Staff Lead

• Policy Advisory Committee
• Workforce Development Committee

As the Director of Advocacy at the Tampa Bay Chamber, Nzinga Barnette supports the efforts in Public Policy and Government Relations at the regional, state, and federal level. Nzinga is responsible for developing and executing key events increasing engagement between Chamber members, elected officials, and policy makers. These events and programming include the annual State Legislative Kick-Off and Wrap-Up, the annual Mayor’s Breakfast, as well as the Chamber’s Public Policy Roundtables and Work Redefined Series.

Before joining the Tampa Bay Chamber team, Nzinga served as the Public Policy and Administrative Coordinator at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. An alum of the University of Miami, she received her Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Advocacy and minor in Broadcast Journalism. Prior to graduating, Nzinga was already pursuing her interest in government relations and passion for advocacy and community outreach during several college internships with the Manatee County Government that included Human Resources, Redevelopment & Economic Opportunity, and the Programming, Volunteer & Education Division of the Parks & Natural Resources Department. Nzinga also interned in the office of U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan in Florida’s 16^th District.

Nzinga is a Florida native and volunteers her free time as a mentor to youth development groups and community outreach programs. She enjoys going to the beach and traveling internationally with friends and family.