As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible work Team Anna accomplished together in Central Florida and across the state. From securing important outcomes in the state legislature to standing up for our values and supporting those in need, this year was a testament to the power of our collective action and resilience. Despite the challenges we faced, we stayed true to our mission of fighting for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Floridians. Join us as we celebrate our Top Moments of 2024 — moments that highlight the impact of our shared commitment to making a difference. These are presented in no particular order but underline the rollercoaster of year we’ve had and inspire us to prepare for the future.
Winning Our Re-Election
After two years of canvassing, phone banking, event hosting, and so much more — we won our re-election, and we will get to serve a final term in the Florida House. One of the highlights of the 2024 election cycle was debating our opponent on WESH 2; this debate allowed for a clear contrast to be made and the voters to see how effective Team Anna is as a policy wonk and community advocate. We also knocked on tens of thousands of doors and won two precincts that also voted for President-Elect Trump. As a result of our work ethic, turnout in House District 42 was 1.5% higher than the rest of Orange County. And it wasn’t just about our race, we helped many wonderful local candidates win their elections, too! We are honored to be your Happy Warrior in the State House and to provide the strongest constituent services in Florida.
Serving Our Constituents
Constituent services have always been one of our biggest priorities at Team Anna, and this year we supported thousands of everyday Floridians in crisis. Problems we helped solve included securing unemployment benefits, food stamps, Medicaid coverage, and disability services for those in need. We also held price-gouging corporations accountable, connected constituents to legal aid, and addressed housing affordability issues by collaborating with local nonprofits to keep our community safe and strong. We’ve also been proactive in supporting community events and our local nonprofit organizations, helping to raise money and increase volunteerism.
Fighting for Veterans and Veterans’ Benefits
We are proud to serve on the Orlando Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board, a fantastic coalition of community leaders and nonprofit organizations who champion providing our veterans with a community of support and recognition. Not only did we support another successful Veterans Day Parade in Orlando, but we also helped veterans on the ground access their benefits — and in one local case, we helped save a veteran from losing their home. We also filed bipartisan legislation to prevent predatory, for-profit companies from stealing benefits from our veterans and look forward to continuing this vital work!
Yes On 4 Campaign
As someone of reproductive age and a former Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Senior Director, reproductive freedom and abortion access are incredibly important to me, our team, and our community. That’s why we were honored to support Amendment 4, knock on doors for this ballot initiative, lift up patient stories, and work with providers to elevate concerns about Florida’s near-total abortion ban. Ultimately, Amendment 4 secured 57% of the vote in Florida, reflecting a majority opinion but not enough to codify abortion rights in Florida. We will keep fighting for reproductive freedom in the Sunshine State and will support abortion funds alongside our healthcare providers.
Hurricane Response Work
Team Anna is working for you, fighting for us. That’s why, during Hurricane Season, we collaborate with coalition partners to ensure we are proactive in creating hurricane preparedness kits and activate ourselves immediately to help with debris pickup and power restoration. This year, we supported multiple families in Orlando, cleaning up yard debris, cutting down big branches, delivering food, and working with OUC and Duke to ensure power was restored for all community members. Our impact wasn’t just in Central Florida—thanks to your generosity, we hosted a hurricane supply drive and dropped off a U-Haul full of food, cleaning supplies, diapers, and other essentials to families in Perry and Greenville in Florida’s Big Bend.
Championing Housing Affordability
Housing affordability remains our community’s biggest challenge, and Team Anna is leading the charge to address it. This year, we successfully secured $1 million from the Florida Legislature to support youth homelessness prevention programs, a critical step in providing stability for vulnerable young people. We consistently advocate for state-level funding and work locally to combat NIMBYism by emphasizing a “Yes in My Backyard” approach and championing a housing-first model. Our collaboration with the Homelessness Services Network and affiliated organizations continues to drive creative solutions to support those in need. We also remain steadfast in advocating for flexibility in the Tourism Development Tax (TDT) to reinvest dollars generated by visitors into housing and transit, while pushing for comprehensive affordable housing solutions through Florida’s State Legislature. Together, we are building a community where everyone has a place to call home.
Stopping Harmful Bills From Passing
In 2024, we successfully fought against harmful legislation that threatened our environment, education, healthcare access, and workers’ rights. By leveraging our platform and building coalitions, we protected critical services and ensured that Floridians’ voices were heard loud and clear in Tallahassee. Some of the bills stopped during the 2024 Legislative Session include: HB 651/SB 476, which sought to codify personhood in Florida by granting fetuses civil rights, and HB 1639, which targeted transgender individuals by blocking accurate gender markers and mandating coverage for conversion therapy, were defeated. Efforts to protect Confederate monuments (HB 395/SB 1122) and to target students’ First Amendment rights (HB 465/SB 470) also failed. Gun safety advocates secured major wins with the defeat of HB 1223, which aimed to lower the gun purchase age, and HB 17, which sought to loosen purchase waiting periods. Local governments retained the ability to fly Pride flags with the failure of HB 901/SB 1120, while SB 1752, which threatened absentee ballot access for seniors and people with disabilities, was stopped. Additionally, HB 1519, a total abortion ban, and HB 757, an anti-defamation bill targeting journalists, were also blocked. These outcomes represent a collective stand against regressive policies in Florida.
Supporting Our Small Businesses
Team Anna has always been a champion of small businesses, but this year we turbocharged our efforts as many faced unprecedented challenges. From leveraging our social media platforms to promote local establishments to working with intergovernmental agencies to address construction concerns, we stood firm against policies detrimental to small businesses. Additionally, we participated in community conversations with small business owners to better understand their needs and hosted a town hall specifically focused on AAPI small businesses in Orlando. These initiatives allowed us to foster deeper connections, amplify diverse voices, and collaborate on meaningful solutions. Small businesses are the backbone of Central Florida, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping them thrive.
Showing Up for the LGBTQ+ Community
As the representative for the district that includes Pulse Nightclub, standing with the LGBTQ+ community is personal and essential to our mission. This year, we worked to ensure the inclusion of LGBTQ+ stories in Florida’s legislative session, advocated against harmful legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth, and provided resources for constituents facing discrimination. We also helped to raise funds for multiple LGBTQ+ organizations and had an incredible time walking in this year’s Orlando Come Out With Pride!
Community Cleanups
At Team Anna, we are always taking out the trash — metaphorically and in real life! This past year, we partnered with outstanding local organizations, from Keep Orlando Beautiful to O-Town Compost, to beautify our neighborhoods and teach the importance of reducing litter and plastic consumption. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who joined us from Catalina Park in Eatonville to Curry Ford West and everywhere in between for our community trash pick-ups! We also took time this year to remove graffiti, specifically very old graffiti, all along the train tracks of by Orange Blossom Trail that neighbors tried years to get removed. We were proud to take care of that job ourselves!
Voter Registration Work & Getting Out The Vote
Transformative community organizing is our key to success. People Power for Florida registered over 7,000 voters this year, trained 19 Organizing Fellows, and activated over 200 volunteers. During GOTV, we reached over 11,500 student doors across eight campuses, made over 150,000 calls, and sent over 850,000 texts to engage new and young voters. We are so proud of our work via People Power for Florida, which is only made possible with your generous support!
Advocating For Arts & Culture Funding
The arts and culture sector is the heartbeat of our community, enriching lives, fostering creativity, and driving economic growth. This year, we fought tirelessly for increased funding to support local theaters, museums, and arts education programs, ensuring Central Florida remains a beacon of cultural vibrancy. We amplified the work of local artists and creative organizations, forging stronger connections between policymakers and the arts community. We also proudly supported Orlando’s Annual Fashion Show, celebrating the creativity and talent of local designers and performers, and hosted our Annual Nowruz (Persian New Year) Celebration with the Orlando Museum of Art. While Governor DeSantis unjustly vetoed all arts and culture funding in Florida, the overwhelming backlash from our community underscored the sector’s profound importance. Together, we remain steadfast and resolute in our mission to restore this critical funding next year.
Hosting Youth Organizing Bootcamps Across Florida
In 2024, People Power for Florida focused on empowering young leaders through our Youth Organizing Bootcamps. These sessions trained 186 student leaders across 14 campuses, including UCF, FIU, UF, and FAMU. Volunteers completed 672 shifts, engaging peers in community organizing and voter registration. Our focus on developing the next generation of leaders continues to drive meaningful change across Florida. We also hosted our annual back-to-school “Dorm Storms” on college campuses, registering thousands of students to vote at their new campus addresses!
Fighting For Public Education & Access to Books
As a public school graduate, Anna knows that public education is the cornerstone of opportunity. This year, we worked tirelessly to protect and enhance public education. From advocating against book bans (and opening our own Free Little Diverse Library!) and defending academic freedom, to pushing for better teacher salaries and better funding for schools, we stood up for students, educators, and families. We also fought for transparency in curriculum decisions and supported programs that make classrooms more inclusive and equitable. We are now working with local law enforcement and the school district to ensure SROs are present in our schools and NOT armed teachers.
Championing Common Sense Public Safety Policy
At Team Anna, we prioritize the safety of all Floridians, working tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing our communities. This year, we elevated pedestrian safety by co-sponsoring legislation to improve walkability and transit options in our district, while amplifying these issues through our role on the Transportation & Modals Subcommittee. We also helped pass an Orange County Charter Amendment aimed at accelerating the expansion of public transit options. Our commitment to safety extended to advocating for violence intervention programs to prevent gun violence, including making skating more accessible for youth. We championed peer-to-peer programming to empower individuals and foster stronger community networks, and we worked to ensure first responders have robust infrastructure and resources locally to respond effectively in emergencies. Additionally, we co-sponsored critical legislation supporting survivors of domestic violence and holding perpetrators of voyeurism accountable. We pushed for criminal justice reforms that prioritize rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. This year, we also shared our insights nationally by speaking on a crisis communication panel at the National Hurricane Conference, highlighting best practices and strategies to ensure Floridians are prepared and resilient in the face of disasters. Together, these efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to building safer, more connected, and more compassionate communities.
Successful Summer Library Office Hours
Every summer, we bring our legislative and constituent services directly to the community by hosting office hours at local libraries. This year, we connected with hundreds of constituents on issues ranging from housing affordability to insurance claims. Special thanks to our incredible local libraries for being such wonderful partners in this annual initiative!
Working to Find Common Ground
In an era of political polarization, Team Anna remained committed to finding common ground. Whether working across the aisle to support and pass bipartisan legislation or collaborating local with community leaders from all political backgrounds on shared goals, we proved that progress is possible even in politically challenging environments when we focus on people, not partisanship. This effort also took shape during Anna’s tenure as Chair of Orange County’s Legislative Delegation. In this role, Anna and her team helped to facilitate learning opportunities with other lawmakers and community groups, creating an open space for policy dialogue and ideation.
Anna Completes Her PhD at UCF
After eight years of hard work, Anna officially became Dr. Eskamani in 2024! Her journey began as an undergraduate at UCF in 2008 and continued with a master’s degree and a PhD in Public Administration. Despite the challenges of balancing public service and academics, Anna successfully defended her dissertation, “Connecting in Crisis: Exploring Online Informal Communications in Florida’s Unemployment Struggle” and graduated this summer.
Getting Insurance Coverage Back for Constituents
As property insurance rates skyrocketed and companies exited the Florida market, many constituents faced policy cancellations. Team Anna worked diligently to help homeowners navigate the system, find new providers — in some cases, get their provider back after being wrongfully dropped — and advocate for broader reforms to stabilize the market and protect Floridians. We will continue to support bipartisan legislation that provides Floridians with a public option for universal windstorm coverage.
Community Supply Drives
At Team Anna, we believe in giving back. This year, we organized multiple supply drives for diapers, period products, back-to-school essentials, hurricane relief, Thanksgiving Baskets, and holiday toys. Thanks to the generosity of our community, thousands of items were distributed to families, parents, and teachers in need across Florida, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Being Recognized for Our Community Impact
2024 was a year of remarkable recognition for Team Anna’s work, highlighting the impact of our collective efforts. We were deeply honored to receive prestigious awards such as the Florida Public Media Champion Award, the Alumni of Distinction award from UCF’s Women and Gender Studies Department, the Legislative Award from the Florida Public Health Association, and Guardian Care’s Women Trailblazers Award. Additionally, we were named “Best Politician” by Orlando Weekly readers, the “Favorite Local Politician” and “Greatest Ally to the Local Community” by Watermark, and recognized as one of Orlando’s most powerful people by Orlando Magazine. These accolades are a testament to the power of community-driven leadership and our unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Protecting Florida’s Environment & Pushing for Good Energy Policy
Florida’s natural beauty is a treasure worth defending, and we fought tirelessly to protect it in 2024. We successfully stood against proposals to build hotels and pickleball courts in state parks, ensuring these public lands remain preserved for future generations. Partnering with organizations like the Florida Springs Council, we championed critical policies to address water quality issues and safeguard our state’s ecosystems. As leaders of Florida’s first-ever Legislative Climate and Energy Caucus, we worked across the aisle to secure over $300 million in federal energy efficiency programs. Locally, we helped pass several Orange County charter amendments aimed at protecting the environment and opposed a concerning annexation proposal involving the City of Orlando, Orange County, and a private landowner. From filing legislation to preserve ecosystems to mobilizing community support for conservation efforts, we sent a clear message: Florida’s environment is not for sale.
Supporting Our Workers
It should also be noted that the re-election of Donald Trump was a stark reminder of the challenges we face, both in our communities and for our workers. In response, we launched our “Prepare & Protect” workshop series to equip Floridians with the tools to navigate potential policy shifts and stand up for their rights and the health of their families. These sessions have focused on — and will focus on — community resilience, advocacy, and building grassroots networks of support. We also used these spaces as an opportunity to uplift our unions and remind folks how to support the labor movement even if they’re not in a union!
Fostering & Finding a Home For the Office Kittens
This summer, Team Anna welcomed two unexpected and adorable visitors to our office—two baby kittens! Found under our neighbor’s building during the first week of July, these tiny siblings quickly captured our hearts. The black tuxedo kitten was easy to catch, but his orange tabby sister proved to be a bit more elusive. With the help of a borrowed trap from a kind constituent, we finally brought the orange kitten to safety. The two kittens were incredibly bonded, and we worked hard to nurse them back to health with plenty of love and care — and vet visits! Thanks to the teamwork and compassion of everyone involved, these little ones now have a happy home right here in HD42. It was a beautiful reminder that even amidst busy days and big challenges, small acts of kindness can make a world of difference.
Eatonville’s Historic Pool Re-Opens
This year, we celebrated the reopening of Eatonville’s historic community pool, a vital space for recreation and connection that was closed for nearly a decade. Thanks to the tireless work of community leaders, including the Alma Foundation, this cherished landmark is once again serving residents. The pool’s reopening reflects Eatonville’s resilience and the power of collective action to preserve cultural heritage and provide equitable access to community resources. We’re proud to support and celebrate this incredible milestone with the Eatonville community.
Expanding Public Health Services
At Team Anna, we are committed to expanding access to public health services and addressing the needs of all Floridians. This year, we championed policies to improve public health access, including advocating to end the waitlist for individuals with disabilities—a critical issue brought to light by the incredible advocacy of JJ Holmes. We worked closely with organizations like AARP to support our seniors, ensuring they have the resources and care they deserve. We also fought for increased funding and expanded insurance coverage for mental health services, recognizing the urgent need to address this growing crisis. Our dedication to maternal and child health continued through our service on the board of Healthy Start, where we supported initiatives to ensure healthier beginnings for Florida’s families. We were also proud to co-host the annual Caribbean Health Summit, a vital event bringing together community leaders to address health disparities and improve health outcomes for Caribbean populations in Central Florida. We also supported organizations that provide research dollars for cancer prevention and support community members who have been impacted by cancer. Expanding public health services remains a top priority, and we will continue to work with community advocates, organizations, and policymakers to ensure every Floridian has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
Advocating For Common Sense Immigration Reform
At Team Anna, we believe in an immigration system that upholds human dignity, strengthens our economy, and reflects the values of compassion and fairness. This year, we stood firmly against harmful policies targeting immigrant communities and advocated for reforms that prioritize safety, opportunity, and inclusion. We worked closely with immigrant advocacy groups to amplify the voices of those most affected by restrictive laws, pushing for policies that protect immigrant workers, keep families together, and ensure fair treatment for all. Our efforts included fighting back against legislation that sought to limit access to essential services and rights for immigrant communities, while promoting initiatives that empower immigrants as integral members of Florida’s diverse and vibrant society. We also worked to host a citizenship workshop in Orlando, too. As Florida’s immigrant communities continue to face significant challenges, we remain committed to fighting for policies that recognize their invaluable contributions and foster a more inclusive and just state for all.
Launching Central Florida Pledge
This year, we proudly joined community leaders and partners in launching the Central Florida Pledge, a commitment to building a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable Central Florida for all. The pledge calls on residents to unite around shared values, including creating opportunities for everyone, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering a sense of peace and belonging for all who call this region home. Through this initiative, we encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to take actionable steps that support community growth and prosperity. The Central Florida Pledge is a bold declaration of our shared responsibility to shape the future of our region and a rallying cry to inspire action, accountability, and progress. By coming together under this vision, we’re not only affirming our commitment to the Central Florida community but also ensuring that its future is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with opportunity for everyone. Learn more here.
Spending Time With Somebody Feed Phil
This year, we had the incredible honor of being featured on the Orlando episode of Somebody Feed Phil, the popular Netflix series hosted by Phil Rosenthal. Known for showcasing the culture, cuisine, and heart of cities around the world, the show’s visit to Orlando was a unique opportunity to highlight the vibrant diversity and rich stories that make our city so special. Sharing our community’s culinary treasures and connecting with Phil to celebrate what makes Orlando unique was an unforgettable experience. It was a true privilege to represent Central Florida on such a beloved platform and to share our story with a global audience.
Announcing Our Run for Mayor of Orlando
We ended 2024 with a bang by announcing our campaign for Mayor of Orlando! This next chapter represents an opportunity to bring bold, inclusive leadership to the city we love. With your continued support, we are ready to tackle challenges and ensure Orlando is a city where everyone can thrive.
Building New Leaders
At Team Anna, we believe that leadership is cultivated through opportunity, mentorship, and community support. This year, like every year, we focused on building new leaders by welcoming incredible new staff members, including first-time managers and organizing fellows, who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our team. Their commitment and passion have already made a significant impact on our work. We also had the privilege of working with a remarkable group of interns who stepped up to learn, grow, and contribute to our mission in meaningful ways. Their dedication to public service and eagerness to make a difference inspire us every day. None of our efforts would be possible without the tireless work of our volunteers. From knocking on doors and phone banking to organizing events and connecting with the community, our volunteers are the backbone of Team Anna. Their time, talent, and unwavering belief in our shared vision are what drive our success and help build a brighter future for Central Florida. Together, we are not just creating change—we’re cultivating the next generation of leaders who will carry this work forward.
Help us continue our work in 2025! See upcoming events via this link.