The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of The New Agenda.

Jennifer Carroll is a woman of many first accomplishments. Born in Trinidad in 1959, she immigrated to the United States with her family when she was eight years old. After high school, she joined the United States navy and served from 1979 until 1999 as a mechanic where she attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She won two Navy Achievement Medals and one National Defense Service Medal. She attended college while serving in the navy and graduated from New Mexico University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1985.

She settled down from active duty by entering the political sphere. Following two unsuccessful bids for the US House, she won the bid for Florida state House in 2003 where she became the first Trinidad-American woman elected to the Florida House. In 2004, she was appointed to the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission . She has been a lifetime member of the NAACP since the 1980s.

In 2006, the Florida Black Business Investment Board was on the verge of collapsing entirely, so Carroll championed HB 1283, which “reorganized the way loans flow to black business owners who struggle to get financing from traditional lenders, ending a protracted disagreement between state organizations that nearly derailed the funding program.”

”It shows that despite the problems the state legislature still finds there is some value in the program,” FBBIB President Williams said. “That’s an important message to send black entrepreneurs and black enterprises in Florida.”

The city of Jacksonville credits her for:

During the 2004 Legislative Session, Jennifer was able to pass meaningful legislation that protects members of Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs from harassment and intimidation. She also sponsored the “Live the Dream” specialty license plate which pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by using his likeness. The proceeds from the sale of the plate will go to several worthwhile organizations, including the March of Dimes and the Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, to help reduce health disparities in low income communities. Jennifer was also successful in securing much needed funding for library construction in Northeast Florida, as well as securing statewide dollars for the Boy Scout’s Learning for Life program and the Girl Scout’s character education functions .

Among the bills she is currently sponsoring or co-sponsoring are HB 729 which “Requires that money services business keep records of certain transactions” and HB 1055 which “Exempts certain public-private transportation facilities from certain specified taxes & special assessments” In 2006, she sponsored legislation dubbed by Floridians as “Anti-Murder” law, adding more provisions to the Jessica Lunsford act and “increas[ing] penalties for anyone who trespasses at a domestic violence shelter” to protect the victims of domestic violence. According to a Florida newspaper, “violators would face up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.”

Jennifer Carroll was one among many individuals who Governor Charlie Christ considered an appointee-replacement for the homesick Mel Martinez . Carroll said about the interview:

It would be a great message, especially to our young ladies, if I were appointed and on the national scene, that anything is possible if you are prepared. When a door is open, be equipped and prepared. They should know that the world is their oyster, and that they shouldn’t limit themselves to their four walls. It would be a great way for me to help others and expand opportunities for others.

Even though she did not attain the US Senate seat, she has certainly attained the merit for it.