Government & Politics

Diyonne McGraw’s sense of community from an early age growing up in Memphis, Tennessee has played a pivotal role in who she is today. Relocating to Gainesville nearly 25 years ago upon receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University (FAMU), Diyonne has become a recognizable and consistent voice for justice and equality for the youth and the disenfranchised in Alachua County. 

Inspired by the social activism of her mother and her former Memphis pastor, a civil rights activist who was the last standing witness to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last moments, Diyonne serves as Vice President of the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Commission of Florida, Inc. Her passion to improve, as well as, introduce new opportunities for Alachua County’s youth was highlighted in her organization of the 2nd Annual MLK Education Symposium in 2009 that brought education leaders in the community together to develop workable solutions that addressed the low graduation rates among the county’s African American males. Diyonne also designed and kicked-off the MLK Jr. Youth Extravaganza that showcased the amazing talents of our county’s youth during MLK’s commemoration activities.

Diyonne’s commitment to social justice and equality for all is further highlighted by her affiliation with the African American Accountability Alliance, known as the 4As. She is the former Vice President of the organization and former Chair of its Political Action Committee, where she oversaw the committee’s mission to educate, motivate, and empower African Americans in Alachua County on issues and candidates seeking national, state, and local political offices, as well as, recruit, train, and prepare African Americans to serve as elected officials.

Diyonne’s current affiliations also include Chair of P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School Student Advisory Council (SAC); form member of Gainesville High School Student Advisory Council, Vice President of Eastside Community Redevelopment Advisory Board; President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter, Inc. Graduate Chapter; and board member of The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. Her past affiliations include appointments to City of Gainesville Blue Ribbon and The Big Idea Committees; Alachua County Forever Land Conservation Board; Santa Fe College Blount Center Advisory Board; University of Florida Graduate Advisor for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Iota Lambda Chapter, Inc.; and Advisor of the Precious Pearls, a stellar group of high school aged girls that participate in scholastic endeavors such as, academic tournaments and brain bowls, as well as, volunteering their services in the community.

The journey to learn more about the educational challenges of our youth and young adults, especially those with disabilities, led Diyonne to further her studies at Nova Southeastern University, where she received her Master of Science degree in Education-Varying Exceptionalities. She later became the current owner of several Intensive Residential Group Homes, Successful Living II, LLC, serving teenagers and young adults who are developmentally and behaviorally challenged. Also, she is a Certified Behavior Assistant and Professional Trainer for QBS Safety-care, which is a Behavior Management and Reactive Strategy Curriculum to assist with deescalating behavioral situations when individuals are engaging in behaviors.  In addition to her success as an entrepreneur, Diyonne is a licensed realtor of nearly 19 years, having received an award as a multi-million-dollar producer.

Diyonne is married to her wonderful husband of 26 years, Mark McGraw, and they are the parents of three wonderfully talented children. She is a member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and its Gospel Choir.