Jamaican-American mayor named in ‘most influential women’ list
Published:Thursday | January 8, 2026 | 12:08 AM
When Legacy Magazine unveiled its 2025 list of Florida’s Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry, standing prominently among them was Jamaican-American Mayor of Lauderhill Denise D. Grant, a powerhouse who has made her mark in every area of the community.
“I am grateful and honoured to share that I have been named to Legacy Magazine’s 2025 list of South Florida’s Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry. This prestigious 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 honour signifies that hard work, diligence, and dedication to public service do reap rewards,” a grateful Grant told The Gleaner.
Congratulating other women who were also recognised, Grant thanked God, “the source of my existence”, and also her mother.
“I thus dedicate this achievement to my mother, whose unwavering support has been important to my journey. 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,” added Grant, who, on November 5, 2024, made history as the first black woman elected mayor of Lauderhill.
Last August, during Jamaica’s Independence celebrations, when veteran reggae artiste Sizzla received the Key to the City of Lauderhill in recognition of his 30-year career and influence on reggae music and Rastafarian culture, the presentation was made by Mayor Grant at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. A major civic honour, it aligned with Sizzla’s role as a cultural ambassador and also included a US Congressional citation.
“ This recognition is not just about me. It’s about 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. Thank you to Legacy Magazine for this honour, and congratulations to all the amazing women recognised!” Grant said.
Formerly vice mayor, Grant was elected city commissioner in 2018. Before ascending to her current role, she served as director of operations and business development at a boutique commercial litigation law firm, leveraging her acumen in legal and business strategy.
Her commitment to public service has been recognised through numerous awards and accolades, including the Sustainable Development Goals Leadership Award from the United Nations, yet her greatest pride remains her role as a mother to 18-year-old Joshua Israel Grant.
“ This isn’t a job. It is a calling. I want to lead with empathy … to help people live their best lives. I don’t want the residents of this city to look up to me. I want to be on their level and understand their reality and what they want and need,” Grant said in an interview with miamediagrp.com in December.
Lauderhill is a culturally diverse city of approximately 75,000 residents with a large Caribbean population.