Anna’s Biography for Events & Programs

Shorter Version

Anna, a bold advocate for Florida families and the working class, is born and raised in Orlando. She’s a State House Representative with a background in nonprofit management and a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. In 2018, she made history by flipping her legislative seat and becoming Florida’s first Iranian-American elected official. Known for her advocacy on housing affordability, healthcare access, public education, equality, tax policy, and environmental issues, Anna secured a permanent tax break on children’s diapers and adult incontinence products in 2023. Prior to running for office, Anna served as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communication at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. A problem solver with 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.

Full Biography

Anna is a bold fighter for Florida families and everyday people. Born and raised in Orlando, she’s the daughter of working-class immigrants who came to the United States in search of the American Dream. Anna went to public schools in Orange County and then to the University of Central Florida where she earned dual degrees as an undergrad and graduate student. She now has a PhD in Public Administration, works in the nonprofit sector, and is proud to be a State House Representative in the Florida Legislature. A bridge builder, Anna ran for office for the first time in 2018, flipping her legislative seat and making history as the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida. Before running for office, she served as a Senior Director at her local Planned Parenthood affiliate.

In 2020 and 2022 she won her re-elections by an overwhelming majority and has been championing critical issues like housing affordability, economic justice, environmental protection, climate change, health care access, equality for all, funding for public schools and support of arts and culture. She’s been a leading voice in carrying Floridians through economic hardship, using her own salary to help families in need and in 2023 she secured a permanent tax break for all children’s diapers and adult incontinence products. A problem solver with 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’s Headshots

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• How to print Anna’s name in event programs: Representative Anna V. Eskamani, PhD

• How to pronounce Anna’s name: Aw-na Vee Es-ka-ma-nee

• Anna’s pronouns: she/her/hers