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Known as a transformative figure who uses her creative talents to drive social change and inspire political and civic engagement, Venusmia Fernandez Lovely was recently elected to the Miami-Dade Community Council serving the Area 15 South Bay Board.
About the Community Council
Community Councils were established within areas of unincorporated Miami-Dade County to make zoning and land use decisions in a more accessible, community-centered setting. In her new role, Lovely will also act as an advisory liaison, providing recommendations and feedback from her local communities to the Board of County Commissioners and County staff on important issues affecting this area.
Confirmed by the entirety of the Board of County Commissioners, Lovely will play a vital role in shaping her community by addressing local concerns and influencing development decisions.
About Venus
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Miami, Lovely’s roots trace back to the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic and the historic grounds of Savannah, Ga. Her distinguished lineage, as the daughter of Francisco Fernandez, former Dominican Consul General of New York, and Beverly Scott, a renowned Master Stylist and educator for Nioxin, laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to multicultural arts and civic engagement.
Lovely has emerged as a transformative figure in the arts, using her creative talents to drive social change and inspire political and civic engagement. She gained recognition for her work with the award-winning Coconut Grove Children’s Theater, where she embodied iconic figures like Celia Cruz in the “Keepers of the Dream” series, celebrating the lives of Black and Brown leaders.
She also performed at the Joseph Caleb Center in “Holiday Customs Around the World” and earned the title of Miami-Dade County Ambassador of the Arts for her role as playwright and performer in “Voices in the Wind,” a post-Hurricane Andrew production supported by FEMA and the U.S. Military. The production toured throughout South Florida and the Caribbean, bringing hope and healing through art.
Lovely’s influence extends beyond the local arts scene. She has played pivotal roles in international projects with the Greater Miami Host Committee, including Miami Dade Days in Tallahassee, Miami Carnival, Fashion Week of the Americas with Oscar de la Renta, and the City of Miami Veterans Parade. Most recently, she spearheaded the Miami to Paris finals for USA Breakin’, held during Art Basel in Wynwood – a national competition that saw two Florida entrants qualify.
In the Political Arena
Lovely has held key leadership positions, including Chief of Staff for State Representatives Ed Bullard and Roy Hardemon and Senators Dwight Bullard and Annette Taddeo. She is the visionary behind Dominican Day at the Capitol, an event that has evolved into Dominican on the Hill with Congressman Adriano Espaillat in Washington, D.C. Today, Lovely serves as the president of the South Dade Democratic Black Caucus, Ron Brown Chapter.
Her co-founding of the Que Lo Que podcast – a platform dedicated to celebrating the Dominican community’s trailblazers and tackling pressing issues in the U.S. and abroad – reflects her passion for amplifying marginalized voices. Likewise, her creation of Blactino embodies a vision of unity, where the perspectives of Black, Latin, and Caribbean communities are celebrated and respected. Through Blactino, Lovely aims to foster meaningful dialogue and inspire cultural exchange, contributing to a more just and inclusive global community.
Collaborative Efforts
Lovely’s collaborative efforts with organizations such as the NAACP, Shades of it All, Football is Freedom, WECCA, Florida Rising, and the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association underscores her commitment to driving positive change. Her unopposed run for Community Council Area 15 in 2024 solidifies her dedication to turning words into action.
Lovely’s skills in community engagement, event logistics, organizational leadership, and communication are firmly rooted in her experience in legislative liaison work, outreach, and consulting.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lovely is a proud mother of three sons and former military spouse. Her unique perspective on service, leadership, and resilience allows her to connect deeply with the communities she serves.
