Conversations: August 1, 2020
On this episode of Miami Corona Project Conversations, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins joined artist Xavier Cortada to talk about how coronavirus has impacted our community. Commissioner Higgins provides her perspective as a county government official, sharing the ways in which she’s engaged her constituents and colleagues in confronting the virus, including mobilizing 100 volunteers to hand out masks to neighbors in District 5 and leading policy to financially aid Miami’s arts and culture industry during the pandemic. Their conversation took place the weekend Category 1 Hurricane Isaias was meant to hit our state, and the two discuss the interrelatedness between the pandemic, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.
Statement from Commissioner Eileen Higgins
“As moments of difficulty often do, this crisis has brought the challenges our communities face to light, many of which have persisted since before the COVID-19 pandemic. From individuals losing their jobs and having to file for unemployment for the first time, to business having to close their doors to keep everyone safe, and families struggling to put food on the table – every resident, worker, and small business has been affected by the public health crisis in one way or another. I continue to fight, day in and day out, to provide relief directly to the residents and businesses suffering from the economic impacts of the pandemic. We’ve created relief programs, held food distributions, mask deliveries, and more – but it’s up to all of us to tackle this together. Wear your masks, social distance, wash your hands, and follow all guidelines put into place. Stay safe, and do your part.”
About Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Eileen Higgins was elected to serve as the County Commissioner for District 5 in 2018, representing parts of Miami Beach, Downtown, Brickell, Coral Way, Little Havana, and Flagler. She is a University of New Mexico graduate and began her career as an engineer at a heavy-duty manufacturing plant. Upon earning her MBA from Cornell University, she worked as a marketing executive for worldwide brands. In 2006, she served as country director for Peace Corps Belize and continued her public service as a foreign service officer in the state department where she balanced relationships with Mexico and implemented U.S. economic policies in South Africa.
In addition to District 5 County Commissioner here in Miami, Eileen Higgins also serves on various boards including the Sierra Club, Miami Climate Alliance, League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).
About Xavier Cortada
Click here to read the artist’s bio.