Awards & Recognitions

Florida League of Cities, Legislator Appreciation Award, 2026

Recognized for her leadership on local government policy issues and home rule.

Watermark Magazine, Favorite Local Politician and Greatest Ally to the Local Community, 2026

Voted by Watermark Magazine readers as Favorite Local Politician and Greatest Ally to the Local Community, demonstrating her strong commitment and support of the LGBTQ+ community.

New York Magazine’s 25 Young(ish) New Democrats to Watch, 2025

Younger generations are rapidly vying for seats at the politically prominent adults’ table — and that continues to ring true in Orlando, where two area representatives have been named in New York magazine’s “25 Young(ish) New Democrats to Watch.”

Orlando Weekly, Best Local Shot Who’s Not an Elected Official, 2025

Despite being an elected official, Representative Anna V. Eskamani still won this award via Orlando Weekly readers. Click here to read more.

50 Most Powerful People of 2025 In Orlando: Politics & Government: #2 Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani

“A recent trip to the notorious Alligator Alcatraz reminded Dr. Anna V. Eskamani that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about persistence. Eskamani was part of a small delegation of lawmakers who attempted to gain access to the site but was denied entry, despite her status as an elected official. “The experience laid bare how power can be used to hide harm and silence accountability,” says Eskamani. “This moment deepened my conviction that leadership means standing firmly by your values, even when the systems around you are trying to push you away.” She’s been working alongside community groups who are leading the charge on critical issues like housing affordability, immigrant rights and health care access.”Read more here.

Orlando Magazine’s Best of Orlando: #1 Community Leader, 2025

Orlando Magazine readers selected Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani as their #1 Community Leader. Read more here.

Florida Public Media, Florida Public Media Champion Award, 2024

This honor recognizes members of the Florida Legislature who have demonstrated unwavering support for public media and its critical role in communities across the state. The award is presented by Florida Public Media, the nonprofit association of 24 public radio and television stations across Florida. Read more here.

UCF Women and Gender Studies Department, Alumni of Distinction, 2024

Recognized by UCF Women and Gender Studies Department as an alumni of distinction.

Orlando Magazine, 50 Most Powerful People of 2024 In Orlando: Politics & Government

Recognized by Orlando Magazine as the fourth most powerful person in Orlando within the realm of politics and government. Read more here.

Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2024

Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2024. Read more here.

The Florida Public Health Association, Legislative Award, 2024

Recognized by the Florida Public Health Association for her leadership in advocating for public health policy and funding.

The CLEO Institute, Leadership Circle, 2024

CLEO understands that the climate crisis demands collective action. Every year The CLEO Institute recognizes individuals in the community who have gone above and beyond to help move CLEO’s mission forward. They are grateful for these climate warriors who not only collaborate with CLEO, but who set an example in their communities of what climate advocacy and leadership looks like. 

Guardian Care’s Women Trailblazers, 2024

Honored as a woman in Central Florida who has made an impact. Learn more here

Watermark Magazine’s Wave Awards, 2024

Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and one of their Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2024. Read more here.

Chair, Orange County Legislative Delegation, 2023-2024

Served as Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, facilitating policy decisions, legislative town halls and community engagement for all 15 lawmakers serving parts of Orange County. 

Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official, 2023

Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida. 

Orlando Weekly, Best Of Orlando Awards, Elected Official of the Year, 2023

Recognized by Orlando Weekly readers as the Best Elected Official of the Year in 2023. Also recognized for Best Reaction to Florida’s Anti-Union Law: ‘I Would Rather Die’ and Best Politico Turned Actor. Read more here.

Champion of Public Education Award, 2023

Recognized by Florida Education Association (FEA) for her fierce advocacy of public education. Read more here

Powerful IDEA Awardees for State Legislative Candidate, 2023 

Recognized as one of the most impactful people in advocating for progressive politics, advocacy, and for the health of our democracy.

Excellence Award from the Legal Services Clinic of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, 2023

Recognized for her leadership in supporting everyday residents with constituent issues and housing access.

Watermark Magazine’s 2023 Wave Awards

Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.

WUCF-TV Champion, 2023

Recognized for her leadership in the establishment of WUCF-TV and her continued support of public broadcasting. 

UCF’s Public Service Leadership Award, 2023

Recognized by UCF’s School of Public Administration for her leadership in government and community service. 

Smart Growth America 2023 State Legislator Champions Institute

The State Legislator Champions Institute is an initiative to equip state legislators from across the country effectively advocate for and support more active-friendly transportation systems in their states. Rep. Eskamani is a part of their first cohort of 20 Champions.

2023 Fair Fight National Fellowship Program

Invited to participate as a Senior Fellow with Fair Fight’s third national cohort of state lawmakers.

City & State Top 100 Lists

Recognized as the 64th most powerful political figure in Florida and 59th most powerful women in Florida politics and government for 2022.

Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Outstanding Public Official for 2022

Recognized for her leadership in supporting children and families in Central Florida. 

Americans for the Arts’ Public Leadership in the Arts Award for 2022

Recognized by Americans for the Arts for her bipartisan work in securing historic levels of arts and culture funding in the State of Florida. R

Orlando Pride Chamber, Community Champion of 2022

Recognized for her work in defending the civil rights of all Floridians and supporting LGBTQ+ equality.  

National Diaper Bank Network Champions Award for 2022

Awarded for her work in securing a one-year tax break on children’s diapers in Florida.

The Florida Association for Theatre Education: Outstanding Theatre Arts Legislator for 2022

Selected by Florida theatre educators as an outstanding advocate for arts funding and theatre.

Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2022

Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the third most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.

Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2022

Selected by readers for three 2022 awards: Local Legend, Best Local Leader During the Pandemic, and Best Local Politician. Read more here.

Share the Care of Central Florida: Outstanding Advocate of the Year in 2022

Honored for her work in advocating for seniors and caregivers, especially in cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Florida PTA: Legislator of the Year for 2022

Selected for her leadership in support of public education.

Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Cohort

Selected to participate in the 2022 Aspen Institute of Germany’s Transatlantic Democracy Laboratory with a focus on climate and energy policy. Read more here.

Pace Center For Girls: Orange Legislator of The Year for 2022

Selected for her leadership in support the growth and leadership of girls in Central Florida.

Watermark Magazine’s 2022 Wave Awards

Selected by readers as their Favorite Local Politician, Favorite Local Activist, and Greatest Ally to the Local Community in 2022. Read more here.

Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2021

Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2021, read more here.

Orlando Magazine, Best Community Leader, 2021

Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the top Community Leader, read more here.

Orlando Magazine, Orlando’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2021

Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as the fifth most powerful person in Orlando’s Politics & Government, read more here.

Orlando Magazine, Women of the Year, 2021

Recognized by Orlando Magazine readers as a women making a huge difference in the lives of countless people daily. See more here.

Delta Kappa Gamma, Legislative Friend of Education Award, 2021

Recognized for her advocacy in support of teachers, students, and Florida’s retirees. 

Florida Education Association, Friend of Public Education Award, 2021

Recognized for her legislative track record in support of teachers, students, and parents. 

Orlando Sentinel, Central Floridian of the Year, Finalist, 2020

Noted by the Orlando Sentinel as one of 6 finalists for Central Floridian of the Year. See more here.

Florida Chapter National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Central Unit, Elected Official of the Year in 2020

Noted by the social workers for her commitment to public service and positive impact in the local community.

Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Legislative Leadership Award, 2020

Recognized by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence for her work in sexual violence prevention.

Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Legislator of the Year, 2020

Recognized by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida as an effective, compassionate, and committed legislator. 

18 Local Leaders in an Age of Crisis: Anna Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith, 2020

Noted by Orlando Magazine as one of 18 local leaders during the COVID19 crisis. See more here.

Equality Florida’s 2020 Voice for Equality Honoree

Selected by the state’s largest LGBTQ rights organization as their 2020 Voice for Equalty honoree. See more here.

Orlando Weekly Readers’ Choice Best Local Politician in 2020

Selected by readers as the Best Local Politician in 2020. See more here.

The 2020 Mr. Charles Maddox Patriotism Award

In recognition of Representative Eskamani’s work in supporting the brave service members of Florida’s National Guard

University of Central Florida’s 2020 Distinguished Alumnus

The University of Central Florida (UCF) announced Representative Anna V. Eskamani as their 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate!

Run For Something’s Virtual Vanguard Award, 2020

One of six awardees recognized by Run For Something who has used social media and digital spaces to provide both leadership and community resources throughout the COVID19 pandemic.

The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s Champion of Equality Award, 2020

Recognized for her incredible leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality and rights in the state of Florida and right here, in Central Florida.

Florida League of Cities, Defender of Home Rule, 2019

The first freshman to be recognized by the League of Cities for her commitment to local control, voting against preemptive measures driven by corporate interests.

Florida Politics Ten Central Florida Politicians Making a Difference, 2019

Noted as a one of the most effective Central Florida politicians this year who has made a difference in her community.

Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People, 2019

Noted as a one of the most powerful people in Central Florida  who is leaving a positive impact in her community.

Watermark Magazine, 2018

Recognized as Orlando’s Most Remarkable Person and as an effective advocate for issues that impact social equality.

Orlando Magazine‘s 50 Most Powerful People, 2018

Noted as a “Powerful Force” in Central Florida and one of fifteen to watch.

Orlando Magazine‘s 50 Most Powerful People, 2017

Noted as one of the most powerful Central Floridians who are shaping Orlando.

Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, 2017

Awarded the Cannon Porta Award, an honor given to a dedicated woman who epitomizes the principles and values of the Democratic Party and leads by example through organizing and leading on a grassroots level in Central Florida.

University of Central Florida’s “30 Under 30”, 2016

Recognized by the UCF Alumni Foundation as an outstanding young alumni who continue to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives.

Central Florida Women’s Resource Center, 2016.

Recognized as  an “Outstanding Women” to be honored at the CFWRC’s annual Awards Summit

Connect Florida, 2016

Accepted to Connect Florida Class VII, the state of Florida’s premier leadership training for young professionals.

Leadership Orlando, 2016

Accepted and completed Class 91 of Leadership Orlando.

Women’s Media Center, 2016

Accepted to the Women’s Media Center’s “Progressive Women’s Voices 2016” media and leadership training program.

UCF Alumni Achievement Award, 2016

Recognized by UCF’s College of Health and Public Affairs as a leading alumni in the field of Nonprofit Management.

Central Florida 100, 2015

Recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of Central Florida’s 100 most influential people in government, politics, and culture.