Jamaican-American Mayor of Lauderhill Denise D. Grant has been named among Legacy Magazine’s 2025 list of Florida’s Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry, further cementing her reputation as a dynamic leader and community advocate.
Grant expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition, describing it as a reflection of the trust placed in her by the residents of Lauderhill.
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“I am grateful and honored to share that I have been named to Legacy Magazine’s 2025 list of South Florida’s Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry,” Grant told The Gleaner. “This recognition is a testament to the trust and support of our Lauderhill community, and I am grateful to every resident who has entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our city. This honor signifies that hard work, diligence, and dedication to public service do reap rewards.”
She also took time to congratulate the other women who earned a place on the list, while offering thanks to God and her mother for their unwavering support.
“I dedicate this achievement to my mother, whose guidance and encouragement have been central to my journey,” Grant said. “I am also inspired by the phenomenal Black women across South Florida who made this year’s list. Your influence, leadership, and legacy are undeniable.”
Grant made history on November 5, 2024, when she became the first Black woman elected mayor of Lauderhill. Her election marked a significant milestone for the culturally diverse city, which is home to approximately 75,000 residents, many of whom are of Caribbean descent.
Her leadership has already been marked by notable civic and cultural initiatives. Last August, during Jamaica’s Independence celebrations, Mayor Grant presented veteran reggae artiste Sizzla with the Key to the City of Lauderhill in recognition of his 30-year career and impact on reggae music and Rastafarian culture. The ceremony, held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, also included a US Congressional citation, underscoring the significance of the honor.
“This recognition is not just about me,” Grant said. “It represents the City of Lauderhill and our collective efforts to drive innovation, advance equity, and create opportunities for future generations. I am proud to lead a city that embodies these values, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Lauderhill shine.”
Before becoming mayor, Grant served as vice mayor and was first elected as city commissioner in 2018. She also built an impressive professional career as director of operations and business development at a boutique commercial litigation law firm, where she sharpened her expertise in legal and business strategy.
Her dedication to public service has earned her numerous awards, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Leadership Award. Despite these accomplishments, Grant says her greatest source of pride remains her role as a mother to her 18-year-old son, Joshua Israel Grant.
“This isn’t just a job; it’s a calling,” she said in a December interview with miamediagrp.com. “I want to lead with empathy, to help people live their best lives. I don’t want residents to look up to me — I want to be on their level, understand their reality, and respond to what they truly need.”
As she continues her historic tenure, Mayor Denise Grant remains committed to inclusive leadership and community empowerment, positioning Lauderhill as a model for civic progress in South Florida.
