Overview

Vennia was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. One of nine children, she is a first generation American. Vennia’s parents immigrated to the United States from the Bahamas in 1971 with little more than an unshakeable faith in the promise of America and a determination to work hard. They earned their way into the middle class working multiple jobs and eventually became small business owners.

Vennia worked with the College Republicans on several Republican campaigns throughout the state at the University of Florida. With an original plan of medical school, and a BS in Biology, Vennia was the first member of her family to graduate from college. She found her calling through volunteering on political campaigns and performing community service during undergrad, prompting Vennia to pursue law and ultimately devoted her entire career to public service. During law school, she was appointed by Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty to the county’s Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise Committee (MWBE). That same year, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed her to the Certification Appeals Board of Orlando, where she conducted hearings ensuring the integrity of the MWBE program. Vennia also interned for Florida Republican Congressman John Mica and Florida Republican Senator Mel Martinez.

After law school, Vennia joined Senator Martinez’s staff as a policy advisor, and after he retired, she continued her role for Republican Senator George LeMieux. She developed expertise in a wide range of policy issues affecting Floridians, including education, banking, labor, and transportation.

Vennia has public and private sector experience, having worked as a contract attorney for Lockheed Martin. At Lockheed, Vennia worked on both United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Enforcement Division matters, helping to protect the public from fraudulent and deceptive financial practices. Vennia was an integral part of a team prosecuting several high-profile court cases and enforcement actions.

Vennia has also worked on several Republican presidential campaigns. In 2012, she volunteered as a state strategy room operator, local liaison, and rapid response team member for Lawyers for Romney. In 2016, Vennia was named as an African American National Steering Committee Ambassador for Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign, assisting the campaign with African-American voter engagement.

Vennia grew up singing with her sisters at their church, Calvary Assembly of Winter Park, Florida, where she and her family have been members for over 40 years. While at Lee University, she sang with the Lee Singers, the University’s premier vocal ensemble. Vennia traveled extensively with the ensemble as an Ambassador for the University, performing nationwide and abroad. In her free time, Vennia enjoys music, tennis, and golf. She is also a die-hard Florida Gators fan.

Courts & Bar Associations

• Florida Bar
• District of Columbia Bar
• United States Supreme Court
• Orange County Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association

Professional & Civic Affiliations

• Associated Builders and Contractors - Central Florida Chapter, Legislative Affairs Committee and Programs Committee
• Matthew’s Hope, Board Member
• Central Florida Women’s League
• iBuild Central Florida, Board Member
• Downtown Arts District, Board Member
• Central Florida Navy League, Vice President of Legislative Affairs
• The Federalist Society
• Republican National Lawyers Association
• National Federation of Republican Women
• AEI Leadership Network
• Junior League
• Civil Rights Study Alliance, Advisory Council Board Member
• United Abolitionist, Advisory Council Board Member