Gov. DeSantis appoints FIU employee to council that empowers kids in Broward

David Kenton never forgot the help he received during his challenging childhood.

Now he is primed to pay it back.

In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Kenton to the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSCBC). FIU’s senior associate director for Enrollment Services-OneStop will help lead the CSCBC in pursuing its mission: to provide leadership, advocacy and resources to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults.

“I think what I’m looking forward to most is the opportunity to serve and give back,” Kenton said.

Kenton was born in New York and raised in Broward to a teenage mother who gave him up for adoption. He ended up living with his great-aunt, who raised him like a son. Their residence was near where Sunrise Boulevard meets I-95.

“Probably not one of the best neighborhoods in Broward County, in terms of geographical location and just kind of historical markers of African American success. Particularly for black males,” Kenton said.

Kenton remembers well the people who stepped up to help him succeed. Teachers at his high school became mentors. He got involved with local parks and recreation. Community agencies gave him gift cards to the supermarket.

He went on to graduate top of his class, earn a bachelor’s and Ed.D. from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

In his new position, Kenton will be able to provide real, meaningful support to children across the county. The CSCBC helps fund nearly 100 programs for children and families, ranging from public educational television to events like “Real Men Read,” where men from the community volunteer to read books at elementary schools.

“This gives me the opportunity to hopefully create some dichotomy and change for students who are here now and need to just see some different perspectives,” Kenton said.