NATIONAL EXPERT ON GIRLS TAPPED AS VICE CHAIR OF BLUEPRINT COMMISSION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE

TALLAHASSEE - Secretary Walter McNeil today announced the appointment of a nationally recognized expert on girls in the juvenile justice system to serve as vice chair of the Department’s Blueprint Commission on Juvenile Justice reform.

LaWanda Ravoira is a Jacksonville-based author, researcher and training consultant on gender-responsive services for juvenile justice systems as well as public policy development, organizational leadership, systems change and strategic planning. In addition to her work with the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Ravoira has provided consultation services to numerous states, including Mississippi, Iowa, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Ravoira previously served for nearly 14 years as the president and chief executive officer of PACE Center for Girls, Inc., a statewide not-for-profit organization based in Jacksonville that provides gender-responsive, comprehensive educational, therapeutic and transitional support services to 4,500 at-risk girls annually.

"The expertise, skill and compassion that personifies Dr. LaWanda Ravoira is priceless, and her leadership will be of tremendous benefit to the Blueprint Commission," said McNeil. "Her effectiveness as a tireless advocate for children is that she recognizes the critical importance of consensus-building in developing public policy and implementing systemic reforms."

As vice chair of the Department’s Blueprint Commission on Juvenile Justice, Ravoira will assist Commission Chair Frank Brogan, former lieutenant governor and current president of Florida Atlantic University, in the leadership and direction of the commission to develop comprehensive recommendations for reforming Florida’s juvenile justice system.

"Dr. Ravoira is a highly respected leader in juvenile justice reform with the reputation of being a fair and deliberative thinker who carefully considers all sides of an issue," Brogan said. "I am pleased by her acceptance of the vice chair position and look forward to working with her on building a statewide blueprint for improving Florida’s juvenile justice system."

McNeil is in the process of finalizing appointments to the Blueprint Commission, a 25-member citizen panel of community leaders, policy experts and other stakeholders. The Commission will hold a series of public meetings around the state to allow opportunities for citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide comment and suggestions for improving Florida’s juvenile justice system. The Commission’s report and recommendations will be presented to the Governor, Secretary and Legislature.

"I am honored to be selected as vice chair," Ravoira said. "Governor Crist is to be commended for his vision and wisdom in convening a citizen-driven panel that, under the leadership of Secretary McNeil and Chairman Brogan, provides an extraordinary opportunity to transform how this state responds to troubled youth, their families and their communities."

Ravoira holds a doctorate in public administration, a master’s degree in allied health/human services and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Prior to her tenure at PACE, Ravoira directed program services for the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services in Washington, D.C. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including:

· The 2002 Anthony Gruppo Memorial Women’s National Leadership Award, presented by the Child Welfare League of America, which recognizes leaders for their work in advocacy and services for children.

· The 2006 Spirit of Rosie the Riveter Pioneer Award, presented by the Jacksonville Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Women’s Center of Jacksonville and Women’s Digest . The award recognizes women who have proven themselves in the workplace, broken down barriers and entered non-traditional careers.

· The 2007 Albert Elias Award, presented by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, which recognizes individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to juvenile justice.

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