For 30 years, Hazelle Rogers has been a force in Broward County politics, shaping policy, empowering communities, and amplifying Caribbean voices. From her beginnings as the only woman on the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission to her current role as Broward County Commissioner, Rogers has carved a path defined by determination, cultural pride, and a relentless commitment to public service.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Caribbean National Weekly, Rogers reflected on her three-decade journey, sharing insights on leadership, community impact, and the milestones that have defined her career.
Her public service career began in 1996 when she was elected to the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission. Looking back, she said, “Could it be my goal? I did not know what I was doing. I just knew I could do better… I stayed focused on some of the issues, some of the things that I knew needed to be addressed.” As the only woman on the seven-member commission, Rogers quickly assumed responsibilities beyond those of her colleagues. She oversaw the recreation and public works departments, served on the administrative team that managed the city’s budget, and helped shape a management-style government that empowered elected officials while supporting the city manager.
“You have to remember, when I went on, I was solo,” Rogers explained. “There was nothing for me to guide me. You just work it, you just represent, you stay connected to the constituents that elected you, and that’s what I did.” Her leadership in Lauderdale Lakes helped pave the way for other Jamaican and Caribbean-American elected officials in Broward County, creating a legacy of representation that continues today.
After 12 years in municipal government, Rogers brought her experience to the Florida House of Representatives, representing Districts 94 and later 95. She described her transition to state-level politics as a continuation of her commitment to the community. “When I went to Tallahassee, I had some experience because, while I was a city elected official, my colleagues from the 31 municipalities voted me to be president of the Broward League of Cities,” she said. “I met with the governor and talked about the issues affecting my county. I still had a fire, and things that were important to my community—the immigrant community—was my focus. Education was my focus. Small business was my focus. Airports, seaport initiatives became my focus because that was the issue impacting Broward County at the time.”
In 2022, Rogers joined the Broward County Commission, continuing her decades-long commitment to public service. But for her, public service has never been just about holding office—it’s about creating opportunities and empowering her community. Over the years, she has championed Caribbean cultural initiatives, including hosting the first-ever World Junior Netball Tournament in the United States, supporting USA netball participation in international competitions, and founding Unifest, a Caribbean multicultural festival that continues to provide economic opportunities for artists and performers while celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
“Being an elected official is not just about being,” Rogers said. “It’s about knowing that you’re impacting lives. Knowing that if you’re in a space, you use that influence to benefit others. That table can hold one more and you can have your own table because that’s your voice. As long as you’re educating, engaging, and seeing the results of your work, you know there’s a need in your community, and you continue to fight and speak up—that’s how you do the right thing.”
As she approaches her 30-year milestone, Rogers reflected on the personal meaning of her career. “Sometimes I can’t believe it, to be honest, that 30 years came and went this far and so fast,” she said. She recalled the ways she and other Caribbean-American women in Lauderdale Lakes preserved their culture while creating economic benefits, from netball leagues to festivals. “Every city with a Jamaican or Caribbean person is now having events expressing their culture, and there’s dollars and economic benefit to our county. We recognize that and continue that event for years.”
Rogers plans to celebrate her milestone on March 12 with pop-in visits to locations across her district that hold personal significance. “Because I love being outside the walls of the office I represent, I’m always in my district, always attending events. They’re going to be driving me around,” she said. “They’ve selected some places near and dear to my heart for me to do some pop-ins. I’m looking forward to being out of the district on March 12.”
Asked what continues to motivate her after three decades, Rogers said it’s seeing tangible change. “I can say strongly because I see the changes being made, I see those who benefit from the programs we’re advancing. I make sure I’m visible. I make sure my newsletters tell of the different things I know my community would not hear if I was not sitting in this seat. That’s how I gain my strength.”
Looking ahead, retirement is not on her immediate horizon. “There’s always unfinished work. As long as there’s a voice that’s needed in this community, I will continue to be a part of it,” she said. From the Caribbean American Cultural Coalition to the Caribbean Democratic Caucus and the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, Rogers’ influence has extended well beyond elected office. “Nothing I’ve done over these 30 years is all about me. It’s about communicating, listening to constituents, and taking their concerns before committees, making sure we can influence others to support. That’s my vision.”
As she marks three decades of service, Hazelle Rogers’ career stands as a testament to dedication, cultural pride, and the power of representation—a reminder that effective leadership is as much about lifting others as it is about serving oneself.
