Shayla Murray Smith Named Director of Elevate Brevard

Shayla Murray recently was named director of Elevate Brevard. Family Promise of Brevard made the announcement of Murray’s appointment.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Murray to the team, and look forward to the value she will bring to Elevate Brevard, as we continue to hit key performance indicators and serve more residents,” said Family Promise of Brevard Executive Director Tara Pagliarini.

Launched in 2020, Elevate Brevard is part of the Florida College Access Network, with the primary objective of increasing college and credential attainment rates across the state.

Elevate Brevard’s leadership in the community has led to more than 144 minority men’s acceptance to Eastern Florida State College; 55 applications to the Sustainable Workplace Alliance; and the establishment of six pipelines to sustainable employment.

Additionally, since Elevate Brevard’s inception, Brevard County has seen a record-setting increase in completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, an essential tool for accessing financial supports.

In recent years, Murray served as the founder and CEO of The Virtual Glue, an administrative management firm providing efficient back-office operations and strategic system development to business owners, c-suite executives and visionaries.

Notable clients include United Way of Brevard, where Murray served as diversity, equity and inclusion manager, spearheading the Equity in Brevard Initiative.

She also is the board chair of LEAD Brevard and an Advisory Board member of weVenture.

“Joining Elevate Brevard as the director is an honor and beyond exciting, as I’ll be channeling my passion for community and collaboration to help tackle economic mobility in 32922 and beyond,” Murray said. “I am committed to furthering our mission of bringing the community together to elevate, educate and employ Brevard county residents.”

Theresa Grimison, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard, said: “Joining hands as individuals and organizations and investing in systemic solutions are essential strategies to solving some of the biggest challenges. With incredible partners and work underway, having Murray as director will truly accelerate us toward our goal of community prosperity through education.”

Source: Florida Today