We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Monroe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Angela , appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
I am lucky enough to work in the industry of play. We designed water parks and splashpads for communities. I recently worked on a project that will forever be in my heart and on my mind. I met a lady named Carol Starr a couple of years ago. Her daughter had passed away and she wanted to do something to bring fun to her community and also leave an ever lasting memory of her daughter. I was able to work with her and her daughters children in designing the splash pad for her community. Jessicas Splashpad will be a place for children and parents. I like to come and enjoy the outdoors in a fun and healthy environment. Keeping kids outside to play is what we do best but this project touch my heart in so many ways that I am so proud to have met Carol and to help her, bring her vision to life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I absolutely love my job and working in parks and recreation because it allows me to make a positive impact on our community’s outdoor spaces. Being able to witness firsthand the transformation of parks and seeing people enjoy the recreational activities we offer brings me immense joy.
One of my most memorable moments was attending a community event at a park in the City of Wyoming, MI . Seeing families come together, laughing and creating cherished memories, reminded me of why I’m so passionate about my work. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact we can have on people’s lives through aquatic play.
Working in aquatic play allows me to contribute to the well-being of our community. It’s fulfilling to know that I’m part of a team that strives to create and maintain spaces where people can connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. This sense of purpose is what fuels my passion for my job.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2018, I made a significant career change and transitioned from a television marketing position to pursue a career in the field of aquatic play. Growing up, I have always been drawn to water-related activities, and I firmly believed that water play could have a profound impact on individuals, particularly children. By transitioning to the aquatic play industry, I have a direct hand in designing, developing, and maintaining water play areas that provide endless joy, learning opportunities, and unforgettable experiences.
Another significant factor that influenced my decision was the desire for a more hands-on role. While my time in television marketing allowed me to contribute to the creative process, I always wanted a more dynamic and tangible impact. Working in the aquatic play industry allows me to be actively involved in transforming ideas into reality, creating safe and innovative play spaces that bring happiness and enrichment to individuals of all ages.
Promoting physical activity, enhancing child development through play, and contributing to the overall well-being and enjoyment of individuals and communities are essential aspects of my life. Pursuing a career in aquatic play allows me to merge my professional endeavors with my personal passions, enabling me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
While my previous career in TV has provided me with valuable skills and experiences, I have come to realize that my true calling lies within the aquatics industry. The prospect of creating safe and engaging play spaces, designing innovative aquatic features, and contributing to the development of aquatic programs fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement.
Looking back, I now recognize missed opportunities where I could have pursued this career path earlier. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and my journey has shaped me into the person I am today. The prospect of positively impacting the lives of individuals, particularly children, through water play and aquatic play is something that deeply resonates with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vortex-intl.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.monroe.54
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-monroe-29b14b65/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/3WFUfYchOJM
Image Credits
All photos owned by Angie Monroe