Lacandria “Candie” Washington

Director-At-Large & Chair of the Adopt-A-Road Special Ad-Hoc Committee

Lacandria “Candie” Washington was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida, a small South Florida town where everyone knows everyone. She is the youngest of six siblings—one brother and five sisters. By the time Candie entered school, many of her teachers had already taught her older sisters and were familiar with the family, often referring to them as “the Washington girls.” Candie loved school and looked forward to attending each day. It became her safe place, and she applied herself diligently, making academics a positive and rewarding experience.

Growing up during the crack cocaine epidemic presented significant challenges. Many of Candie’s close family members, including her parents, were affected.

At the time, the epidemic was a new and devastating issue within the community, forcing families and neighborhoods to learn how to cope in real time. Even walking to school could be dangerous, as drug activity frequently occurred near school grounds until new laws were enacted that imposed harsher penalties in school zones. From an early age, Candie knew she wanted a career rooted in community service. She initially aspired to work in law enforcement, but a visit to a doctor’s office changed her path when she observed a medical assistant at work. That moment sparked her passion for healthcare. After high school, Candie and her sister Latarsha moved to Orlando, where Candie attended technical schools and earned certifications as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Home Health Aide (HHA). She began her career as a certified medical assistant at a local clinic, where she worked for six years. In 2006, she transitioned to a hospital role in supply chain management while also earning her Associate of Science degree in Business Management.

Candie’s life and purpose were deeply shaped by profound personal loss. In June 2018, her nephew, Jerrelle Smith, died from an accidental drug overdose at the age of twenty-four. At the time of his death, Jerrelle was serving a prison sentence and never made it home alive. Just two weeks later, Candie’s mother passed away from kidney failure and other illnesses after battling drug addiction for more than thirty years. In June 2020, the family suffered another devastating loss when Candie’s niece, Cashmere Infinity Gibson, was killed by gun violence at just twenty-four years old.

In the wake of these tragedies, Candie and her sister Latarsha committed themselves to doing more for their communities. Their mission is to build a platform for mothers who have lost children to drug overdoses and senseless violence—a space where they can share their stories, find support, and begin the long journey toward healing. Candie hopes that others who have been similarly affected will be inspired to connect, partner, and support this mission. Together, they aim to become the heartbeat of community spirit, guided by the belief that “it takes a village.”