Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Stewart
Hi Anna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the Manager of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County (DPC). I’ve been with the DPC for 20+ years. I am most excited about what I do because I don’t mind getting up in the morning to come to my job. How many people can say that? My passion about water safety and drowning prevention is stronger than ever, for as a non-fatal drowning survivor I have personal skin in the game and don’t want others to experience what I did as a child.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life hasn’t been a smooth road. I started my career in my early 20’s as a Crime Scene Investigator before the TV Show CSI was popular and being female in a male dominated field was challenging and stressful. While at a crime scene someone once asked me, “what is a pretty girl like you doing in a job like this?” and my response was, “someone has to speak for the victim”. At times I felt that due to my young age and gender I was not taken seriously nor respected by my peers. With age comes wisdom and I would have done many things differently had I known now what I knew then.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County for 20+ years. As a non-fatal drowning survivor (I almost drowned at 8yrs of age from chicken fighting), I can provide a unique perspective when discussing water safety to children, adults, and seniors. My working career has been an interesting one. My first real job was as a Crime Scene Investigator before it became popular by television, followed by being an academic advisor at an area university. I was fortunate enough to have a professor during my post graduate education who became a mentor. Through his guidance, support, and belief in my capabilities, I am professionally successful. Success isn’t about money or status (though it certainly is nice if you have it), but about loving life and enjoying every day as though it is your last. I personally have always wanted to help others in need and have done so throughout my career.
How do you think about luck?
Being at the right place and the right time and knowing the right people can assist you with being lucky in life. The three main jobs I’ve had were due to the aforementioned statement. I applied to become a police officer at an agency, and the person who interviewed me said that there was a better position for my skill set which turned out to be Crime Scene Investigation. Going to graduate school resulted in me finding a mentor, who helped me with becoming a Graduate and PHD Advisor at an area university. Working as an Advisor I met someone who told me to apply for a job as the Coordinator for the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. Luck can certainly assist in making one’s life better, but it’s one’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance that really makes a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.pbcgov.org/dpc
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/PBCDPC
Image Credits
Kitty Lundan
