From Councilwoman to School Board: Katrina Wilson Advances to Runoff in Miami-Dade District 1

The former Miami Gardens councilwoman and longtime educator is moving forward in her next chapter of public service. When women step into leadership, their stories rarely end with one title.

For Katrina Wilson, the journey from educator to Miami Gardens councilwoman is now opening the door to another chapter of public service. The former councilwoman and longtime Miami-Dade educator has advanced to the November runoff for Miami-Dade County School Board District 1, finishing first in the August 18 primary with 32.70% of the vote. She will face Linda Cothiere in the November 3 runoff.

For Wilson, this campaign represents more than another election. It is a continuation of a career centered around education, community and service.

A Leader With Deep Roots in Education

Before entering elected office, Wilson built an extensive career in education.

According to her campaign biography, she has more than 30 years of service in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, beginning as a part-time clerk before becoming a Social Studies teacher at Miami Killian Senior High School. Her professional background also includes curriculum development, strategic planning, organizational management and grant writing.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a master’s degree in Reading K–12 from Florida Memorial University and completed postgraduate work in Educational Leadership at Nova University. (wilsonforeducation.com⁠)

That education background is central to the next chapter she’s pursuing.

From the Classroom to City Hall

Wilson’s commitment to community eventually led her into municipal leadership. In December 2018, she was sworn in as a Councilwoman in the City of Miami Gardens, representing Residential Seat 4.

Her transition into public office allowed her to bring her experience as an educator and community advocate directly into the civic space.

Now, she’s taking that experience back to an area that has been a defining part of her professional life: education.

A Competitive District 1 Race

The Miami-Dade County School Board District 1 race drew seven candidates, all vying for the seat formerly held by Steve Gallon III, who left the school board to pursue a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Wilson emerged as the top vote-getter in the August primary with 32.70%, placing her in the November runoff alongside Linda Cothiere. While she did not win the seat outright, finishing first puts Wilson in a strong position heading into the next stage of the race.

And now the conversation continues.

Why Her Story Matters

At Glitz & Girlpower, we’re always watching the women who continue to evolve. Women who don’t allow one accomplishment to become the ceiling.

Women who take their experience, relationships and lessons from one chapter and use them to create impact in the next.

Katrina Wilson’s story is one of those journeys.

She has been an educator.

A community leader.

A councilwoman.

And now she’s campaigning for a seat on the Miami-Dade County School Board.

Her candidacy brings together two areas that have defined her professional life: education and public service.

The Next Chapter

The November runoff will determine who ultimately represents Miami-Dade County School Board District 1.

For Wilson, the campaign is another opportunity to bring her decades of educational experience and years of public service to the table.

But regardless of where the next chapter leads, one thing is clear:

Katrina Wilson isn’t stepping away from the work.

She’s stepping into another room.

And that’s a story worth watching.

Glitz & Girlpower Spotlight

From our honorees to entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, community leaders and women in public service, Glitz & Girlpower is committed to telling the stories of women who are making moves and creating impact.

Katrina Wilson’s journey is a reminder that a woman’s leadership story doesn’t have to fit inside one title.

Sometimes the next chapter is simply another opportunity to serve.

And we’re watching.

Election results and candidate information are based on reporting and available election data as of August 20, 2026.