U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s guest to the 2014 State of the Union is Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Director of Urban Affairs for the City of St. Petersburg, who is responsible for economic development and progress in St. Petersburg’s most challenged neighborhoods.

“The State of the Union address will focus everyone across the Tampa Bay area on concrete, practical proposals to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and to empower our neighbors hoping to join the middle class,” Rep. Castor said.  “We must redouble our efforts to boost wages, skills, college affordability, high-tech manufacturing, housing, and retirement security across Florida and America.”   

Gaskin-Capehart understands these challenges firsthand as she has faced pay inequality and worked for many years on economic security, as a mentor in local schools and for numerous nonprofits, including the Urban League. Gaskin-Capehart recently spoke about her experience when Rep. Castor hosted the When Women Succeed, America Succeeds forum in Tampa Bay last year (see attached photo) to discuss an economic agenda for women and families.

“I intend to focus on the economic transformation of South St. Petersburg, where 48 percent of our neighbors live in poverty, in Tampa, and across our community to ensure that all of our neighbors have an opportunity to succeed. Our neighbors are anxious to work and see hope as our efforts for community renewal bring in jobs, affordable housing, and educational and training opportunities,” Rep. Castor said.

Read more about Gaskin-Capehart’s recent appointment to oversee economic development of South St. Petersburg:  http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/mayor-elect-rick-kriseman-hires-official-to-oversee-midtown/2155258

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