BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Deputy County Administrator Monica Cepero has been recognized by Equality Florida as the 2021 recipient of the Voice of Equality Award. This honor is awarded annually to a person who has dedicated passion, courage and commitment to help Florida’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community move closer to full equality. Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to helping Florida's LGBTQ community overcome harassment and/or discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Preventing discrimination of all kinds is something Cepero holds as one of her core values. She was appointed to the Florida Commission on Human Relations by Governor Ron DeSantis in July of 2020 for a four-year term. “Monica’s efforts on the Commission led the agency to uphold that discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “This means every LGBTQ Floridian, from the Panhandle to Key West, is protected from discrimination under the law. We’re so grateful for Monica’s tireless work to help move the needle closer to justice and equality for all Floridians.”

The Commission was established in 1969 to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination issues through education, outreach and partnerships. Earlier this year Commissioner Cepero spearheaded a notice on behalf of the Commission that formally announced its intent to fully enforce the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County and investigate claims of LGBTQ discrimination.

"My family taught me to embrace differences and use them to help make this world a better place,” said Florida Human Relations Commissioner Monica Cepero. “As a member of the LGBTQ community, I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for appointing me to the Commission and look forward to closing the gap for everyone who faces inequality for one reason or another.”

Since its creation, the Commission has investigated and closed more than 74,000 cases and has negotiated close to $13 million in settlement amounts for more than 1,500 people through its mediation services.

Cepero will receive her award at Equality Florida’s statewide virtual event on Sunday, May 23, 2021. The announcement from Equity Florida regarding Cepero’s award can be found here.

April 2, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Meyer, Assistant Director
Office of Public Communications
(954) 357-8541
gmeyer@broward.org