Barbara Sharief holds a robust educational background, culminating in a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilkes University. She has extensive experience in nursing, including roles as a registered nurse practitioner and family practice owner. Sharief spent two decades as the founder and CEO of a pediatric homecare company, where she managed significant institutional risk. Her professional journey includes advocating for affordable healthcare and small business assistance, as well as securing substantial funding for community projects.

Barbara Sharief combines a deeply personal narrative with a pragmatic approach to policy, advocating for homelessness reduction and affordable healthcare while navigating unexpected alliances on environmental regulations. Despite her background as the first Muslim mayor of Broward County, Sharief’s personal religious practices remain notably private. Her business acumen, gained from founding and leading South Florida Pediatric Homecare, informs her policy stances on small business assistance and economic development, revealing a calculated strategy to balance regional interests.