Barbara Sharief receives her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Wilkes University, 2017
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Florida International University, 2000
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Certification, Florida International University, 2000
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Florida International University, 1996
- Associate of Science Degree (AS), Nursing, Miami-Dade Community College, 1994
- Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Graduate, 1992
- North Miami Senior High School, Graduate, 1989
Public Service
CURRENT LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP (2024-2026)
Florida Senate Committee Assignments
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Banking and Insurance
- Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
- Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
- Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
- Committee on Community Affairs
- Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ROLES (2009-2022)
Chief Executive Positions
- Broward County Commissioner (2010-2021)
- Mayor (2013, 2016)
- Vice Mayor (2012, 2015)
- Miramar City Commissioner & Vice Mayor (2009-2010)
Task Force & Committee Leadership
- Opioid Task Force Chair for Broward County (2021-2022)
- Constitution Revision Steering Committee Chair (2016)
- Medicaid and Indigent Care Subcommittee Chair (2016-2017)
- Health & Human Services Committee Chair (2012)
- Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Chair (2016-2017, 2019-2021)
STATEWIDE & NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Presidential & Executive Roles
- Florida Association of Counties Executive Committee President (2015)
- Florida Association of Counties Executive Committee Member (2011-2022)
- Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors (2013-2021)
- National Association of Counties Member (2009-2021)
- National Association of Black County Officials Member (2010-2022)
- National Democratic County Officials (NDCO) Member (2010-2022)
Recognition for Leadership Excellence
- FAC Presidential Award (2017, 2018)
- Small County Coalition Outstanding Leader Award (2016)
- Florida Association of Counties Presidential Advocacy Award (2013)
DISTINGUISHED HONORS & AWARDS
Recent Recognition (2020-2025)
- Champion Award for Public Service - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber (2025)
- Democratic Black Caucus President's Award (2024)
- Women Trailblazer Award (2023)
- Rockstars Honoree - Lifestyle Media Group (2023)
- Haitian American Nurses Association Excellence of Service Award (2021)
- Broward Women Making History (2020)
Historic Achievements
- Broward County Women's Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)
- United Nations Association Global Partnership Award (2018)
- March of Dimes Woman of Distinction (2017)
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Current Board Positions
- World AIDS Museum Board Member (2017-2022)
- Homeless Initiative Partnership Board Member (2010-2019)
- Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (2015 to present)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (2015 to present)
Professional & Community Organizations
- ICG Board of Directors (2019-2021)
- Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (2009-2022)
- Miramar-Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce (2001-present)
- Urban League of Broward County (2010 to 2015)
- Caribbean American Democratic Club (2005 to present)
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA) (2003 to 2025)
- Minority Women Business Enterprises (2001-2022)
Barbara swearing in to the State Senate in 2024
Barbara swearing in as Mayor of Broward County
Education Committee:
- ICG Board of Directors, 2019-2021
- FCF Board of Directors, 2017-2019
- Torchbearer, 2014-2018
- Advanced County Commissioner Program (ACC) Alumni
- Certified County Commissioner Program (CCC) Alumni
Policy Committees:
- Federal Committee, 2017-2021
- COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee, 2020-2021
- Urban Caucus 2018-2019
- Constitution Revision Steering Committee, 2016-2017; Chair 2016
- Health & Human Services Committee, 2011-2013; Chair 2012; Vice-Chair, 2011
- Health Steering Committee, 2017-2020; Vice-Chair 2017-2019; Long Term Care Subcommittee, Vice-Chair, 2019-2020
Current and Former Community Services
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Member
Caribbean American Democratic Club, Member
National Democratic County Officials (NDCO), Member
Homeless Initiative Partnership, Board Member
Urban League of Broward County
Minority Women Business Enterprises
Miramar-Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, Member; Government Affairs Committee, Member
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Awards
- Broward County Trailblazer
- Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame
- Broward Women Making History Award, 2020
- Florida Association of Counties, Presidential Award, 2018 and 2017
- United Nations Association of the USA, Global Partnership Award, 2018
- March of Dimes Woman of Distinction Award, 2017
- Small County Coalition, Outstanding Leader Award, 2016
- Davie Community Worship Center, Inc. Distinguished Recognition Award, 2014
- African American Achievers Business & Entrepreneurism Honoree, 2014
- Legacy Honors: Most Powerful Black Professionals in Business & Industry, 2014
- Florida Association of Counties, Presidential Advocacy Award, 2013
- Broward County Business & Professional Women’s Network Professional Award, 2013
- Inspirations for Youth and Families Teen Rehab Award, 2013
- Broward County Historical Society Trailblazer of the Year 2023
- Broward County Women’s Hall of fame March 31, 2019
The Champion Award for Public Service from the
Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Personal
Photo of Senator Sharief with her 3 daughters
Amanda, Alyssa and Hailey
Some of Barbara’s accomplishments include:
- Completion of the Pembroke Road overpass off Miramar Parkway and Pines Boulevard
- Fought for the I-95 Express Bus from Miramar to Miami
- Spearheaded the “Broward Means Business” initiative to increase the number of small businesses
- Spearheaded the free Business Loan Seminar Series to educate potential small business owners about State loan programs that benefit small businesses
- Secured $3 million in funding for the completion of the Miramar Pineland Nature Park
- Worked on the E911 dispatch Consolidated Regional System for faster emergency response times
- Stopped red light camera companies from utilizing county infrastructure to issue tickets to residents
- Used her healthcare experience to save taxpayers $33 million in unfunded mandates
As a State Senator, Barbara has focused on numerous issues including:
- Reducing homelessness
- Prevention of foreclosures
- Small business assistance
- Neighborhood revitalization
- Tourism
- Advocating for affordable healthcare
- Advocating for clean drinking water
- Advocating for Veterans
