About Yvonne Hinson
My Story
I am a mother, an educator, a small business owner, a former city commissioner and a Gainesville native. I’ve spent my life as a public servant. For 14 years I served as a principal of an elementary magnet school. I’ve helped hundreds of students discover a better future for themselves through education. In 2004 I started my own business, Childstart Leaning Solutions, a supplemental education program. I did this because there were major gaps in our education system and I worked to help our young people achieve more. For 3 years I served on the Gainesville City Commission working to better the lives of people in my community. Together we strived to create a better future for Gainesville. I am running for office again because I believe in our future. After years in public service I still believe that we can make true progress if we work together. I am an active member of the NAACP, ACLU, DEC and the Democratic Women’s Club. I believe I have the experience to be your representative. Together lets build a better future.
Positive Leadership Delivering Results
Yvonne is a product of the Gainesville, Florida community; born, raised and educated. She is a ’71 and ’72 graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has taught children with neurological and behavioral challenges in New York, Miami and Atlanta. While in Miami she became a counselor, staffing specialist, assistant principal and principal. As a 15 year principal of a magnet school of the arts, Yvonne received national and state recognition for her innovative ideas, initiatives and solutions that she created for her school, school community and the school district.
Experience as a Small Business Owner
After retiring from Miami-Dade Public Schools, she became an entrepreneur launching her own company; Childstart Learning Solutions, LLC. Childstart contracted with states and local school Districts to provide consultation and supplementary services to low performing schools.
Years of Civil Service and Leadership
She began volunteering in the community serving on the Obama '08 nationwide campaign in Charleston, S. C. as well as the local Alachua County campaign once he won the primary. Afterward, she served as the Membership chair of the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee, the Finance Chair of the Gainesville Housing Authority Governing Board, and board member of the Alachua County Branch N.A.A.C.P., and current president of the UF Black Alumni Association. In 2012, she was elected to the Gainesville City Commission where she served until 2015. She also served in many leadership capacities at her church, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist.