Bridget (Stauffer) Bailey (’22) Makes a Difference in Homeland Security
December 3, 2025 | 3 min read
When Bridget (Stauffer) Bailey graduated from Florida College in 2022 with a degree in Organizational Communication, she left with more than a diploma, she carried with her the skills, values, and confidence to step into a career that makes a real difference.
Today, Bridget works as the Events & Marketing Coordinator at HSWERX, an innovation hub for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Her role blends strategy, organization, and communication with a mission that directly improves lives.
“Something I appreciate about my job is that it makes a difference,” Bridget explained. “Whether we’re increasing security for the U.S. Coast Guard, decreasing workload for TSA agents, or enhancing technology for Customs & Border Protection. Everything we do has a clear end-goal of improving lives and safety.”
Beyond the impact, she enjoys the flexibility of her position and the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. to facilitate events.
As she thinks about her professional future, Bridget’s career goals are simple yet profound.
“I just want to make sure wherever life takes me, I am in a career that helps me to help others. I also want to make sure whatever career I’m in allows me to have an impact on non-believers that may lead to conversations about my faith.”
Bridget credits Florida College with giving her the preparation she needed to succeed in government-related work, where circumstances can often be complex.
“My four years at Florida College equipped me with speech that is honest, an attitude of selflessness, a presence of integrity, and a care for relationships that allow me to handle these situations and be a light to all the people involved in them.”
Her academic program also gave her a unique advantage. With a mix of business and communication classes, she graduated with a broad set of skills she continues to draw from.
“My degree allows me to have a wider reach in areas of expertise and options for future career growth. It also has allowed me to find principles I may have learned from different professors or courses that I can apply to any situation that may arise in the workplace.”
While at FC, Bridget also found time for extracurricular involvement, serving in leadership on a student organization, which she says helped her in her event coordination role today. The community and experiences she gained shaped her as much as her academics.
For Bridget, success is more than promotions and titles. It’s about serving others, staying true to her faith, and making a positive impact wherever she is placed. From her time at Florida College to her current role with DHS, her path reflects how education, values and purpose come together to create a meaningful career.