By: Yvette Rowland
[email protected]
FT. LAUDERDALE – Over the last decade, diversity has been the catalyst for the social, economic, and political fabric in Broward County, Florida. The Caribbean diversity in Broward County has impacted all levels in the County, which is evident in the annual festivals, businesses, and government sectors. To add more mileage to the County’s diversity mission, Trinidadian born Andy Ansola was appointed to the Broward County Diversity Board in April 2006 by County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman.
Mr. Ansola is a US citizen and has been living in Broward County since 1992 when he relocated to South Florida from New York. Dale Holness, City of Lauderhill Commissioner states: “Mr. Ansola’s appointment is fitting because he truly understands the diversity of Broward County. His expertise as a trainer on Diversity and his community involvement at all levels speaks for itself. “ Mr. Ansola is currently the President and CEO of Broward Caribbean Carnival (www.caribbeancarnival.org) which is held yearly in the month of October. It is the second largest event in Broward County. The carnivals mission is to “bridge cultures”. This effort allows Mr. Ansola to interact with almost every ethnicity in the Broward County area.
Professionally, as a Thanatologist (one who studies death), Mr. Ansola has been instrumental in the development of culturally sensitive programs to meet the needs of children in the Broward County Public schools, as well as faith based and community based organizations. Mr. Ansola’s ambition is to complete his doctoral program at Nova Southeastern University located in Davie, Florida. Instead of a dissertation he intends to present a clinical project, which is a grief model for minorities that he has developed. Mr. Ansola has been able to utilize his clinical skills while working with the Hurricane Katrina survivors who have relocated to the tri-county area (Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties). As the Community Liaison for Project H.O.P.E (Helping Our People in Emergencies) Katrina (www.projecthopeflorida.org), his understanding of the diversity of Broward County facilitates his navigation through the system to refer the survivors to community resources in Broward County, Florida.
“I thrive on diversity,” says Mr. Ansola. “Understanding the pulse of the community and having personally experienced several relocations gives me the energy and the courage to encourage people and to promote an understanding of the various culture. To address America’s racial indifferences, more guided dialogue between the races and cultures are needed. My appointment will allow me to facilitate this assignment. I extend a special thanks to County Commissioner Lieberman for having the confidence to appoint me, and I will serve her diligently.”
This is the first time a Trinidadian national has served on this board that has been in existence since 1992. The board reports annually to the Broward County commission and meets the third Tuesday of every month. “It is a pleasure to have Mr. Ansola on board with us. He brings so much experience to the table,” says Dan Schevis a Broward County employee who is the county liaison to the board.” Mr. Ansola’s term of office will expire whenever Commissioner Lieberman leaves office.
For more information on Broward County Diversity Board visit www.browardcounty.gov.
