When You Get There: An Autobiography

by Jennifer Carroll

In 2010, Jennifer Carroll made history as the first black person and the first woman elected to the position of Lieutenant Governor in the state of Florida.
As Lieutenant Governor, her duties included assisting the Governor with economic development and foreign trade, overseeing the Florida Department of Military Affairs and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and serving as Chairperson of Space Florida.
She was also the Governor’s Designee on the Florida Defense Support Task Force and Chairperson on the Governor’s Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection. Highlights of her work in office meeting with Congressional and Pentagon officials to advocate for Florida’s $65 billion military economy and defense industry, efforts which resulted in increased military positions, construction funding, and defense contract opportunities for Florida’s businesses; leading trade missions to South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago, which led to $70 million in new trade between Florida and those countries; and helping to create thousands of new private sector, space and aerospace jobs in Florida through her work as Chairwoman of Space Florida.

174 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

Reviews

[Kenisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really gave me a lot of insight into Jennifer Carroll the person. Admittedly, all I knew of her was the scandal and bad news. After reading this book, I now see that her story is all too familiar - you're not a member of the "good old boy" club, so you're problematic and we have to paint you in the most problematic way we can to destroy you while making sure we aren't implicated. Bravo to her for persevering and not compromising on who she is.

[Tracykawacomcast.net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Carroll's autobiography reads like a big sister sitting down at the table giving you real advice. A teachable moment in almost every paragraph, Jennifer epitomizes the word 'teamwork'. I feel very sorry for anyone too stubborn to accept her extensive experience and brainpower as part of their team. What an untapped resource and wealth of knowledge! This book is not only a confirmation, but a must read for any person who needs to be prepared for the bumps (and punches) in the workplace and in life, in general--especially young women. I applaud Jennifer for naming names and shedding light where it needed to be shed. Those who couldn't take her down or shake her faith only made her stronger. As high a position as Lt. Governor is, I truly believe that G-d has much higher plans in store for Jennifer. Her character, integrity, honesty and commitment, combined with her faith, have her glowing like a beacon and more admired than ever by the public. Jennifer is an inspiration to all, and her book is going to be at the top of my holiday gift giving this year. Anything this good must be shared, so that others can also shine at their brightest light!

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing head on challenges is part of the norm for Jennifer Carroll, from one woamns journey down the road of learning to integrate into a different culture as a immigrant and how she fitted into new family, chose a male dominated career into both the military and politics and found that with family support you can be successful when life becomes hard. Its a very poignant, down to earth memoir.