We had the good fortune of connecting with Krissy Webb and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Krissy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My husband and I just had twin girls they were about 6 months old, \]\[‘my dad and I were driving in a Uhaul moving our stuff across the state to be back home in Palm Beach Gardens. I leaned over and asked my dad who at the time was a Florida Power and Light Executive “Who will my daughters look up to?” Through the ensuing conversation, my dad realized that his most memorable and rewarding experiences were attained when teaching and/or coaching me, my sisters and our teammates and classmates. Dedicated to the idea that every student deserves access to character education in order to succeed, we wanted to form an organization that would help put the future of the country in prepared, capable hands. With that in mind, we started Student ACES (Athletics, Community and Education) in order to instill values into the next generation of leaders and role models.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that each step in our journey is one of life lessons. I think what sets me apart is the ability to “figure things out” if I need an answer I will find it, if someone happens to tell me I can’t do it, I promise you I can and I will! I am relentless. I listen to the needs of our students and use their voice in the work that we do. Most organizations read research and develop programs, we listen to the students and their needs end up matching research that is coming out. I am most proud of our students they are resilient, they hit adversity head on and we are there to help them along the way. What gets me excited is to see them excel from the small wins to the big wins each one is just as important and meaningful. I got to where I am professionally because of the work ethic that was shown to me by my grandparents who fled Cuba with nothing and my parents who work hard everyday so that my sisters and I have opportunity. I am my fathers daughter, we will work very hard for what we believe in and that is the youth of our country. It was not easy I started in hospitality working outside long hours and planning corporate events on the beach (it sounds glamorous but it wasn’t). Again each job and person was a tool for my toolbox. I have learned to be a servant leader, always do what is right and right by the people you serve. You may not be liked by everyone, respect is key especially if you do not sugar coat situations like me. We are not going to change the world by only talking about the things that are working we need to spend our time working on the improvements that need to be made. I want the world to know I think our young people are amazing, nothing gets me more upset than people putting down others or our youth. I challenge everyone to get involved you can’t complain unless you try and help. I will give everything I have to ensure our youth has opportunity, I was blessed to have an incredible support system and truly believe every young person should have the same.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! I love all the hotels in South Beach each one having their own vibe and theme, it would be fun to stay at a different hotel on South Beach each night! Monday: Delano for drinks and lunch by the pool in a cabana, nice dinner and drinks at Sweet Liberty. Tuesday: get a nice workout at South Beach boxing, move to the Loews for fun in the sun riding jet skis and a sandwich at La Sandwcherie, afternoon nap and a casual dinner and drinks at The Playwright Irish Pub Wednesday: Workout at Barrys Bootcamp, move to Miami Beach Edition for a full spa day, dinner at Prime 112 Thursday: Workout on the beach and head over to the Shore Club, take a trip shopping and lunch in Bal Harbour, dinner at Nobu and dance the night away at Sky Bar and Red Room. Friday: Workout at Soul Cycle head over to SLS for fun in the sun and party at the pool, get ready and head out to a nice dinner in Coconut Grove at Ariete, drinks and dancing out on the town Saturday: sleep in and move to The Setai for massages, drinks on the beach, shopping on Lincoln Rd, dinner at Joes Stone Crab Sunday: Pilates, brunch at Fountain Blu and checkout
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! There are so many people who have impacted my life this is hard! I truly believe each person that you meet gives you a piece of knowledge that makes you who you are. I am blessed to have an incredible husband, mom and sisters as my support system. In 2012 I had two babies and we had just started Student ACES everyone jumped in to support because they believed in the vision. There is a special group of individuals who have taught me so much as a business woman, they have mentored me, guided me and believed in my leadership. I am proud to say they are on our Board of Directors: Rob Kornahrens, Syd Kitson, Beth Johnston, Jamie Levin and Dionne Boldin. Our high school students have changed my life for the good and it is because of them I do what I do on a daily basis. Their generation is strong and I believe they will be great leaders for my daughters. Rebecca Tucker was our first full time employee and one of our students who continues to grow in her leadership ability, she will be running ACE one day! Last but certainly not least my father Buck Martinez who has paved the way and is truly my hero, without his leadership and guidance none of this would be possible. He pours his heart into our students, believing in them and guiding them each step of the way! Everything he does is selfless and it is because of him I can be a strong leader.
Website: http://studentacesforleadership.com
Instagram: @studentaces
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissy-webb-73b26431/
Twitter: @studentaces
Facebook: @studentacesforleadership
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICsOtH9J74tUWd_dTLwE9Q/videos?view_as=subscriber