Who is Representative Anna V. Eskamani?
Anna is a bold and unapologetic fighter for Florida families and every day people. Born and raised in Orlando she’s the daughter of working class immigrants who came to Florida from Iran in search of the American Dream. Anna went to Orange County Public Schools and then to the University of Central Florida. She earned dual degrees as an undergrad and graduate student, works as a works as a nonprofit professional and completed her PhD in Public Administration this year from UCF.
A bridge builder, Anna flipped her legislative seat in 2018 and won her re-election by an overwhelming majority in 2020 and 2022. She made history as the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida and has championed critical issues like housing affordability, tax breaks for working families, environmental protection, equality for all, funding for public schools, human trafficking and sexual assault prevention, and support of arts and culture funding. A track record of kind sacrifice, endless hard work, and iron-clad values, Anna is known across the state and nation as a leader who is unbothered, unbossed, and committed to the people of Florida.
Anna is bringing her passion for helping people to Tallahassee and you can learn more about her and her work below.
Who is Representative Anna V. Eskamani?
Anna is a bold and unapologetic fighter for Florida families and every day people. Born and raised in Orlando she’s the daughter of working class immigrants who came to Florida from Iran in search of the American Dream. Anna went to Orange County Public Schools and then to the University of Central Florida. She earned dual degrees as an undergrad and graduate student, works as a nonprofit professional and completed her PhD in Public Administration this year from UCF.
A bridge builder, Anna flipped her legislative seat in 2018 and won her re-election by an overwhelming majority in 2020 and 2022. She made history as the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida and has championed critical issues like housing affordability, tax breaks for working families, environmental protection, equality for all, funding for public schools, human trafficking and sexual assault prevention, and support of arts and culture funding. A track record of kind sacrifice, endless hard work, and iron-clad values, Anna is known across the state and nation as a leader who is unbothered, unbossed, and committed to the people of Florida.
Anna is bringing her passion for helping people to Tallahassee and you can learn more about her and her work below.
Anna’s Family
The Eskamani family is no stranger to adversity. Anna’s father worked full time as a waiter in college and graduated with an electrical engineering degree from UCF in 1994.
He would work at Florida’s Space Coast for nearly 10 years but in an effort to make ends meet, also worked as a customer service representative at Walt Disney World on the weekends.
During this time, Anna’s mother worked minimum wage jobs at fast food restaurants and K-Mart. Anna, her twin sister Ida, and older brother Arya, would spend late nights helping their mother at K-Mart clean the shelves and refold clothes.
After fighting a five year battle with cancer, Anna’s mother passed away in 2004. Anna was 13 years old. This loss in her family, coupled with the challenges her parents faced, inspires Anna every day to work hard for the most marginalized members of her community.
Anna’s Education
Anna and her siblings are graduates of Orange County Public Schools. They each attended Bonneville Elementary School, Corner Lake Middle School, and University High School.
Anna was a community builder even early in life. At age 10, she successfully collected petitions to keep her best friend from being relocated to another lunch time. While in high school, Anna was involved in the performing arts as a theatre tech, working backstage and building props, costumes, and set pieces.
It was an AP Government teacher during her senior year that brought Anna back into the field of civic engagement.
Anna’s Family
The Eskamani family is no stranger to adversity. Anna’s father worked full time as a waiter in college and graduated with an electrical engineering degree from UCF in 1994.
He would work at Florida’s Space Coast for nearly 10 years but in an effort to make ends meet, also worked as a customer service representative at Walt Disney World on the weekends.
During this time, Anna’s mother worked minimum wage jobs at fast food restaurants and K-Mart. Anna, her twin sister Ida, and older brother Arya, would spend late nights helping their mother at K-Mart clean the shelves and refold clothes.
After fighting a five year battle with cancer, Anna’s mother passed away in 2004. Anna was 13 years old. This loss in her family, coupled with the challenges her parents faced, inspires Anna every day to work hard for the most marginalized members of her community.
Anna’s Education
Anna and her siblings are graduates of Orange County Public Schools. They each attended Bonneville Elementary School, Corner Lake Middle School, and University High School.
Anna was a community builder even early in life. At age 10, she successfully collected petitions to keep her best friend from being relocated to another lunch time. While in high school, Anna was involved in the performing arts as a theatre tech, working backstage and building props, costumes, and set pieces. It was an AP Government teacher during her senior year that brought Anna back into the field of civic engagement.
Anna would continue her education at the University of Central Florida. Here she became engaged with environmental issues, international human rights, and the College Democrats at UCF. Anna soon began serving as the organization’s Women’s Caucus Chair and eventually the State Women’s Caucus Chair. She was also member of the Iranian Student Organization, the Political Science Honor Society (Pi Sigma Alpha), along with many other advocacy organizations including the Florida League of Women Voters, where she served as one of their youngest members and board members.
Anna led the Keep PBS in Orlando campaign in 2011, a community-based campaign in support of WUCF-TV. Anna did not have cable growing up, and her family relied on PBS for objective and educational programming.
Anna earned two bachelor degrees at UCF in Political Science and Women’s Studies along with a certificate in Service Learning. She was a Top Honor Graduate, and received the Order of Pegasus– the highest honor any UCF student can receive.
She continued her pursuit of higher education at UCF and received dual Masters in December 2015 with graduate degrees in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration, along with a Certificate in Gender Studies. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional. In 2016, she was recognized by UCF’s College of Health and Public Affairs as a leading alumni in the field of Nonprofit Management. That same year, she was recognized by the UCF Alumni Foundation as an outstanding young alumni who continues to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives and four years later Anna was recognized as 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate!
Anna would continue her education at the University of Central Florida. Here she became engaged with environmental issues, international human rights, and the College Democrats at UCF. Anna soon began serving as the organization’s Women’s Caucus Chair and eventually the State Women’s Caucus Chair. She was also member of the Iranian Student Organization, the Political Science Honor Society (Pi Sigma Alpha), along with many other advocacy organizations including the Florida League of Women Voters, where she served as one of their youngest members and board members.
Anna led the Keep PBS in Orlando campaign in 2011, a community-based campaign in support of WUCF-TV. Anna did not have cable growing up, and her family relied on PBS for objective and educational programming.
Anna earned two bachelor degrees at UCF in Political Science and Women’s Studies along with a certificate in Service Learning. She continued her pursuit of higher education at UCF and received dual Masters in December 2015 with graduate degrees in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration, along with a Certificate in Gender Studies. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional. In 2016, she was recognized by UCF’s College of Health and Public Affairs as a leading alumni in the field of Nonprofit Management. That same year, she was recognized by the UCF Alumni Foundation as an outstanding young alumni who continues to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives and four years later Anna was recognized as 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate!
Anna’s Professional Career
Today, Anna holds a PhD in Public Administration, serves as an adjunct professor and policy educator when she has time, and works full time at NEO Philanthropy, serving as a State Advisor in Florida. She has several academic papers published, with more on the way.
From 2012 – 2018 Anna served as a Senior Director for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida where she managed a team of six across 22 counties, supporting 40,000 Floridians in their efforts to gain access to reproductive health care services. Anna is known in the legislature and across the nation as an advocate for women’s health and equality.
She also continues to serve on numerous boards, including Orlando Mayor Veterans Advisory Council, Keep Orlando Beautiful, the UCF College of Arts & Humanities Dean’s Executive Council, the US Global Leader Coalition, the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute, Winter Park Playhouse and just ended her term on the board of the Orlando Gay Chorus.
Read more about Anna’s professional career via her LinkedIn profile here.
Anna’s published academic articles:
- Mixed methods evaluation on village neighborhood social cohesiveness and quality of life (link); co-author published in Quality in Ageing and Older Adults; June 2022
- In Her Own Words The Impact of Poverty on Health Outcomes for Women in a Central Florida Community (link); co-author published in Critical Studies: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal; July 2021
The 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions
Anna demonstrated strong bipartisan leadership during the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions.
During her first two terms, she was appointed to serve on four legislative committees in the Florida House of Representatives. They included Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee, PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee, and Ways & Means Committee. In 2021and 2022 she was appointed to five committees including Ways & Means Committee, Regulatory Reform Subcommittee, Joint Administrative Procedures Committee, Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee, and Professions & Public Health Subcommittee. In 2022 she also served on the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
She served as Ranking Member of both the Ways & Means Committee and Regulatory Reform Subcommittee in 2021 and 2022, meaning she was the leading Democrat on both committees.
As a freshman lawmaker in 2019, Anna quickly rose to become a powerful advocate on multiple issues including public education, community safety, environmental protection, health care access, tax policy, economic equity, affordable housing, small business relief, equality and funding for arts and culture along with supporting our veterans and survivors of sexual assault.
Despite being a member of the Minority Caucus in a Republican Majority legislature, Anna is a problem solver who builds bridges when she can, while never being afraid to hold people or corporations accountable when she must. During her first year in office, she succeeded in securing $80,000 for a Central Florida nonprofit focused on human trafficking prevention called The Lifeboat Project and increased arts and culture funding in the State of Florida by 800%. During the 2021 Legislative Session she secured not only another increase in arts and culture funding but also an increase in funds for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and more than $1 million in support for local nonprofits, including $150,000 for the Orlando United Assistance Center, $750,000 for Zebra Coalition, $85,000 for Mead Garden’s ADA capital improvement project and an additional $80,000 for the Lifeboat Project. In the 2022 Legislative Session, Anna secured nearly $3 million dollars for local projects in her district, and passed into the Florida Tax Package a year-long tax break for children’s diapers. She also was effective in stopping a dramatic increase in corporate tax giveaways and the punitive defunding of Orange County Public Schools.
When it comes to policy, Anna is a Happy Warrior advocating against preemption, corporate giveaways, and anti-equality measures while pushing aggressively for issues that improve the lives of Florida’s most vulnerable. In 2020 she was the only lawmaker to receive a 100% score from the Sierra Club for her environmental track record, in 2021 she played a key role in the passage of Gail’s Law and was recognized by several advocacy groups for her work in promoting public education. An advocate for government accountability, Anna pushed for investigations into the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of Economic Opportunity, ensuring systems paid for by public dollars are actually working for the public. She’s an ardent supporter for workers rights, affordable housing, and climate action.
The 2022 Legislative Session was heavily focused on conservative culture wars, and Anna was there every step of the way to protect our communities. Whether it’s women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, respect for immigrants and people of color, workers rights or access to the ballot box, home rule, and academic free speech Anna is asking the tough questions, voting no on these dangerous bills and doing what she can across the aisle to help colleagues understand why these policy ideas are harmful. She continues to hold her peers accountable to the lack of action on the rising cost of rent, property insurance and condo safety.
2023 was another tough legislative session as Floria currently has a Republican Super Majority Legislature. This means that Republicans in control can waive all rules and pass every type of bill with or without Democratic support. With that said, this past session was one of the most extreme in Florida history that saw the passage of a 6 week abortion ban, three separate bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, legislation targeting immigrants, academic freedom, unions, voting rights, legislation to loosen gun safety policies and multiple bills reducing local power for cities and counties. Anna now serves on five committees and fought back against each one of these bills, leading the Democratic Caucus on issues like reproductive health helping the caucus file more than 50 amendments in an attempt to stop the abortion ban from passing. Anna also played a leading rule in holding Governor DeSantis accountable for his politically motivated attacks on Walt Disney World, speaking on the punitive nature of the Governor’s actions and how his targeting has nothing to do with corporate accountability.
Despite the political makeup of the legislature, Anna came home with some policy wins too. In particular, she succeeded in passing what became a permanent tax break on children’s diapers and adult incontinence products. This tax break will save Florida families upwards of $100 million a year. Learn more here. Anna also secured more than $7 million in local budget projects for House District 42, including funding to strengthen services for the homeless, human trafficking survivors, adult literacy, and disability services. She also worked across the aisle to secure close to $60 million for arts and culture programs in Florida.
In 2023, Anna served as the Chairwoman for the Orange County Legislative Delegation and as the Chairwoman for Florida’s Energy and Climate Caucus. In her role as Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, Anna facilitated policy and public meetings for a delegation of fifteen Orange County lawmakers. This includes town halls, educational experiences with community partners, and positions of support for local agencies and nonprofits. She did all of this with a bipartisan lens, looking for opportunities of common ground.
Anna continued to lead with grit and grace during Florida’s 2024 legislative session. Here she served on six separate committees: Ways & Means Committee, Infrastructure Strategies Committee, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee, Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery, State Affairs Committee, and Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee. Anna continued her leadership role as the Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee where she was able to stop new corporate giveaways and advocate for common sense tax policy that supports the needs of everyday people. Anna also sponsored several bills centered on protecting Floridians, including HB1395 focused on preventing elopement for kids with disabilities, HB985 focused on housing security and renters rights, HB111 focused on protecting Floridians who end their own pregnancies from criminalization, and HB1351 focused on protecting veterans from predatory benefit claim sharks. HB1351 is bipartisan and though it did not pass all committees this year, it did get through its first committee unanimously and Representative Eskamani is committed to filing the bill again next session.
This most recent legislative session was tough, but it also saw some success with several extreme policies being stopped. From legislative attacking the LGBTQ+ community, to a new abortion ban, and efforts to censor freedom of speech — all are examples of bills that were prevented from passing. Unfortunately, the Republican Supermajority did not allow major reforms for property insurance to pass, leaving too many Floridians in economic hardship. This is a policy fight that Anna will continue to champion.
Anna was also able to secure millions of dollars for House District 42, including state funding for four separate water infrastructure projects.
You can click here to see Anna’s Florida House of Representative profile. Click here to read more about Anna’s platform called Anna’s Opportunity Agenda and click here to watch videos of Anna in Legislative Session via our YouTube page.
Anna’s Professional Career
Today, Anna holds a PhD in Public Administration, serves as an adjunct professor and policy educator when she has time, and works full time at NEO Philanthropy, serving as a State Advisor in Florida. She has several academic papers published, with more on the way.
From 2012 – 2018 Anna served as a Senior Director for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida where she managed a team of six across 22 counties, supporting 40,000 Floridians in their efforts to gain access to reproductive health care services. Anna is known in the legislature and across the nation as an advocate for women’s health and equality.
She also continues to serve on numerous boards, including Orlando Mayor Veterans Advisory Council, Keep Orlando Beautiful, the UCF College of Arts & Humanities Dean’s Executive Council, the US Global Leader Coalition, the Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute, Winter Park Playhouse and just ended her term on the board of the Orlando Gay Chorus. You can learn even more about Anna’s professional work via her LinkedIn page.
Anna’s published academic articles:
- Mixed methods evaluation on village neighborhood social cohesiveness and quality of life (link); co-author published in Quality in Ageing and Older Adults; June 2022
- In Her Own Words The Impact of Poverty on Health Outcomes for Women in a Central Florida Community (link); co-author published in Critical Studies: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal; July 2021
The 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions
Anna demonstrated strong bipartisan leadership during the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions.
During her first two terms, she was appointed to serve on four legislative committees in the Florida House of Representatives. They included Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, Oversight, Transparency & Public Management Subcommittee, PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee, and Ways & Means Committee. In 2021and 2022 she was appointed to five committees including Ways & Means Committee, Regulatory Reform Subcommittee, Joint Administrative Procedures Committee, Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee, and Professions & Public Health Subcommittee. In 2022 she also served on the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
She served as Ranking Member of both the Ways & Means Committee and Regulatory Reform Subcommittee in 2021 and 2022, meaning she was the leading Democrat on both committees.
As a freshman lawmaker in 2019, Anna quickly rose to become a powerful advocate on multiple issues including public education, community safety, environmental protection, health care access, tax policy, economic equity, affordable housing, small business relief, equality and funding for arts and culture along with supporting our veterans and survivors of sexual assault.
Despite being a member of the Minority Caucus in a Republican Majority legislature, Anna is a problem solver who builds bridges when she can, while never being afraid to hold people or corporations accountable when she must. During her first year in office, she succeeded in securing $80,000 for a Central Florida nonprofit focused on human trafficking prevention called The Lifeboat Project and increased arts and culture funding in the State of Florida by 800%. During the 2021 Legislative Session she secured not only another increase in arts and culture funding but also an increase in funds for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and more than $1 million in support for local nonprofits, including $150,000 for the Orlando United Assistance Center, $750,000 for Zebra Coalition, $85,000 for Mead Garden’s ADA capital improvement project and an additional $80,000 for the Lifeboat Project. In the 2022 Legislative Session, Anna secured nearly $3 million dollars for local projects in her district, and passed into the Florida Tax Package a year-long tax break for children’s diapers. She also was effective in stopping a dramatic increase in corporate tax giveaways and the punitive defunding of Orange County Public Schools.
When it comes to policy, Anna is a Happy Warrior advocating against preemption, corporate giveaways, and anti-equality measures while pushing aggressively for issues that improve the lives of Florida’s most vulnerable. In 2020 she was the only lawmaker to receive a 100% score from the Sierra Club for her environmental track record, in 2021 she played a key role in the passage of Gail’s Law and was recognized by several advocacy groups for her work in promoting public education. An advocate for government accountability, Anna pushed for investigations into the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of Economic Opportunity, ensuring systems paid for by public dollars are actually working for the public. She’s an ardent supporter for workers rights, affordable housing, and climate action.
The 2022 Legislative Session was heavily focused on conservative culture wars, and Anna was there every step of the way to protect our communities. Whether it’s women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, respect for immigrants and people of color, workers rights or access to the ballot box, home rule, and academic free speech Anna is asking the tough questions, voting no on these dangerous bills and doing what she can across the aisle to help colleagues understand why these policy ideas are harmful. She continues to hold her peers accountable to the lack of action on the rising cost of rent, property insurance and condo safety.
2023 was another tough legislative session as Floria currently has a Republican Super Majority Legislature. This means that Republicans in control can waive all rules and pass every type of bill with or without Democratic support. With that said, this past session was one of the most extreme in Florida history that saw the passage of a 6 week abortion ban, three separate bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, legislation targeting immigrants, academic freedom, unions, voting rights, legislation to loosen gun safety policies and multiple bills reducing local power for cities and counties. Anna now serves on five committees and fought back against each one of these bills, leading the Democratic Caucus on issues like reproductive health helping the caucus file more than 50 amendments in an attempt to stop the abortion ban from passing. Anna also played a leading rule in holding Governor DeSantis accountable for his politically motivated attacks on Walt Disney World, speaking on the punitive nature of the Governor’s actions and how his targeting has nothing to do with corporate accountability.
Despite the political makeup of the legislature, Anna came home with some policy wins too. In particular, she succeeded in passing what became a permanent tax break on children’s diapers and adult incontinence products. This tax break will save Florida families upwards of $100 million a year. Learn more here. Anna also secured more than $7 million in local budget projects for House District 42, including funding to strengthen services for the homeless, human trafficking survivors, adult literacy, and disability services. She also worked across the aisle to secure close to $60 million for arts and culture programs in Florida.
In 2023, Anna served as the Chairwoman for the Orange County Legislative Delegation and as the Chairwoman for Florida’s Energy and Climate Caucus. In her role as Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, Anna facilitated policy and public meetings for a delegation of fifteen Orange County lawmakers. This includes town halls, educational experiences with community partners, and positions of support for local agencies and nonprofits. She did all of this with a bipartisan lens, looking for opportunities of common ground.
Anna continued to lead with grit and grace during Florida’s 2024 legislative session. Here she served on six separate committees: Ways & Means Committee, Infrastructure Strategies Committee, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee, Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery, State Affairs Committee, and Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee. Anna continued her leadership role as the Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee where she was able to stop new corporate giveaways and advocate for common sense tax policy that supports the needs of everyday people. Anna also sponsored several bills centered on protecting Floridians, including HB1395 focused on preventing elopement for kids with disabilities, HB985 focused on housing security and renters rights, HB111 focused on protecting Floridians who end their own pregnancies from criminalization, and HB1351 focused on protecting veterans from predatory benefit claim sharks. HB1351 is bipartisan and though it did not pass all committees this year, it did get through its first committee unanimously and Representative Eskamani is committed to filing the bill again next session.
This most recent legislative session was tough, but it also saw some success with several extreme policies being stopped. From legislative attacking the LGBTQ+ community, to a new abortion ban, and efforts to censor freedom of speech — all are examples of bills that were prevented from passing. Unfortunately, the Republican Supermajority did not allow major reforms for property insurance to pass, leaving too many Floridians in economic hardship. This is a policy fight that Anna will continue to champion.
Anna was also able to secure millions of dollars for House District 42, including state funding for four separate water infrastructure projects.
You can click here to see Anna’s Florida House of Representative profile. Click here to read more about Anna’s platform called Anna’s Opportunity Agenda and click here to watch videos of Anna in Legislative Session via our YouTube page.
The COVID19 Pandemic
Anna has been a leading voice and advocate for Florida families and small businesses during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. She helped to open one of Orange County’s first testing sites at the University of Central Florida, emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask, and practices CDC guidelines to stop the spread of this virus. She’s met with medical providers and connected both the state and hospital systems to potential PPE resources, helping to ensure doctors, nurses, and all who work in the medical field will be safe. Anna was one of the first public officials in the state to ask the Governor for a stay-at-home order, helping to save countless lives.
More than 30,000 Floridians statewide have relied on her office and expertise for support with Florida’s broken unemployment system. She has not only secured millions of dollars of benefits for unemployed Floridians, but she also fought to extend the work search requirement waiver and has held the Department of Economic Opportunity along with the Governor accountable for a system that was built to fail.
In addition to fighting for benefits, Anna has also focused on housing and food security. She’s worked with tenants and landowners to help prevent evictions and halt rent increases. She’s asked the Governor to put into place a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures while working around the clock to identify financial resources so folks can pay their bills on time. Early on during the pandemic Anna gained confirmation from one of the state’s largest utility companies that they would not disconnect customers for an inability to pay during the pandemic and she has restored power for Floridians who still faced disconnections. She’s worked with Second Harvest Food Bank to connect the hungry with nutritional meals, has delivered meals herself to constituents, helped to prevent homelessness by direct cash support to families and connections to local nonprofits, and ensured Floridians in need were able to process their SNAP and TANF applications.
Small businesses have been one of Anna’s biggest passions during this pandemic. She’s fought against big corporations for receiving major tax breaks and PPP loans while small businesses suffer and only receive $50 million of state benefits. She’s connected small businesses to CARES Act programs, and has been their voice with state agencies like DBPR. She’s amplified the work of multiple nonprofits, and has continued to promote local small businesses, helping to ensure Floridians who are able shop local, and help our small businesses survive.
She’s advocated for our teachers, parents and students, and wrote a letter to the OCPS school board asking for the start date of K-12 schools be delayed so teachers and administrators would have more planning time and parents more data to make informed decisions. She’s also protected International students from being removed from the United States, working with higher-ed institutions in Florida to develop programs that would meet the unnecessary requirements of a recently implemented — and now rescinded — ICE rule.
While doing all of this and more, Anna has maintained constant communication with her community, hosting more than 100 virtual town halls, including a weekly Facebook and Instagram live session she hosts every Friday at 5:00pm. She’s also given up her state salary, donating those funds directly to families and Floridians in need. Her salary coupled with personal donations has resulted in more than $40,000 being given away to nearly 375 individual Floridians.
In an effort to vaccinate as many people as possible and ensure no community is left behind, Anna has worked with the State of Florida to host multiple vaccine events at a neighborhood level with minority communities, helping to vaccinate more than 1,200 Central Floridians.
We’re not out of this pandemic yet, but Anna has risen to be a leader during this crisis and an advocate for everyday Floridians.
The COVID19 Pandemic
Anna has been a leading voice and advocate for Florida families and small businesses during the COVID19 pandemic. She helped to open one of Orange County’s first testing sites at the University of Central Florida, emphasizes the importance of practicing CDC guidelines to stop the spread of this virus. She’s met with medical providers and connected both the state and hospital systems to potential PPE resources, helping to ensure doctors, nurses, and all who work in the medical field will be safe.
More than 50,000 Floridians statewide have relied on her office and expertise for support with Florida’s broken unemployment system. She has not only secured millions of dollars of benefits for unemployed Floridians, but she also fought to extend the work search requirement waiver and has held the Department of Economic Opportunity along with the Governor accountable for a system that was built to fail. To this day, her and her team continue to help Floridians access delayed unemployment benefits along with rental assistance too.
In addition to fighting for benefits, Anna has also focused on housing and food security. She’s worked with tenants and landowners to help prevent evictions and halt rent increases. She’s asked the Governor to put into place eviction and foreclosure diversion programs while working around the clock to identify financial resources so folks can pay their bills on time. Early on during the pandemic Anna gained confirmation from one of the state’s largest utility companies that they would not disconnect customers for an inability to pay during the pandemic and she has restored power for Floridians who still faced disconnections. She’s worked with Second Harvest Food Bank to connect the hungry with nutritional meals, has delivered meals herself to constituents, helped to prevent homelessness by direct cash support to families and connections to local nonprofits, and ensured Floridians in need were able to process their SNAP and TANF applications.
Small businesses have been one of Anna’s biggest passions during this pandemic. She’s fought against big corporations for receiving major tax breaks and PPP loans while small businesses suffer and only receive $50 million of state benefits. She’s connected small businesses to CARES Act and ARPA programs, and has been their voice with state agencies like DBPR. She’s amplified the work of multiple nonprofits, and has continued to promote local small businesses, helping to ensure Floridians who are able shop local, and help our small businesses survive.
She’s advocated for our teachers, parents and students, and wrote a letter to the OCPS school board in 2020 asking for the start date of K-12 schools be delayed so teachers and administrators would have more planning time and parents more data to make informed decisions. She’s also protected International students from being removed from the United States, working with higher-ed institutions in Florida to develop support programs.
While doing all of this and more, Anna has maintained constant communication with her community, hosting more than 200 virtual town halls, including a weekly Facebook and Instagram live session she hosts every Friday at 4:00pm. She also gave up her state salary, donating those funds directly to families and Floridians in need. Her salary coupled with personal donations has resulted in more than $40,000 being given away to nearly 375 individual Floridians.
In an effort to vaccinate as many people as possible and ensure no community is left behind, Anna has worked with the State of Florida to host multiple vaccine events at a neighborhood level with minority communities, helping to vaccinate thousands of Central Floridians.
Throughout the COVID19 pandemic, Anna has risen to be a leader and an advocate for everyday Floridians.
Awards & Recognitions
Orlando Magazine, 50 Most Powerful People of 2024 In Orlando: Politics & Government
Recognized by Orlando Magazine as the fourth most powerful person in Orlando within the realm of politics and government. Read more here.
Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2024
Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2024. Read more here.
The Florida Public Health Association, Legislative Award, 2024
Recognized by the Florida Public Health Association for her leadership in advocating for public health policy and funding.
Guardian Care’s Women Trailblazers, 2024
Honored as a woman in Central Florida who has made an impact. Learn more here.
Watermark Magazine’s Wave Awards, 2024
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and one of their Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2024. Read more here.
Chair, Orange County Legislative Delegation, 2023-2024
Served as Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, facilitating policy decisions, legislative town halls and community engagement for all 15 lawmakers serving parts of Orange County.
Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida.
Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2023
Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2023. Also recognized for Best Reaction to Florida’s Anti-Union Law: ‘I Would Rather Die’ and Best Politico Turned Actor. Read more here.
Champion of Public Education Award, 2023
Recognized by Florida Education Association (FEA) for her fierce advocacy of public education. Read more here.
Powerful IDEA Awardees for State Legislative Candidate, 2023
Recognized as one of the most impactful people in advocating for progressive politics, advocacy, and for the health of our democracy.
Excellence Award from the Legal Services Clinic of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in supporting everyday residents with constituent issues and housing access.
Watermark Magazine’s 2023 Wave Awards
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.
WUCF-TV Champion, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in the establishment of WUCF-TV and her continued support of public broadcasting.
UCF’s Public Service Leadership Award, 2023
Recognized by UCF’s School of Public Administration for her leadership in government and community service.
Smart Growth America 2023 State Legislator Champions Institute
The State Legislator Champions Institute is an initiative to equip state legislators from across the country effectively advocate for and support more active-friendly transportation systems in their states. Rep. Eskamani is a part of their first cohort of 20 Champions.
2023 Fair Fight National Fellowship Program
Invited to participate as a Senior Fellow with Fair Fight’s third national cohort of state lawmakers.
City & State Top 100 Lists
Recognized as the 64th most powerful political figure in Florida and 59th most powerful women in Florida politics and government for 2022.
Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official for 2022
Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida.
Americans for the Arts’ Public Leadership in the Arts Award for 2022
Recognized by Americans for the Arts for her bipartisan work in securing historic levels of arts and culture funding in the State of Florida. R
Orlando Pride Chamber, Community Champion of 2022
Recognized for her work in defending civil rights of all Floridians, and supporting LGBTQ+ equality.
National Diaper Bank Network Champions Award for 2022
Awarded for her work in securing a one year tax break on children’s diapers in Florida.
The Florida Association for Theatre Education: Outstanding Theatre Arts Legislator for 2022
Selected by Florida theatre educators as an outstanding advocate for arts funding and theatre.
Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2022
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the third most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2022
Selected by readers for three 2022 awards: Local Legend, Best Local Leader During the Pandemic, and Best Local Politician. Read more here.
Share the Care of Central Florida: Outstanding Advocate of the Year in 2022
Honored for her work in advocating for seniors and caregivers, especially in cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Florida PTA: Legislator of the Year for 2022
Selected for her leadership in support of public education.
Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Cohort
Selected to participate in the 2022 Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Democracy Laboratory with a focus on climate and energy policy. Read more here.
Pace Center For Girls: Orange Legislator of The Year for 2022
Selected for her leadership in support the growth and leadership of girls in Central Florida.
Watermark Magazine’s 2022 Wave Awards
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician, Favorite Local Activist, and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2021
Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2021, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Best Community Leader, 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the top Community Leader, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the fifth most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Women of the Year, 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as a women making a huge difference in the lives of countless people daily. See more here.
Delta Kappa Gamma, Legislative Friend of Education Award, 2021
Recognized for her advocacy in support of teachers, students, and Florida’s retirees.
Florida Education Association, Friend of Public Education Award, 2021
Recognized for her legislative track record in support of teachers, students, and parents.
Orlando Sentinel, Central Floridian of the Year, Finalist, 2020
Noted by the Orlando Sentinel as one of 6 finalists for Central Floridian of the Year. See more here.
Florida Chapter National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Central Unit, Elected Official of the Year in 2020
Noted by the social workers for her commitment to public service and positive impact in the local community.
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Legislative Leadership Award, 2020
Recognized by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence for her work in sexual violence prevention.
Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Legislator of the Year, 2020
Recognized by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida as an effective, compassionate, and committed legislator.
18 Local Leaders in an Age of Crisis: Anna Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith, 2020
Noted by Orlando Magazine as one of 18 local leaders during the COVID19 crisis. See more here.
Equality Florida’s 2020 Voice for Equality Honoree
Selected by the state’s largest LGBTQ rights organization as their 2020 Voice for Equalty honoree. See more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2020
Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2020. See more here.
The 2020 Mr. Charles Maddox Patriotism Award
In recognition of Representative Eskamani’s work in supporting the brave service members of Florida’s National Guard
University of Central Florida’s 2020 Distinguished Alumnus
The University of Central Florida (UCF) announced Representative Anna V. Eskamani as their 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate!
Run For Something’s Virtual Vanguard Award, 2020
One of six awardees recognized by Run For Something who has used social media and digital spaces to provide both leadership and community resources throughout the COVID19 pandemic.
The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s Champion of Equality Award, 2020
Recognized for her incredible leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality and rights in the state of Florida and right here, in Central Florida.
Florida League of Cities, Defender of Home Rule, 2019
The first freshman to be recognized by the League of Cities for her commitment to local control, voting against preemptive measures driven by corporate interests.
Florida Politics Ten Central Florida Politicians Making a Difference, 2019
Noted as a one of the most effective Central Florida politicians this year who has made a difference in her community.
Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People, 2019
Noted as a one of the most powerful people in Central Florida who is leaving a positive impact in her community.
Watermark Magazine, 2018
Recognized as Orlando’s Most Remarkable Person and as an effective advocate for issues that impact social equality.
Orlando Magazine‘s 50 Most Powerful People, 2018
Noted as a “Powerful Force” in Central Florida and one of fifteen to watch.
Orlando Magazine‘s 50 Most Powerful People, 2017
Noted as one of the most powerful Central Floridians who are shaping Orlando.
Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, 2017
Awarded the Cannon Porta Award, an honor given to a dedicated woman who epitomizes the principles and values of the Democratic Party and leads by example through organizing and leading on a grassroots level in Central Florida.
University of Central Florida’s “30 Under 30”, 2016
Recognized by the UCF Alumni Foundation as an outstanding young alumni who continue to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives.
Central Florida Women’s Resource Center, 2016.
Recognized as an “Outstanding Women” to be honored at the CFWRC’s annual Awards Summit
Connect Florida, 2016
Accepted to Connect Florida Class VII, the state of Florida’s premier leadership training for young professionals.
Leadership Orlando, 2016
Accepted and completed Class 91 of Leadership Orlando.
Women’s Media Center, 2016
Accepted to the Women’s Media Center’s “Progressive Women’s Voices 2016” media and leadership training program.
UCF Alumni Achievement Award, 2016
Recognized by UCF’s College of Health and Public Affairs as a leading alumni in the field of Nonprofit Management.
Central Florida 100, 2015
Recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of Central Florida’s 100 most influential people in government, politics, and culture.
Awards & Recognitions
Orlando Magazine, 50 Most Powerful People of 2024 In Orlando: Politics & Government
Recognized by Orlando Magazine as the fourth most powerful person in Orlando within the realm of politics and government. Read more here.
Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2024
Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2024. Read more here.
The Florida Public Health Association, Legislative Award, 2024
Recognized by the Florida Public Health Association for her leadership in advocating for public health policy and funding.
Guardian Care’s Women Trailblazers, 2024
Honored as a woman in Central Florida who has made an impact. Learn more here.
Watermark Magazine’s Wave Awards, 2024
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and one of their Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2024. Read more here.
Chair, Orange County Legislative Delegation, 2023-2024
Served as Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, facilitating policy decisions, legislative town halls and community engagement for all 15 lawmakers serving parts of Orange County.
Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida.
Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2023
Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2023. Also recognized for Best Reaction to Florida’s Anti-Union Law: ‘I Would Rather Die’ and Best Politico Turned Actor. Read more here.
Champion of Public Education Award, 2023
Recognized by Florida Education Association (FEA) for her fierce advocacy of public education. Read more here.
Powerful IDEA Awardees for State Legislative Candidate, 2023
Recognized as one of the most impactful people in advocating for progressive politics, advocacy, and for the health of our democracy.
Excellence Award from the Legal Services Clinic of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in supporting everyday residents with constituent issues and housing access.
Watermark Magazine’s 2023 Wave Awards
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.
WUCF-TV Champion, 2023
Recognized for her leadership in the establishment of WUCF-TV and her continued support of public broadcasting.
UCF’s Public Service Leadership Award, 2023
Recognized by UCF’s School of Public Administration for her leadership in government and community service.
Smart Growth America 2023 State Legislator Champions Institute
The State Legislator Champions Institute is an initiative to equip state legislators from across the country effectively advocate for and support more active-friendly transportation systems in their states. Rep. Eskamani is a part of their first cohort of 20 Champions.
2023 Fair Fight National Fellowship Program
Invited to participate as a Senior Fellow with Fair Fight’s third national cohort of state lawmakers.
City & State Top 100 Lists
Recognized as the 64th most powerful political figure in Florida and 59th most powerful women in Florida politics and government for 2022.
Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official for 2022
Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida.
Americans for the Arts’ Public Leadership in the Arts Award for 2022
Recognized by Americans for the Arts for her bipartisan work in securing historic levels of arts and culture funding in the State of Florida.
Orlando Pride Chamber, Community Champion of 2022
Recognized for her work in defending civil rights of all Floridians, and supporting LGBTQ+ equality.
National Diaper Bank Network Champions Award for 2022
Awarded for her work in securing a one year tax break on children’s diapers in Florida.
The Florida Association for Theatre Education: Outstanding Theatre Arts Legislator
Selected by Florida theatre educators as an outstanding advocate for arts funding and theatre.
Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2022
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the third most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2022
Selected by readers for three 2022 awards: Local Legend, Best Local Leader During the Pandemic, and Best Local Politician. Read more here.
Share the Care of Central Florida: Outstanding Advocate of the Year in 2022
Honored for her work in advocating for seniors and caregivers, especially in cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Florida PTA: Legislator of the Year for 2022
Selected for her leadership in support of public education.
Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Cohort
Selected to participate in the 2022 Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Democracy Laboratory with a focus on climate and energy policy. Read more here.
Pace Center For Girls: Orange Legislator of The Year for 2022
Selected for her leadership in support the growth and leadership of girls in Central Florida.
Watermark Magazine’s 2022 Wave Awards
Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician, Favorite Local Activist, and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2021
Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2021, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Best Community Leader, 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the top Community Leader, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the fifth most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.
Orlando Magazine, Women of the Year, 2021
Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as a women making a huge difference in the lives of countless people daily. See more here.
Delta Kappa Gamma, Legislative Friend of Education Award, 2021
Recognized for her advocacy in support of teachers, students, and Florida’s retirees.
Florida Education Association, Friend of Public Education Award, 2021
Recognized for her legislative track record in support of teachers, students, and parents.
Orlando Sentinel, Central Floridian of the Year, Finalist, 2020
Noted by the Orlando Sentinel as one of 6 finalists for Central Floridian of the Year. See more here.
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Legislative Leadership Award, 2020
Recognized by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence for her work in sexual violence prevention.
Florida Chapter National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Central Unit, Elected Official of the Year in 2020
Noted by the social workers for her commitment to public service and positive impact in the local community.
Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Legislator of the Year, 2020
Recognized by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida as an effective, compassionate, and committed legislator.
18 Local Leaders in an Age of Crisis: Anna Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith, 2020
Noted by Orlando Magazine as one of 18 local leaders during the COVID19 crisis. See more here.
Equality Florida’s 2020 Voice for Equality Honoree
Selected by the state’s largest LGBTQ rights organization as their 2020 Voice for Equalty honoree. See more here.
Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2020
Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2020. See more here.
The 2020 Mr. Charles Maddox Patriotism Award
In recognition of Representative Eskamani’s work in supporting the brave service members of Florida’s National Guard
University of Central Florida’s 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, 2020
The University of Central Florida (UCF) announced Representative Anna V. Eskamani as their 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate!
Run For Something’s Virtual Vanguard Award, 2020
One of six awardees recognized by Run For Something who has used social media and digital spaces to provide both leadership and community resources throughout the COVID19 pandemic.
The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s Champion of Equality Award, 2020
Recognized for her incredible leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality and rights in the state of Florida and right here, in Central Florida.
Emily’s List Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, 2020
One of six national finalists highlighted for her commitment to community, dedication to women and families, and determination and civility that have been the highlights of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ career, in and out of office.
Florida League of Cities, Defender of Home Rule, 2019
The first freshman to be recognized by the League of Cities for her commitment to local control, voting against preemptive measures driven by corporate interests.
Florida Politics Ten Central Florida Politicians Making a Difference, 2019
Noted as a one of the most effective Central Florida politicians this year who has made a difference in her community.
Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People, 2019
Noted as a one of the most powerful people in Central Florida who is leaving a positive impact in her community.
Watermark Magazine, 2018
Recognized as Orlando’s Most Remarkable Person and as an effective advocate for issues that impact social equality.
Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People, 2018
Noted as one of the most powerful Central Floridians who are shaping Orlando.
Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, 2017
Awarded the Cannon Porta Award, an honor given to a dedicated woman who epitomizes the principles and values of the Democratic Party and leads by example through organizing and leading on a grassroots level in Central Florida.
University of Central Florida’s “30 Under 30”, 2016
Recognized by the UCF Alumni Foundation as an outstanding young alumni who continue to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives.
Central Florida Women’s Resource Center, 2016
Recognized as an “Outstanding Women” to be honored at the CFWRC’s annual Awards Summit
Connect Florida, 2016
Accepted to Connect Florida Class VII, the state of Florida’s premier leadership training for young professionals.
Leadership Orlando, 2016
Accepted and completed Class 91 of Leadership Orlando.
Women’s Media Center, 2016
Accepted to the Women’s Media Center’s “Progressive Women’s Voices 2016” media and leadership training program.
UCF Alumni Achievement Award, 2016
Recognized by UCF’s College of Health and Public Affairs as a leading alumni in the field of Nonprofit Management.
Central Florida 100, 2015
Recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of Central Florida’s 100 most influential people in government, politics, and culture.
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“I have never not known struggle, and grew up as witness to my parents’ hard work and commitment to family. I was 13 years old when I lost my mother to cancer, and knew I needed to honor her life through action.”
— Anna V. Eskamani
“I have never not known struggle, and grew up as witness to my parents’ hard work and commitment to family. I was 13 years old when I lost my mother to cancer, and knew I needed to honor her life through action.”
— Anna V. Eskamani
