ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law proudly announces Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Hooding Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Fla. The event will honor more than 100 graduates from fall 2024, spring 2025 and summer 2025.

A native of Orlando, Fla., Russell earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law. Her professional journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements, public service and dedication to community empowerment.

Elected in November 2006 as the youngest County Commissioner in Orange County history, Russell represented District 6 for two terms (2006-2014). In 2014, she made history again as the first African American female clerk elected in Florida and the first African American clerk in Orange County.

Russell’s commitment to improving access to justice led to the creation of the Lydia Gardner Self Help Center, the first of its kind in Orange County. The center provides affordable legal assistance in family law, residential evictions and small claims for individuals without legal representation.

Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 “Trailblazer Award” from the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association and the “Women Breaking Barriers and Blazing Trails Award” from Guardian Care. She was also recognized in the “Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida” exhibit and named “2024 Citizen of the Year” by the Chi Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

On the state level, Russell serves as president of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers (FCCC) Association’s 2024-2025 Board of Directors. She also chairs the Budget Committee for the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC), demonstrating her leadership in judicial administration.

Outside of her professional achievements, Russell is deeply committed to community service. She serves as the South Atlantic Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., overseeing chapters in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. She is a member of the Psi Theta Omega Chapter and an active congregant of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando. She and her husband, Anthony K. Russell Jr., are the proud parents of two sons, Anthony K. Russell III and Aiden K. Russell. The FAMU College of Law is honored to welcome Russell as the keynote speaker for this milestone event.

For more information, please contact:
Christopher Miller (407) 784-1554 or
Christopher.miller@famu.edu

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