Anna Stewart shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Anna, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
While intelligence, energy, and integrity are all extremely important, the most important to me is integrity. I believe integrity encompasses personal well-being, interpersonal relationships, professional success, and even is applicable to every day interactions in society.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Anna Stewart, “lady of the water” and your public information officer for anything water safety related! I am the Manager of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County (DPC). The DPC is a gov’t agency consisting of two people – whose mission is to educate 1.5 million people about the importance of being water safe and water smart year-round. I’ve been with the DPC for 21 years and still don’t mind getting up in the morning and going to work. How many people are lucky to be able to say that? I’m from Philadelphia, go EAGLES and moved to South Florida 30 years ago after my parents sold their house and everything in it…much to my dismay…for I was planning on living at home my senior year of college.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I was fortunate enough to have a mentor during my Master’s degree program who believed in me and my potential to do great things. It was his encouragement that got me to apply for a job at the DPC…after he threw the application on my desk and said, “here, I think you’re perfect for this job”.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s ok not to be perfect and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Turn imperfections and challenges into a learning experience/teachable moment to become a better person.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! What you see is what you get. I’m passionate about my job and educating the public on the importance of drowning prevention. Regardless of your age, race, gender, socioeconomic background, and swimming capability, a drowning can happen to you!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
How fragile life is. As a former crime scene investigator, I saw things that no one should ever have to see in their lifetime. Enjoy each day and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pbcgov.org/dpc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stewart-b5266815/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBCDPC/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNOtXxORjj8
Image Credits
Anna Stewart, Bambi Fanto (DPC Coordinator)
Kitty Lundan
City of Riviera Beach officials
