Born in Allendale, South Carolina, she moved to Florida in 1980 and quickly became a champion for her community. In 1992, she made history as the first woman elected to represent District 118 in the Florida House of Representatives, where she served until 2000. Two years later, she was elected to the Florida State Senate, representing District 39, which included parts of Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Hendry, and Collier counties.

Throughout her career, Senator Bullard worked tirelessly to strengthen communities, expand educational opportunities, and promote fairness for all. After Hurricane Andrew, she played a vital role in helping southern Miami-Dade County rebuild, always standing shoulder to shoulder with her neighbors. Fittingly, she spent most of her adult life—and every year of her public service—just one block from the site where Bullard Plaza now stands.