NADINE SMITH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EQUALITY FLORIDA, ST. PETERSBURG

Equality Florida is the state’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. With more than 30 staffers statewide, it works to advance civil rights and protect the LGBTQ community through education, policy advocacy and grassroots organizing. Smith has led the organization since its founding in 1997.

EDUCATION: University of South Florida (BS)

FIRST JOB: I was an investigative reporter at the NPR affiliate WUSF and later at the Tampa Tribune, where I covered politics, policy and civil rights issues across Florida.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’d run a wilderness retreat center.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I am a fan of battle rap as a powerful form of lyrical strategy, cultural expression and intellectual sparring. It’s a master class in timing, wordplay and holding your ground.

INDUSTRY TREND: Grassroots activism is rising in response to the manufactured hate aimed at LGBTQ people. We’ve seen 5,000 parents speak at more than 500 school board meetings to defend their children. Students are organizing on campuses to challenge censorship and attacks on academic freedom. Transgender Floridians are refusing to let political operatives define their existence — and they’re leading with courage, clarity and community.