Lila Jaber knows Big Bend business
Lila Jaber knows about the talent, intelligence and work ethic that lives in the Big Bend, just waiting to be tapped into. For her entire adult life, Jaber has found her passion in finding ways to put Floridians to work.
Originally from Sanford, Fla., Jaber came to Tallahassee almost 25 years ago to begin her professional life with the Florida Public Service Commission. She started there as a staff attorney straight out of Stetson Law School, and quickly worked her way up through PSC's legal department. She was appointed to the Commission by Jeb Bush and served two terms as its Chair.
Jaber, a mother of four, now leads the Government Affairs practice for Gunster Law Firm. Some of her practice areas are public policy, economic development and incentives, energy project development and finance and local government advocacy. Among these many roles at the law firm, she works with out-of-state companies that want to do business in Florida in an effort to "grow the economic footprint for our state."
Jaber and her husband are also local business owners, operating the businesses Cigars of Tally and Heels & Handbag, both at 1401 Market St.
Lila's efforts to boost Big Bend jobs extend beyond just her work at Gunster, particularly efforts to provide jobs to those who are often underrepresented in the workforce. Jaber is a founding board member and vice chair of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, formed in 2012.
The Chamber's mission statement proclaims that its purpose is to "create and promote a climate in which minority and women-owned businesses can operate in a productive and profitable manner and to stimulate grassroots economic growth and development within the North Florida region we serve."
"My friends and colleagues wanted to create a greater emphasis in Tallahassee for Minority and women-owned businesses," Jaber said of the Chamber.
"In this five-county Big Bend area, if we can get more people employed, and more opportunities provided to minority and women-owned businesses, I think we'll see our community rise."
Jaber also chaired Leadership Florida from 2011-12, an organization focused on bringing Florida's professionals together to create economic solutions.
As a board member with United Way of the Big Bend and a member of the recently formed City of Tallahassee Ethics Board, Jaber has spread her efforts evenly to give back to Tallahassee in as many ways as she can.
Jaber insists that the spirit of giving is infectious in Tallahassee.
"This is one of those communities where people are sincere in their willingness to help, to contribute. It is such a great place to live."
Lila Jaber
→ Occupation: Leads Government Affairs practice for Gunster Law Firm.
→ Achievements: Founding board member, Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Tallahassee Ethics Board, Chair of Leadership Florida, 2011-12, named in Utilities Law's "Best Lawyers in America" 2013-15
• Quote: "In this five-county Big Bend area, if we can get more people employed, and more opportunities provided to minority and women-owned businesses, I think we'll see our community rise."
If you go
What: Tallahassee Democrat's 25 Women You Need to Know Reception
When: 5:30 p.m. April 6
Where: Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road
Tickets: $25 for open seating; $300 for a reserved table of 10 seats. Tickets can be purchased online at Tallahassee.com/25women.