DOROTHY BENDROSS-MINDINGALL
Miami

As a former classroom teacher, principal and current adult education administrator, Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall has made a lifetime of using education to unlock the doors of opportunity for hundreds of students, teachers and parents. Growing up, she lived for several years in what was fondly called the “pork and beans” and the Liberty Square housing projects in Miami during the days of segregation. She was one of seven children born to the late Willie J. and Ora Rodgers Bendross, who hailed from rural Alabama, and who had great respect for education as the only means to ensure success. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she matriculated at Tuskegee (Alabama) Institute, Nova University, Barry University and Florida International University, completing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and several Master-level certifications.

Not only has she demonstrated education as a priority, but also shows deep concern for the needs of women and children throughout the state. As the first chairperson of the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs, she convened meetings throughout the state to listen to the concerns of Florida’s citizens and to direct pro-active events to positively influence decision-makers, and support the overall goals of the Commission. At these events she encouraged all present to take the information learned to their local churches, community organizations and schools, so that they could become part of the team to enhance the educational, political and social experiences of African-Americans in this state.

Dorothy R. Bendross-Mindingall’s leadership, advocacy and list of “firsts” has been publicly acknowledged by newspaper and magazine articles, and plaques, trophies and other unique awards bestowed by national and international organizations. As the State Representative for District 109, she partnered with agencies, businesses and other organizations which helped her to serve many families throughout the poorest sections of Miami-Dade county; whether to provide toys during the holidays; food, clothing and shelter after natural disasters; and employment/entrepreneurial connections at all times. Having created numerous successful programs that changed the lives of children and single mothers, she has often used her creative solutions for problems that seemed to perplex and overwhelm others. As a pro-active person, she developed PAARM, a male role-model program, a project to increase attendance, a project to increase and improve children’s reading abilities, and a welfare-to-work program among others, long before local, state and national politicians saw the value in her approach or officially developed initiatives.

In addition to informing the legislature about the will of the people as State Representative, she has recently opened a learning center within a Miami-Dade housing project, designed to get even more parents off welfare, and armed with the skills needed to stay focused and productive. Representative Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall continues to serve as an example of a strong, courageous, tenacious leader who through collaboration and commitment advocates on the behalf of those who might otherwise not be heard.