Her Story
About Mariel
Mariel Acosta is a Suicide Prevention Specialist and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist at Here Tomorrow in Jacksonville, Florida, where she has served since 2023. As part of the organization’s military and first responder team, she provides peer support to individuals navigating difficult circumstances, drawing on her own experience as a military veteran. Her work includes de-escalating challenging situations through compassionate conversation, helping individuals identify goals, and supporting them as they determine meaningful next steps.
Before transitioning into peer support, Mariel spent more than a decade at GEICO as a Towing and Customer Service Supervisor. During her 12-year tenure, she coached team members, analyzed performance reports, developed improvement plans, and helped create a positive environment focused on growth and advancement. Her experience in leadership, problem-solving, and performance analysis has complemented her current work, allowing her to approach peer support with strong communication, empathy, and practical problem-solving skills.
Mariel holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is committed to community service and has volunteered with Community Hospice and the Marine Corps League. Her journey has shaped a perspective centered on flexibility, personal growth, and remaining open to new experiences and connections. Through her work with military members, veterans, and first responders, Mariel continues to contribute to suicide prevention and peer support while encouraging others to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mariel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying clean and sober for four and a half years, remaining flexible, and being willing to grow beyond my previous understanding of success. I’ve learned to challenge limiting beliefs, open myself up to meaningful relationships, and have honest conversations with myself and others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to stay flexible, remain open to growth, and be willing to challenge my own beliefs. I’ve learned that success can look very different from what I once imagined, and being honest with myself and open to meaningful connections has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is not to become attached to a specific outcome and to give yourself permission to change your mind. Set goals, but remain flexible and don’t compare your journey to others. I believe there is no failure—only experiences that help us learn and grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field are centered on suicide prevention, sobriety, personal reinvention, and nonprofit work. My experiences in military service and recovery have shown me the importance of building genuine connections, supporting others, and creating spaces where women can connect, heal, and grow.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, spirituality, community, and connection. I value spending time in nature, staying connected with others, and giving back through volunteer work. My experiences have taught me how important it is to help people feel supported and remind them that they are not alone.
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