Samantha Werner
Samantha Werner is a dedicated community and project management professional with a passion for leadership and mentorship. Currently serving as Community Manager at YES! Communities, she is committed to creating welcoming environments where residents can build meaningful connections, form lasting friendships, and enjoy vibrant, inclusive communities. Her approach emphasizes engagement, collaboration, and fostering a positive culture.
With a strong background in project and retail management, Samantha has held roles including Project Manager at Arman Electric LLC and Luis Canuto GC, Assistant Manager at Adidas Retail, and Store Manager at Carters Inc. Across these positions, she has developed expertise in team leadership, operational efficiency, and client-focused service, consistently delivering results while cultivating strong, motivated teams.
Samantha earned a Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit and Organizational Management from Indian River State College. She also holds certifications in management and professional development, including “Be a Better Manager by Motivating Your Team” and “Defining and Achieving Professional Goals.” Driven by a commitment to inspire others, she combines practical experience with a focus on mentorship, leadership, and community impact.
• Be a Better Manager by Motivating Your Team
• Defining and Achieving Professional Goals
• Indian River State College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, empathy, and a willingness to take on challenges others might avoid. Staying calm under pressure, communicating clearly, and leading by example have been essential to my achievements. With 18 years of experience in leadership and operations, I specialize in community management, overseeing day-to-day operations, resident relations, and large-scale projects while balancing business goals with compassion. My career began in nursing and evolved through roles in retail and construction, but I found my true passion in community management, where I can make a tangible impact on residents’ quality of life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentors, who taught me the value of resilience and consistency. One piece of guidance that has always stayed with me is, “You don’t have to be perfect—just keep moving forward.” I’ve carried this perspective through every career transition and now share it with others I mentor in my community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the industry to believe in themselves, even when the path feels uncertain. Don’t be afraid of failure—some of the best lessons come from challenging moments. Remember that every major goal once seemed impossible to someone—until they made it happen. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, you must do the thing you think you cannot do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in community management is addressing diverse resident needs while balancing affordability with quality. At the same time, I see significant opportunities to strengthen resident engagement and revitalize local communities through outreach, collaboration, and leadership that prioritizes people over profit.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, hard work, and kindness are the values that guide me both professionally and personally. I believe in treating everyone with respect—residents, coworkers, and family alike. I also prioritize humility and giving back to the community, which I practice through food drives, resident events, and other volunteer initiatives.