Born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Brianna Cadena’s journey at Northwest Florida State College began while she was still a student at Choctawhatchee High School. A first-generation citizen and a first-generation college student whose family immigrated from Quito, Ecuador, she graduated from high school in 2015 as a full-time dual-enrolled student. She then continued at NWFSC full-time before transferring to the University of South Florida in 2016, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2018.
After graduating from USF, Brianna launched her career at United Way Suncoast in the Tampa Bay area, advancing rapidly from Accounts Payable Specialist to Staff Accountant, Manager of Accounting, and ultimately Director of Accounting in 2022. “Working at United Way Suncoast allowed me to take my love of accounting and pair it with mission-driven work. I loved being part of the Tampa Bay community and seeing how sound financial stewardship directly supported the region. It showed me that accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s a tool to drive real community impact.”
In 2023, she made the decision to step away from her career briefly to be a stay-at-home mom and return to the Northwest Florida community where she grew up. That homecoming led to a full-circle opportunity with the NWFSC Foundation, where she is now the Director of Finance and Accounting. Currently, Brianna oversees the Foundation’s $87 million endowment, which supports scholarships, programs, and campus improvements. Much like her time in Tampa, Brianna enjoys being part of a department dedicated to supporting both current and future Raiders. “The ability to make a tangible difference in the community I call home is incredibly special. We are all dealt different hands in life, and sometimes people just need extra support. I love using my background in finance to help others and create positive, lasting change.”
When Brianna reflects on her time at NWFSC, several key moments stand out. Attending Raider Basketball games and cheering along side friends and fellow students brought the campus community together and made her proud to be a Raider. She also credits Professor Gay Lynn Brown as having the biggest impact on her academic path. ”Professor Gay Lynn Brown taught my first introductory accounting class and completely changed the way I viewed the subject. Her passion for teaching was immediately apparent, and she had a way of making complex concepts feel approachable and engaging. I genuinely enjoyed going to her class. Looking back, it is amazing to realize how that single course sparked an interest that shaped my entire career and led me to where I am today.”
Brianna leaves sound advice to current NWFSC students, “Remember that your path will rarely be a straight line. There will be ups, downs, and unexpected pivots—whether that’s climbing the ladder, changing organizations, or pausing to put family first—and it won’t always be easy. Trust the foundation you’ve built.”
