Erika Buigas, 37

Company/Job Title: Tavares Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO 

How I got into my career: I attended events and volunteered with the Chamber, and in May 2019, I was asked to temporarily fill in while a permanent administrative assistant was found. In August 2021, after a few promotions and title changes, I became President/CEO. 

What makes me passionate about my career: I have days where I’m able to do all the things I love and am comfortable with, things that come easily to me, and days that are more of a challenge and make me grow. The combination of all these responsibilities really keep me fired up.

My advice for the younger generation: Say yes, but know when to say no. Lend a hand. Do the uncomfortable thing that you think is outside of your comfort zone at least once. Wear fun shoes, because fun shoes always make you smile. Most importantly, be a good person, that will get you far.

In my spare time: I’m a major homebody. There are few things better than hibernating at home with coffee, snacks, streaming services, and pajamas!

In my future: I have three years until I turn 40 and in those three years, I’ll be sending my three teenagers off to college and learning what an empty nest feels like for the first time in my adult life. While I can’t plan for life after that huge shift, I’m hopeful that I’ll still be working on growing and evolving the Chamber while growing myself because I truly believe that if you’re not growing, you’re dying.