Audrey Gibson is running for State Representative District 15, the seat currently held by E. Denise Lee.
WHAT ISSUES ARE YOU DEALING WITH AT JOB CORPS?
Gibson is a business community liaison at Job Corps, the national organization that trains high school age youngsters for the job market. Job Corps’ core competencies include G.E.D. certification, high school equivalency and job skills training. Gibson also works to synchronize Job Corps’ programs with the needs of the labor market. That means traveling to company sites to find out the latest needs of employers and research local market trends. “I try to figure out how we can make sure our curriculum is meeting the needs of the local business market. Job Corps [which is federally funded] is the best example of a public-private partnership out there.” Gibson is also on the Community Relations Council, which is responsible for carrying the banner and message for Job Corps to business and the community.
YOU RAN FOR CITY COUNCIL IN 1999. WHY THE MOVE TO THE STATE HOUSE?
“At the time this opportunity came up, I had been exploring another City Council run. I prayed to God for something to open up so I could serve this community and soon after, I found out about Dist. 15. Incumbency plays a big factor, but this is the best vehicle for me to serve people and serve this community.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
COLLEGE
Gibson has a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY?
Gibson was an intern for the Jacksonville Public Defender’s Office during college. She then moved to Compton, Calif. for a few years, working as a paralegal and administrative aide for a U.S. representative. She also has been a family support officer.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR JACKSONVILLE?
“I have seen what Jacksonville was and what Jacksonville wants to, and can, become. I think I know what Jacksonville doesn’t want to become, too. It’s important for leaders to have panoramic views and broad life experiences. My campaign is based on E-Power: that’s Economic, Education, and Elder — meaning quality care for the elderly. This district spans from one side of the city to the other. It is diverse. It has wealthy people and some of the highest rates of poverty in the city. It has some of the highest AIDS rates in the city. And it’s got some of the highest potential in the city.”
WHY IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
“Because my record shows how much I already do for Jacksonville and I want to be able to do more. The statistics on Job Corps are consistently some of the best in the nation. The work I do now is centered around connecting businesses to the community to help young people achieve and become self-sufficient. Before Job Corps, when I was the executive director of the old Urban Ministries of Jacksonville, I saw the needs of this community and help fill them. That’s what this is all about.”
FAMILY
Her oldest son will be a freshman at FAMU this fall, and the other one will be a junior at Bishop Kenny High School. Gibson has a grown daughter who lives in California.
HOBBIES?
She’s an avid reader who lists her favorite authors as Mary Higgins Clark and Sydney Sheldon. “I like fiction because it relaxes me. I also just read the Bible sometimes.” Gibson also enjoys writing.
CIVIC ACTIVITIES?
Gibson is a member of Links, Inc. the community service group for professionals, the Northwest Council Community Development Corp., the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) — a group to help manufacturers on the Northside. She is a member of St. Pius Church, JaxPride and Citizens for Tree Protection.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?
“Very good.”
IF YOU WIN, WILL JOB CORPS BE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR TRIPS TO TALLAHASSEE?
“Very much. It makes sense for me to be with the decision-makers, telling them about the wonderful things Job Corps does for young people.”
WHOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CIVIC PRIDE?
“My parents, Dr. Lois Gibson, who retired as the dean of health programs at FCCJ, and Ernest Gibson, who at his age is still volunteering as a truant officer.”
HER BROTHER, THE NFL PLAYER
“Ernest played for the [New England] Patriots when they went to the 1986 Super Bowl against Chicago. I couldn’t go because I was having a baby.”
— by Sean McManus