Ten years in the past, Coral Shores highschool pupil Sara Beeler starred in movies selling this Gigantic Rotary occasion. Lately, we heard that she is doing “attention-grabbing issues.” We threw some questions hoping to meet up with our video star.
What did you do after Coral Shores Excessive College? I graduated from Florida State College and went to work in an workplace in Melbourne. In 2022, I moved again to Tavernier to maneuver nearer to household in the course of the transition to distant work after COVID. I really like the chance to reside in the neighborhood that raised me.
What do you do for work? I’m the senior supervisor of the enterprise synthetic intelligence crew at a number one aerospace and protection firm. Main a crew of synthetic intelligence engineers, my position includes creating a method for utilizing generative AI to satisfy the corporate’s enterprise targets. Managing a man-made intelligence venture portfolio, I establish alternatives for AI integration. Safety, governance, compliance and moral concerns are fixed issues. Partnering with Microsoft, Google, Meta, AWS, and Nvidia varieties a key a part of our technique.
Is that what you anticipated you’d be doing while you left Coral Shores Excessive College or Florida State? What had been your plans? No, it’s not what I anticipated to be doing. That’s the great thing about it. As Coral Shores senior class president, I gave a speech saying, “It’s okay to not know what you wish to do along with your life. In actuality, nobody does. We simply make a selection and determine later if we prefer it. We are able to select a brand new route if the unique path does us no favors.” I proceed to stay by this philosophy. I don’t consider in planning forward in your future, however making the suitable subsequent step at that present second based mostly on the information you’ve gotten.
After my first yr at FSU, I wanted to decide on a significant. I seemed on the frequent choices. Then I assumed, “How about possibility 4 — info expertise? It looks like a steady profession area — let’s give it a shot.” Little did I notice that this selection would pave the best way for 3 unforgettable years crammed with impactful programs, encounters with distinctive professors who would mould my skilled identification, and the help of a faculty deeply invested in its college students’ success and readiness for the long run.
After I graduated from Florida State, I used to be lucky to get right into a management rotational program with a significant aerospace and protection firm in info expertise. Early on, a seasoned vice chairman advised me, “Get snug being uncomfortable,” a mantra that has guided my skilled improvement.
Over three years, every new position was a problem. After the rotational program, I specialised in cybersecurity after which I transitioned to develop into one of many firm’s first synthetic intelligence builders. I discovered myself a part of a brand new enterprise AI crew. This crew launched the primary AI assistant inside the authorities cloud house by an aerospace and protection firm.
This progress, from a senior at CSHS to a senior supervisor of a man-made intelligence improvement crew, is greater than a profession trajectory — it’s a testomony to the facility of ambition, overcoming impostor syndrome, and the trouble devoted to redefining the attainable.
Now, what are your plans? At the moment, my plans are to make a big affect on society by growing and implementing synthetic intelligence options that adhere to stringent authorities safety protocols and compliance requirements. My objective is to allow our navy branches to seamlessly combine superior AI applied sciences into merchandise designed for house, sea and land operations. I purpose to boost the capabilities and effectivity of our protection techniques, in the end contributing to nationwide safety and technological development.
What do you do for enjoyable/recreation? I learn fantasy novels, hearken to podcasts on expertise developments and journey!
After I returned to the Keys in 2022, I used to be keen to present again to the neighborhood. I volunteered with the Coral Shores varsity cheerleading crew, and as of 2024, I’ve taken on the position of head coach. By way of my teaching tenure, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a senior captain advance to develop into a Division II cheerleader, mentoring younger girls within the sport of cheerleading and celebrating the crew’s quite a few trophies and awards that spotlight their distinctive expertise and expertise.
Teaching cheerleading has additionally afforded me the chance to help neighborhood occasions, such because the Conch Scramble, the place I immediately contributed the general success of the occasion, but additionally raised $8,000 for the CSHS cheerleading crew to purchase new uniforms and gear.
Moreover, I’ve choreographed the opening quantity for the Miss Coral Shores pageant in 2023 and 2024, and I’m dedicated to persevering with my volunteer efforts for this occasion into 2025.
Any phrases of recommendation? Individuals usually ask me how I achieved my present success, and my reply is straightforward: Be the catalyst for the change you want to see. When you encounter a ‘no,’ search out the ‘sure.’