Germaine White was born and reared in Hamilton Park where her parents instilled the importance of education and helping others.
She graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1976 and attended Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, completing her degree in 1980 and later, earned a graduate marketing certificate through Cox School of Business
White spent 20 years working in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco as a healthcare sales and marketing director. She returned to Hamilton Park in 2007.
What was being a part of a National Pan-Hellenic Council organization in college like?
I pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority at SMU because of its emphasis on education, serving others and social justice, which aligned with my own family values. It is a lifelong commitment of shared, common goals and values. A lifetime bond is formed as sorority sisters.
What organizations are you a part of?
I’m a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, Leadership Montgomery (Maryland), Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, Women in Government, the Preston Hollow Democrats, Richardson Area Democrats, the North Dallas Texas Democratic Women, Hamilton Park Civic League and Interorganizational Council (IOC).
What’s your current job?
I’m the owner of GW Insurance Consultants, a multi-state life and health insurance agency. As a Medicare specialist, I work closely with seniors to help them understand basic Medicare and to craft solutions to address their health and financial needs. As a licensed independent broker, I advise individuals and families on health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.
How do you stay involved with voting?
Growing up in a political household, I watched my parents vote in every election and could not wait until I was old enough to vote. I deeply believe in the power of voting. Over the past 10 years, I’ve helped people register to vote as a volunteer deputy registrar for Dallas County and in 2019 became deputized in Collin and Tarrant counties. I have organized and participated in voter registration drives. As an officer of the Hamilton Park IOC and precinct organizer, we promote the importance of voting within our community for every election.
What have you learned volunteering?
While chief of staff for a Dallas County commissioner, I became critically aware of how important election workers are to our democracy. We often take them for granted. I begin working as a volunteer and in paid positions as an election judge, clerk, and poll watcher six years ago. It is an honor to be able to help others exercise their right to vote.
Why is it important to vote?
Voting is our opportunity to be heard, our voice. Voting is a powerful tool for change. Our elected officials make decisions every day that impact our lives, good and bad. We need to elect people who will represent our values. The only way to do that is to vote.
What does voting mean to you?
I can affect change regardless of my ‘status’ in society. I can impact issues that I believe are critical today and into the future such as healthcare, living wages and taxes— policies made by those we elect to serve or not.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
