Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Stewart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

As the Manager of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County for the past 21 years, I have educated thousands of children and adults on the importance of water safety. Over the years whether it’s meeting a child who learned to swim through our free/reduced cost swim program or having an adult approach me and thank me for teaching their family how to be safe in and around the water, these moments are a reminder of how lucky I am to have a positive influence on peoples lives.

Anna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I moved to South Florida in 1997 from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from West Chester University in PA, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. I got into this field after being inspired by a mentor from my Masters Degree program to apply for a job at the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County (DPC). From there, I developed a deep commitment to saving lives by raising awareness about water safety. What sets me apart from others in the water safety realm is my passion for this life saving subject matter. At the DPC, we provide free/reduced cost swim lessons to children ages 2-12 who meet certain qualifications. In addition, the Coalition offers free, land/virtual based water safety education to audiences of all ages. At health and safety fairs the DPC distributes valuable materials about drowning prevention. Water safety is a year-round issue that needs to be addressed by children, adults, schools and the community at large.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Passion is key! In the water safety advocacy, it’s not just being knowledge on the subject matter, but about genuinely caring and being driven by the desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Passion fuels the energy to keep going, especially when facing challenges like outreach, awareness-building, or even the emotional aspects of preventing drowning. It motivates me to continue educating, connecting with diverse communities, and making water safety accessible to as many people as possible.

When you’re passionate about your cause, it’s easier to stay committed and find creative solutions to problems. Passion also helps foster trust and genuine connections with clients and communities. People can feel when you’re truly invested in their safety, which strengthens the impact of the work you do.

In my case, passion for water safety is what keeps me motivated, even on tough days. It’s that drive that helps me engage others, spark conversations, and ultimately work toward creating a culture where water safety is top of mind for everyone.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time in my life when I envisioned a career in law enforcement, specifically with agencies like the DEA or FBI. I was determined to follow that path, driven by a strong desire to serve and protect. However, I was faced with a significant challenge when I was told that a medical condition would prevent me from pursuing that dream. It was devastating at the time—like the foundation I’d built for my future had crumbled beneath me.

But instead of giving up, I took a step back and reevaluated my skills and passions. I knew I still wanted to be involved in work related to law enforcement, so I pivoted to crime scene investigation. It was a natural fit and allowed me to use my analytical skills and attention to detail in ways that still aligned with my interests. I found a deep sense of purpose in the work, even though it wasn’t the path I had initially envisioned.

After some time, I realized I was ready for a new challenge and transitioned into a role as a PhD and Graduate Advisor at a local university. This was a completely different direction, but it offered me the chance to mentor students and support their academic journeys, something that brought me immense fulfillment.

This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and the value of looking for new opportunities, even when things don’t go as planned. Each step led me to where I am today, and I’m proud of the way I’ve adapted and grown through the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pbcgov.org/dpc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBCDPC/
• Linkedin: Anna Stewart

Image Credits

Tony Valasquez