A thank you and farewell to the community I’ve called home since 15. Sarasota has been more than a place I lived and a community I served.

Although to many I’m recognized for my work with CareerEdge, prior to that I was an entrepreneur, small business owner and economic development professional. A Sarasota High School graduate, a mother to three and grandmother to four, this community is where my family put their roots.

CareerEdge recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary and an accomplishment of helping 1,259 people gain promotions, 327 internships and 4,284 raises earned in that time. During COVID, like many, I spent time reflecting on my career past and future. Recognizing the connections, opportunities and outcomes gained while with CareerEdge now seemed as good a time as any to step away.  This month, I’m stepping down at CareerEdge and departing Sarasota, relocating to Dahlonega, Georgia.

Personally, I plan to spend time with my husband adventuring mountains and trails. Professionally, I’m excited to launch Mireya Eavey Company, where I’ll work closely with Meraki Strategic Group to architect workforce solutions, do fund development and create program infrastructure for organizations across the U.S. I will also work with local organizations, such as the Financial Access Federal Credit Union, helping individuals develop pathways toward financial stability.

Sarasota will always be my home. My legacy here isn’t only from my work but it’s with my children and grandchildren who will leave their own footprints in our community.

In 2010, I became the inaugural Executive Director of CareerEdge. I’m indebted with gratitude to Sherod Halliburton, Mark Pritchett and Meredith Hector for recognizing my potential to launch a national workforce model in our region. My hope for CareerEdge is to continue its momentum engaging employers and educators and evolving to meet the workforce climate in real-time.

Passion drives purpose. My passion for helping those without access to the tools necessary for success fueled my career. Being a first-generation college graduate while working as a single-mom and attending school in my thirties to accomplish this goal deepened my passion to help others achieve what would have otherwise been unattainable. Someone has to step-up and be the mentor for those who are easily forgotten—the ones growing up in systemic poverty, the underserved, unskilled and underemployed. One of my greatest accomplishments was launching Bridges to Careers, which focuses on upskilling, employing, and promoting disadvantaged individuals. Helping so many go from unemployment to gainful employment making upwards of $20/hr. was a highlight of not only my career, but my life. I plan to continue advocating for those who feel their voices aren’t heard and do this through engaging partners and communities to achieve outcomes and system changes like we accomplished here.

To the community I’ll always love— thank you. Thanks for a great career, for being a great place to raise my family and to the countless friends, colleagues and acquaintances who in time have become life-long friends. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.

Mireya Eavey is executive vice president of CareerEdge.