Target Market Program
Reserves city contracts valued at $100,000 or less for Lauderhill businesses when three eligible local businesses are available to bid.
Commissioner
Melissa P. Dunn
Biography
Leadership grounded in service
Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn is a shining example of leadership for the City of Lauderhill, having been elected in November 2020. Born in Jamaica and nurtured in America, she holds a BS in Sociology from Judson College, an MBA from Florida International University, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
As CEO of MD Marketing & Consulting, Commissioner Dunn creates innovative strategies for local governments, nonprofits, and socially responsible corporations, advancing community development and entrepreneurial growth.
In tribute to her late son, she founded the Uriel Wisdom Foundation and its flagship Hibiscus Girls Leadership Academy, dedicated to empowering young women in Lauderhill. Through the Dunn Wisdom Morning Show, she continues to inspire professional and entrepreneurial women.
Her mission is to impact lives, transform communities, and advance global understanding. She is committed to making Lauderhill an exceptional place to live, learn, work, play, do business, and raise a family.
Melissa P. Dunn, MBA · Commissioner, Seat 2
A message from Melissa
Working together for Lauderhill
Hear directly from Commissioner Dunn about her service and vision.
Video message coming soon
2020Elected to serve Lauderhill
$4.64M+Total fiscal accomplishments
80+Lauderhill Shines graduates
85+LHPP community partners
Community and public service
Affiliations
- National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Federal Advocacy Committee
- U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Florida Advisory Committee
- Small Business Anti-Displacement Network, administered by the University of Maryland's National Smart Growth Center
- Co-chair, Women's Foundation of Florida Network of Elected Women in Broward County
- Broward Sierra Club
- Florida League of Cities
- Broward League of Cities
- Broward Black Elected Officials
- National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
- Municipal Women in Government
- American Diabetes Association of South Florida Community Leadership Board
- Broward County Tourist Development Council
- Secretary, Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Board of Directors
- 2022-2023 Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee
Policy in action
Legislative accomplishments
SBE Program
Sets a 20% Lauderhill small business participation objective for city contracts valued above $250,000.
Plastic Free Lauderhill
Bans single-use plastics and balloon releases on city property to promote environmental conservation.
Smoke Free Lauderhill
Protects residents' health by prohibiting smoking within Lauderhill parks.
Resolution Upholding Covenant
Preserves the Lauderhill Golf Course by safeguarding it from potential development.
South Florida Anchor Alliance Membership
Uses regional purchasing power and resources to build a more equitable and inclusive local economy.
Resources secured
Fiscal accomplishments
HHS COVID Health Literacy Grant
Enhancing health literacy in response to the COVID crisis.
A.D. Henderson Foundation
Creating LHPP Neighborhood Health & Prosperity Hubs in Lauderhill Point and Devon Hunt.
Health Foundation of South Florida
Building capacity for the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership.
Community Foundation of Broward County
Expanding the capabilities of the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership.
National League of Cities Youth Excel Grant
Creating pathways to STEM careers for Lauderhill youth.
Children's Services Council ABCD Project
Investing in West Ken Lark and St. George/Broward Estates.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program
Helping previously incarcerated residents start businesses.
Lauderhill Procurement Project
Working with Harvard University to improve Lauderhill's procurement process.
Building opportunity
Signature initiatives
Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership
More than 85 residents, nonprofits, faith organizations, businesses, and government partners address healthcare access, economic mobility, education, and community context.
Lauderhill Shines
A 12-week program helping entrepreneurs establish or expand businesses, with more than 80 graduates.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program
Supports previously incarcerated residents on their entrepreneurial journey.
Lauderhill Youth Excel
Provides pathways to STEM careers and served an initial cohort of 50 students.
Lauderhill Procurement Project
Identifies procurement barriers and expands local businesses' access to government contracts.
Lauderhill Proud
Invites residents to pledge their support for local businesses and the community.
Lauderhill Peace365
A year-round campaign encouraging residents to adopt the Lauderhill Peace Pledge.
Dine In Lauderhill
Restaurant meet-ups where entrepreneurs network, learn, and support local businesses.
Leading Ladies of Lauderhill
Female faith leaders championing peace and youth empowerment.
Convening the community
Signature events
September 2023
LHPP Small Business Bootcamp and Procurement Fair
Skills and procurement opportunities for small businesses.
August 2023
Lauderhill Shines Cohort 7 Applications
Applications for the seventh entrepreneurship cohort.
January 2024
Lauderhill Shines Cohort 8 Applications
A new opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
January 2024
Faith-Based Business Conference
Marketing, finance, and management workshops for faith organizations.
March 2024
Lauderhill Youth STEM Summit
An interactive event designed by Youth Excel students.
May 2024
Mother's Day Makeover
Ten single mothers celebrated with makeovers, empowerment experiences, and gifts.
May 2024
LHPP Health Symposium
Community strategy focused on improving quality of life.
June 2024
LHPP Community Resource Fair
Connections to healthcare, education, economic mobility, and essential resources.
June 2024
Lauderhill Walk for Peace
Promoting peace, kindness, and inclusion.
August 2024
Lauderhill Shines Cohort 9 Applications
Continued support for local entrepreneurs.
Stay connected
Connect with Commissioner Dunn
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Your contribution can make a real difference in ensuring the continuity of strong leadership and progress in Lauderhill. By donating today, you'll be supporting Commissioner Dunn's re-election campaign and helping to fund essential campaign activities, community outreach, and initiatives that will benefit the entire city. Every contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Together, we can continue building a better Lauderhill.