Ten years ago, Coral Shores high school student Sara Beeler starred in videos promoting this Gigantic Rotary event. Recently, we heard that she is doing “interesting things.” We threw some questions hoping to catch up with our video star.
What did you do after Coral Shores High School? I graduated from Florida State University and went to work in an office in Melbourne. In 2022, I moved back to Tavernier to move closer to family during the transition to remote work after COVID. I love the opportunity to reside in the community that raised me.
What do you do for work? I am the senior supervisor of the enterprise artificial intelligence team at a leading aerospace and defense company. Leading a team of artificial intelligence engineers, my role involves creating a strategy for using generative AI to meet the company’s business goals. Managing an artificial intelligence project portfolio, I identify opportunities for AI integration. Security, governance, compliance and ethical considerations are constant concerns. Partnering with Microsoft, Google, Meta, AWS, and Nvidia forms a key part of our strategy.
Is that what you expected you would be doing when you left Coral Shores High School or Florida State? What were your plans? No, it is not what I expected to be doing. That’s the beauty of it. As Coral Shores senior class president, I gave a speech saying, “It is okay not to know what you want to do with your life. In reality, no one does. We just make a choice and decide later if we like it. We can choose a new route if the original path does us no favors.” I continue to live by this philosophy. I do not believe in planning ahead for your future, but making the right next step at that current moment based on the facts you have.
After my first year at FSU, I needed to choose a major. I looked at the common options. Then I thought, “How about option 4 — information technology? It seems like a stable career field — let’s give it a shot.” Little did I realize that this choice would pave the way for three unforgettable years filled with impactful courses, encounters with exceptional professors who would mold my professional identity, and the support of a college deeply invested in its students’ success and readiness for the future.
After I graduated from Florida State, I was fortunate to get into a leadership rotational program with a major aerospace and defense company in information technology. Early on, a seasoned vice president told me, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” a mantra that has guided my professional development.
Over three years, each new role was a challenge. After the rotational program, I specialized in cybersecurity and then I transitioned to become one of the company’s first artificial intelligence developers. I found myself part of a new enterprise AI team. This team launched the first AI assistant within the government cloud space by an aerospace and defense company.
This growth, from a senior at CSHS to a senior supervisor of an artificial intelligence development team, is more than a career trajectory — it’s a testament to the power of ambition, overcoming impostor syndrome, and the effort dedicated to redefining the possible.
Now, what are your plans? Currently, my plans are to make a significant impact on society by developing and implementing artificial intelligence solutions that adhere to stringent government security protocols and compliance standards. My goal is to enable our military branches to seamlessly integrate advanced AI technologies into products designed for space, sea and land operations. I aim to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of our defense systems, ultimately contributing to national security and technological advancement.
What do you do for fun/recreation? I read fantasy novels, listen to podcasts on technology trends and travel!
When I returned to the Keys in 2022, I was eager to give back to the community. I volunteered with the Coral Shores varsity cheerleading team, and as of 2024, I have taken on the role of head coach. Through my coaching tenure, I have had the privilege of witnessing a senior captain advance to become a Division II cheerleader, mentoring young women in the sport of cheerleading and celebrating the team’s numerous trophies and awards that highlight their exceptional talent and skills.
Coaching cheerleading has also afforded me the opportunity to support community events, such as the Conch Scramble, where I directly contributed the overall success of the event, but also raised $8,000 for the CSHS cheerleading team to buy new uniforms and equipment.
Additionally, I have choreographed the opening number for the Miss Coral Shores pageant in 2023 and 2024, and I am committed to continuing my volunteer efforts for this event into 2025.
Any words of advice? People often ask me how I achieved my current success, and my answer is simple: Be the catalyst for the change you wish to see. If you encounter a ‘no,’ seek out the ‘yes.’
