| Born in New York, Daryl has been a member of the community since the age of two. He attended St. Helen's Church and School in Lauderdale Lakes, where he learned the power of God and prayer. As a product of Jamaican parents, Daryl is grounded in his Caribbean roots through his values of family, respect, and integrity.
Daryl's heart for social service began when he was an undergraduate student at Jacksonville University working as a Student Advocate aiding elementary and high school students. He helped secure the resources the students needed to have positive learning experiences. Upon his involvement with these students and their families, Daryl's focus expanded to the physical and mental health issues affecting them and their communities.
When Daryl moved back to Broward County after school, he became a licensed addiction therapist and worked with individuals struggling with substance use and mental health issues. While working in Broward County's drug court program, Daryl treated individuals suffering from destructive addictive behaviors. He worked diligently to reduce the recidivism rate of those committing misdemeanor drug offenses.
While attaining his master's degree in Social Work at Barry University, Daryl's passion for effectuating change in the community grew. He became involved with the Victim Advocate program of the Broward County State Attorney's Office. In his role as a Victim Advocate, he provided crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and supportive services to victims of crimes and their families. When he was not counseling, Daryl was organizing platforms for political candidates, coordinating voter rights initiatives, and increasing youth leadership engagement.
As a former Legislative Assistant to Minority Leader Bobby DuBose, Daryl educated constituents about congressional services, built relationships with governmental organizations and community leaders, and familiarized himself with issues affecting the community. Currently, Daryl is enrolled in Howard University's Social Work PhD program in order to expand his awareness of community issues. Daryl continues his devotion to the community through increasing accessibility to Covid-19 vaccinations, advocating for social justice, and delivering mental health services.
"I am just a city boy raised as an island boy trying to make a DIFFERENCE, while holding God, Family, and Community at the center of my Decisions."
As a State Representative of District 99, Daryl will continue investing in the community by being a fierce advocate who advances policies for healthcare, economic development, education, criminal justice reform, and affordable housing. With solid leadership characteristics consisting of empathy, problem-solving, and integrity, Daryl will be a catalyst for building a stronger district. |