Alana Hymel (’24) Builds Bridges for Innovation at SOFWERX
October 6, 2025 | 2 min read
The education Alana Hymel (’24) received at Florida College gave her the confidence to lead and the perspective to serve. The lessons she learned in and out of the classroom now fuel her work at SOFWERX, where she helps facilitate impactful partnerships and real-world innovation.
“My job as an event coordinator is to bring together Government, Industry, Academia, and National Labs to solve problems that are encountered by the Special Operation Forces (SOF),” she said. “I get to play a small role in getting new, innovative technology in the hands of the warfighter.”
At Florida College, Alana found more than technical training. She credits her growth in adaptability and confidence to the challenges she encountered both in and outside the classroom.
“I didn’t fully appreciate how much the interpersonal growth I experienced there would impact my professional life,” she said. “I believe that the adaptability and confidence I rely on in this role are rooted in the challenges I navigated as a FC student.”
Her coursework in business, economics, and marketing provided opportunities to apply knowledge in practical settings.
“Through a well-rounded variety of assignments, I developed both technical and interpersonal skills that serve me well in my current role,” she said.
Alana also valued the unique strength of the business faculty as a whole.
“It was such an honor to sit at their feet and hear their stories and lessons learned,” she said. “Through the chance to study under strong professors and the experience of seeing my fellow students begin their careers, FC deepened my readiness to uphold my values and beliefs in the business world.”
Alongside her academic experience, Alana enjoyed the collaborative spirit of her peers.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie that each class held and the opportunity to grow close to different individuals through group work,” she said. “I am so thankful for these bonds that not only serve as a network in the business world, but have grown into friendships post-grad.”
With a foundation of strong mentorship and real-world experience, Alana is keeping her future open.
“I am not sure where my career will take me, but I am confident that, through FC, I earned a well-rounded degree that will serve me in many industries and fields.”