Christine Samuel moved to Winter Haven in 1966 where she attended Jewett High at night, Mr. Roosevelt Smith was her teacher. After being married with three sons, several years later she attended and graduated from Polk Community College. She later pursued and received her BA degree in Human Resources from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fl. She drove 74 miles one way, two days a week, for about one and a half years. Christine’s life has always been untraditional, doing things in reverse order; married with kids then school “but here I am… lots of crooked roads, filled with starts and stops got me here. I love Winter Haven!!! I love serving others, especially the less fortunate, children and the elderly.”
Christine has held several positions in her lifetime such as a Facility Administrator for Boys in Trouble, ages 13 -18; 24 hours, seven days a week. She worked for Eckerd Youth Alterative for 15 years and G4S for two years. “Facilitating groups for families to better understand their children is very hard work, no life, but such rewarding work helping the kids and their families.”
Christine has also spent a large part of her career in Social Services, working with people in need and Human Resources which has prepared her for her dream job, becoming the first Director of Diversity & Inclusivity for the City of Winter Haven. She’s been here, in this position for three years, bringing people together including different ages, races and backgrounds. Christine loves serving people, she says, “I love Winter Haven, my city, your city, our city!!” Christine also volunteered on the Police Pension Board prior to coming to work for the City of Winter Haven.
Christine is the President & CEO of DES Consulting (initials of deceased son, Douglas Eugene Samuel) – Helping people help themselves - Working with churches, families and groups to improve relationships and save families.
She has served her local church, St. Paul Worship Center, as a Youth Leader since she was about 21 years old and in 2008 she was appointed by the General Bishop as National Youth President, at the House of God Saints In Christ Inc. (HOGSIC), for 10 years. Serving and introducing youth from Florida to New York to places and things they never dreamed were possible.
She currently serves on several boards and committees: Polk State College Foundation Board of Directors, Polk Vision BOD, Public Education Partnership BOD, St. Paul Worship Center BOD, Red Cross Advisory, Chain of Lakes High School SAC Committee and Polk County School Efficiency Committee.
Awards received: Girls Inc. She knows Where She’s Going for Lakeland and Winter Haven; Polk State College Distinguished Alumni, ALPI’s Robert Bryant’s Award and St. Paul Worship Center Black History Award and other service awards.
Christine is super proud to say “She is a graduate of Class I of City U Winter Haven, Leader Program.”
Christine’s motto: “Always leave a place or a person better than you found them, If you love something or someone you will serve them with gladness.”