SRQ Magazine | October 2023, Strong Women of the Region - Jessica Muroff

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

Sharing the Stories of Women In Leadership as They Guide Our Region's Business and Independent Sectors

JESSICA MUROFF

CEO, UNITED WAY SUNCOAST

You can’t always have a summit, but you can always have an adventure.

Whether she’s filming a thank you video with corporate partner Publix, addressing a gathering at Leadership Sarasota or advocating for community members with a Manatee County commissioner, United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff continues to shine as a …STRONG WOMAN OF THE REGION.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT?

The biggest challenge was true human connection. On one hand, we really came together to support one another (albeit virtually) and we learned the critical importance of truly working together in times of a crisis. Fast forward three years and this near always-virtual environment has taken its toll on our stress and anxiety, not to mention our connection with others. This year has been great to be back and connecting in person with others, but we are still feeling the impacts of the always connected world still responding to crisis that continues to come. I’ve certainly become more resilient, but I have also had to learn how to manage more stress than I’ve ever experienced before.

HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU?

In 2022 I successfully completed the 29029 Everesting challenge. I had to climb a mountain eight times in 36 hours reaching a total of over 30,000 feet elevation gain. It was the hardest physical and mental experience of my life. I truly learned that I could push through limits, keep myself going in the most difficult of circumstances and learned how powerful mindset is when your inner critic wants you to quit. I also learned how important it is to be prepared, but that really only takes you so far when you are actually in the moment you’ve prepared for. 29029 taught me what I am capable of doing and it is even more than I ever imagined.

WHAT IS YOUR "SECRET SAUCE?"

Radical transparency. It is one of my most important values. This helps to build trust, knowledge and spurs innovation. When we are open and sharing, our teams value it and they can contribute to overcoming challenges and embracing opportunity.

DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS...

I only need two: Be Present.

"EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR …

the amazing people in my life that I love with my whole heart and the work that I get to do to make this world a better place."

100 WORDS CAPTURING YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK:

United Way Suncoast gives families and community members the "Freedom To Rise." We elevate early learning, we energize middle school and high school students on a path to postsecondary success, and we empower community members and families through financial stability. Through nonprofit partnerships and our own initiatives, we center our work on the 45% of Suncoast households who can’t cover basic needs and are one phrase away from crisis: the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. For 99 years, we have also "stood up" for this region when a crisis occurs. We live up to our brand by coordinating "united" efforts to address emerging needs, be it a pandemic, a housing crisis or a hurricane. As we always say, United We Rise, United We Win.

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST

4215 Concept Court Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-748-1313