Her Story
About Aliyah
Aliyah Garced is an Aquatics Director at British Swim School in Wellington, Florida, where she leads aquatic operations and supports the delivery of safe, high-quality swim programs. Her responsibilities include managing lifeguards and swim instructors, coordinating employee schedules and rotations, overseeing swim class enrollments, assisting with hiring and training, and helping ensure a positive experience for students and patrons. Her professional background also includes experience as a swim instructor, private swim instructor, and lifeguard, giving her a strong foundation in water safety, instruction, and aquatics management. She holds CPR, lifeguard, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certifications and is a state-certified swim instructor in Florida. Alongside her aquatics career, Aliyah is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Political Science and Government at Palm Beach State College, with an expected completion date of 2027. Her studies reflect her long-term ambition to enter the political field, particularly through obtaining an internship in politics and gaining practical experience in government and public service. Her background in JROTC, Track & Field, BSU, and Best Buddies has helped strengthen her leadership, teamwork, discipline, and service-oriented mindset. She has also received recognition for her contributions, including the Women's Revolutionary Award through ROTC. Aliyah is motivated by opportunities to serve others, develop her leadership abilities, and make a meaningful contribution to her community. She values guidance and mentorship and credits her coordinator as an important mentor who has supported her professional growth and career development. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Aliyah enjoys a quiet lifestyle, particularly reading and browsing, and appreciates the peaceful environment of Florida. As she continues to build her experience as an Aquatics Director, she is preparing for the next stage of her career with the goal of transitioning her leadership and service experience into the political arena.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aliyah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people around me, especially my family. They have always believed in me, encouraged me to keep going, and never made me feel that failure was an option.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that a woman who knows her worth is a force that cannot be negotiated with. It taught me to recognize my value, stand confidently in my abilities, and never compromise my worth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to invest in their education and continue striving for higher learning. Many things can be taken away, but your knowledge and education are something no one can take from you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is breaking into the field and finding opportunities that align with what genuinely makes me happy. In political science, securing internships and entry-level positions can be especially difficult in Florida, where networking and connections often play a major role.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My core values are integrity and respect. I strive to treat everyone with respect and maintain integrity in everything I do. In my career, I also value teamwork, accountability, and collaboration.
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