In 2022, I became a student member of FCCMA and was honored to receive the B. Harold Farmer award to assist me in lessening the financial burden of tuition, books, and other needs to fulfill my financial obligation towards earning my degree.
This opportunity also allowed me to strengthen my professional network throughout the state at the annual conference and make some valuable connections to further enhance my career in the public sector.
Dr. Robert Lee, the faculty advisor for Florida Gulf Coast University, has been my mentor by introducing me to FCCMA and encouraging me to apply for opportunities through the organization.
In May of 2022, I was given the opportunity to be a part of the Conference Planning Committee which allowed me to give back to the organization that has helped me to grow and learn. At the 2023 FCCMA Annual Conference, I had the pleasure of introducing the session “Empowering and Retaining Women in the Profession,” which was the first session of its kind for the organization.
My passion for working with local government drives my desire to further enhance my career and invest in my future potential. As a student at Florida Gulf Coast University in the Master of Public Administration program, my focus has been to expand my skillset, make valuable connections and apply learning by working on more advanced projects that are interesting yet have a direct correlation to my career. By achieving my Master of Public Administration degree and being a member of FCCMA, I hope to increase my professional options and outcomes for future career growth and advancement.
My career in the public sector began in 1996, and soon after that, I decided to return to college to further my educational goals and aspirations. In 2004, I achieved my goal by graduating from FGCU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a Human Resources concentration. Later that year, I was promoted to a Supervisor of an Aquatic Facility which allowed me to use myacademic knowledge in a practical way. In 2017, I decided to broaden my career path as a public servant by overseeing one of four large recreation centers maintained by Lee County as well as a 96-acre community park and athletic spaces. In this role, I have been challenged to learn various roles that I would have never had an opportunity otherwise. The position requires a lot of multitasking, prioritizing tasks and duty assignments, fostering a teram environment, and allowing me to learn the many different facets of the department. In 2019, I became a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), which tests my competencies within the profession such as Finance, Operations, Programming, Communication and Human Resources. CPRP is recognized nationally throughout the parks and recreation profession as a program that fosters professionalism, provides recognition and encourages continuing education.
Working in public service and being in a forward-facing position with the public allows me to become a better communicator, enhance my critical thinking skills and an opportunity to apply my learning in a practical and real way. My contribution to public service allows me to effectively make wise decisions that can make a difference in my community. My current focus has been on expanding my potential and advancing my career to add value to the community which I serve, and FCCMA has been a wonderful opportunity to make connections that can guide me in this direction.
