"From a young age, I learned the importance of service and showing up for others. Those early experiences shaped the values I carry into my work today."
Audrieanna Burgin was born at Naval Air Station Jacksonville's hospital and has scarcely left town since, as her military father served at all three of the city's naval bases.
She views her hometown with an affectionate, yet honest eye.
"Because of his military service … our family lived on nearly every side of the city," she said. "Growing up this way gave me a rare and deeply rooted perspective of Jacksonville. I know where our hidden gems are, the vibrant communities and the stark differences and disparities that exist."
As the new CEO of 904WARD, a civic group working to end racism in Jacksonville, Burgin hopes to help the city get past those disparities. The goal, she said, is the city "finally becoming what we’ve always known it could be."
Read more at the Florida Times-Union