How do you turn unexpected opportunities into a lasting career of service? On this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Vanessa Joseph, elected City Clerk for the City of North Miami and practicing immigration attorney.

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Vanessa shares her journey as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, her initial plan to return to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, and how her passion for service led her toward immigration law and ultimately public office. She explains how she became bi-vocational, why civic education is central to her work, and how the office of the City Clerk serves as a bridge between residents and their government.

Listeners will hear stories about creating the Madam Clerk Project to engage children, launching a Learn to Swim initiative that expanded countywide, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, listening, and building trust.

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👤 Guest Bio

Vanessa Joseph is the elected City Clerk for the City of North Miami and an immigration attorney with a nonprofit organization. Born in the United States to Haitian immigrants, she has spent over a decade working in immigration and human rights law. Since being elected in May 2019, she has served as City Clerk, focusing on civic engagement, transparency, and community service.

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📌 What We Cover

• Growing up as the daughter of Haitian immigrants and finding pride in both cultures
• Transitioning from political science and public administration studies to immigration law
• Running for and being elected as City Clerk in North Miami
• Why the clerk’s office is the bridge between people and their government
• Lessons from early challenges and the importance of listening in leadership
• Creating the Madam Clerk Project coloring book and distributing over 5,000 copies
• Launching the Learn to Swim initiative in honor of a mentee, now part of a countywide zero drowning program
• Encouragement for immigrants and residents to participate in boards, committees, campaigns, and local elections

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Madam Clerk Project coloring book (City of North Miami initiative)
• North Miami Learn to Swim program
• Legacy Magazine “40 Under 40” recognition
• Haitian American Chamber of Commerce “20 Under 40” recognition