Lynn Mims
Gwen Myers
PRESIDENT MIMS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
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resident of Mims Construction Company, Lynn Mims has led one of Orlando’s most notable minority- and woman-owned businesses for nearly 34 years. Mims Construction is a certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise whose award-winning projects are showcased at Disney World and Universal Orlando, as well as stadiums, airports, schools, and a convention center. Her company’s motto, “Everyone deserves a second opportunity to change. Do not let your past dictate your future,” drives the corporate culture. Mims Construction offers an in-house job creation program and other workforce initiatives, including apprenticeship programs and training. Mims is passionate about giving people an opportunity to prove they have changed. She hires formerly incarcerated people, helps restore their rights and assists in providing workforce housing. She has served for more than 18 years on the Orange County Code Enforcement Board, has twice been elected chairman of the Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board, and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ Housing for All Task Force. Mims has mentored and assisted many companies seeking to earn minority certifications and secure bid awards, opening the doors of opportunity to other minority- and woman-owned businesses. She also is passionate about community involvement and support. Mims is engaged in sponsorship and student involvement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Despite the demands of running a major construction company, she still serves those in need of transportation or food, as well as older adults and people with disabilities. The proud mother of three beautiful daughters and five grandchildren, Mims is also a godmother to many godsons and goddaughters, who have given her monikers such as Momma Lynn, Auntie Lynn and Boss Lady.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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ommissioner Gwen Myers is a native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. She was elected to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), District 3 November 2020 and re-elected in November 2022 to serve her constituents for four more years. She serves as the vice chair of the BOCC and has long been an advocate for improving transportation, affordable housing, and healthcare in the county. Myers utilizes the theme, “It’s About the People”. Myers helped lead the county through the COVID-19 crisis during the height of the pandemic, working with the community and local churches ensuring that African Americans had access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Since being sworn into office, Myers continues to work hard fulfilling her campaign promise, “It’s About the People.” As part of her duties as a county commissioner, she serves on numerous boards and councils including as chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Board, the Environmental Protection Commission, the Florida State Fair Authority, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board, and as Chair of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization Board. She also advocates for minority and small businesses with the county’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, fought for gun violence prevention initiatives, led the county with the new construction of an African American Arts and Cultural Center, and is currently working to expand opportunities for minorities to serve on county boards and councils. Myers has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She is married to Randolph T. Myers, Sr., and has one adult stepson.
“Somewhere along the way we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.”
“It's About the P eople.” GWEN MYERS
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
50 ONYX MAGAZINE
ONYX MAGAZINE 51
