Winner: Laverne McGee, OCPA
Laverne McGee worked in the field of diversity and inclusion long before they became buzzwords. As a woman of color, she has created many firsts in her career as a PR strategist and formerly as a broadcast journalist. She is a member of many organizations focused on diversity issues like the World Affairs Council of Central Florida and the Hispanic Chamber. McGee implements her global philosophy in her day-to-day professional activities and in her role as spokesperson, continuously reflecting the Orange Country Property Appraiser's (OCPA) commitment to the diverse community it serves.
Every year on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the Orange Country Property Appraiser holds a breakfast to celebrate community service and the local leaders who have embraced and upheld the virtues of diversity and inclusion. In her role, McGee coordinated last year’s event and was also the Mistress of Ceremonies. The breakfast drew over 300 attendees, and the government office was recognized as a leader in diversity issues as a result. McGee is an active participant in a number of community groups that represent cultural, women’s and LGBT issues. She has been awarded the International Parent Volunteer of the Year Award by prestigious private school owner Meritas. She also designed programs for international boarding schools to better include diverse peoples in school culture.