By approving this Council agenda item, the Orlando City Council authorizes the Families, Parks and Recreation Department to enter into an employment agreement with Cynthia Schmidt, Esq. to serve as Academic Coordinator for Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ).  In this capacity, Ms. Schmidt will be responsible for developing, coordinating and overseeing all PKZ services that support the academic success of Parramore youth.

Ms. Schmidt brings to this position a distinguished career in law, policy, education and youth development.  Since 2012, she has served as Director (and Associate Lecturer) of the Center for Law and Policy at the University of Central Florida (UCF).  In this capacity, among other things, Ms. Schmidt partnered with PKZ, offering services to youth and facilitating events.  She also facilitated the Blue Ribbon Panel in Sanford, Florida, created in response to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, and currently serves as the Policy Coordinator for the Florida Prison Education Program. Ms. Schmidt has served on more than 12 department, college, and university committees; as a panelist 16 times, and a guest speaker at 6 universities; as Head Coach of the UCF Moot Court; and co-taught the Race and the Law class at the FAMU.

Prior to her position with UCF, Ms. Schmidt served as Law Magnet Instructor at Boone High School and history teacher at Colonial High School.  Prior to that, she worked in private practice as an attorney and as Assistant County Court Division Chief for the Office of the Public Defender, 9th Judicial Circuit. Among other things, Ms. Schmidt served as President of the Orange County Bar Association Foundation and Co-Chair, City Commissioner Regina Hill’s Poverty Subcommittee.

Ms. Schmidt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida.