Nadine Smith / Equality Florida / “State of The State”
Nadine Smith is the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the state’s largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
An award-winning journalist turned organizer; Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She was part of the historic meeting between then – President Clinton – the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting President and LGBTQ community leaders. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organization.
She is a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee and served on President Obama’s National Finance Committee.
Nadine has been named one of the state’s “Most Powerful and Influential Women” by the Florida Diversity Council. She has received the League of Women Voters’ Woman of Distinction Award, in 2018 was named one of the 100 Most Influential Floridians by Influence Magazine. She currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee.
Takeata King Pang (She/Her)
Takeata King Pang is a dedicated advocate, strategist, and leader wither 20 years of experience in politics, advocacy, and community organizing. As the Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Florida, she has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach and impact, empowering women and girls across the state through leadership development, mentorship, and advocacy programs.
Takeata’s career has spanned multiple sectors, including government, and nonprofit leadership. Her passion for equity, justice, and representation drives her work, and she remains committed to creating opportunities for women to lead and thrive. Whether through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, or leadership development, she continues to champion initiatives that empower women and strengthen communities.
Sarah Parker
Sarah Parker is a passionate advocate for reproductive freedom and social justice in Florida, serving as the Executive Director and President of Voices of Florida.
She co-founded Voices of Florida in 2021 to oppose a proposed six-week abortion ban in Manatee County, leading a successful fight alongside other activists. Voices of Florida, under her leadership, champions reproductive healthcare, equality, and human rights driven by Black and queer individuals.
Parker, a proud Black mother and long time Sarasota resident, has been involved in grassroots activism since the Occupy Movement. She co-founded Occupy Florida, later known as Occupy Tally, in response to Florida’s 2023 abortion ban. As part of the Floridians Protecting Freedom coalition, she played a key role in the successful Yes on 4 Campaign, ensuring that Floridians could vote to protect abortion rights. Parker’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire others in the fight for justice and reproductive freedom.
Update! Voices of Florida is now a National Partner of 50501 and Ms. Parker is now a National Coordinator for 5051.
Kamaria Lafferty
Living with Black Girl Magic, HIV, and chronic optimism, Kamaria Laffrey serves nationally as Co-Executive Director with The Sero Project. Working to decriminalize HIV, she supports advocates in leading her state coalition on reform efforts and in both roles, offers strategic planning and community mobilization training to state leaders living with HIV to change their HIV criminalization laws.
