Emilia Raia: A life of leadership and community caring

By Jean Hayes, Times Staff Writer
Published March 9, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [Ron Thompson | Times] Emilia Raia, Hernando Builders Association executive director, also volunteers with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast.

Q: How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

A: I moved to Hernando County in March 1993 during the "no-name storm" from Sayville, N.Y. When I was a very young girl, we lived in the "Little Italy" neighborhood in New York City, and when I was about 9 years old, my parents moved us to Long Island after they bought their first home.

Q: Who are the members of your family?

A: My husband, Peter, and I have been married for 31 years. We have one son, Nicholas Raia, and a 4-year-old granddaughter. We also have two dogs.

Q: Tell us about your career.

A: I have been truly honored to represent the Hernando Builders Association since June 2006. As executive director, my areas of expertise and responsibility include event planning on all levels, leadership abilities, developing creative marketing strategies and public relations.

I have established a local monthly radio show on WWJB-AM 1450 that introduces builders and associate member businesses to the local community. The show airs from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and is called On the Level.

I also planned a local television show with the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service to feature builders and promote the Florida Friendly Yards program. And for the youth of the county, I recently formed a partnership with Hernando County Recreation Department to provide a summer camp program for 10- to 16-year-olds called Construction Camp.

Our HomeOwnerShip seminars that I devised to provide information, education and resources to the community started Jan. 28 with the kickoff of "You, the Homeowner."

I am the executive editor of HBA's monthly association newsletter and oversee Web site advertising, meeting sponsorships and marketing event sponsorships, such as the Parade of Homes, golf, sporting clay shoot, casino night, truck night and fishing tournament.

I also plan and monitor an annual budget.

A few years prior to joining HBA, I was the center manager at the city of Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department, where I opened and managed the Jerome Brown Community Center.

Q: What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

A: I believe greatly in giving back to the community. This year, I chose to dedicate my volunteer time to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, and I serve on the board of directors.

But there are many groups that I have been involved with over the years, including Leadership Hernando 2007, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Week of the Young Child, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, the Millennium Heritage Day Festival, Hernando County Connection and the American Business Women's Association.

Q: Tell me more about how you got involved with the Humane Society.

A: Several years back, while I was working for Hernando County Government Broadcasting, we were interviewing and videotaping Joanne Schoch, executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast. She would bring in cats and dogs and talk about how the wayward and homeless animals needed our help. Through Joanne, I learned more about the no-kill shelter and how it is always in need of supplies and funds.

I also was helping with the behind-the-scenes work for the annual United Way Telethon, and then it hit me: Perhaps the county could do something similar for the homeless animals. My supervisor and I created the idea for something similar. The Pet Expo emerged and has been successful in finding homes for pets for the Humane Society, Hernando County Animal Services and the SPCA.

I've been very fortunate to be elected to the Humane Society's board of directors this year. A new idea that I presented to them is going forward with an educational and informative series of seminars.

Q: Do you have any special hobbies?

A: I am an avid reader. Just ask our public library. I also enjoy craft making, when I have the time.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

A: I enjoy attending events, movies and going shopping. I do tend to shop locally to support our community whenever possible.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

A: Being a grandparent is one of the most wonderful roles I have. I never envisioned this role to be so rewarding, and at the same time so much fun. My granddaughter is 4 1/2 years old and, of course, the smartest little girl I know. I enjoy our time together playing and exploring outdoor things. Having lunch outdoors in the yard never was so interesting and fun.

What I'm trying to convey is that it's important to find joy in the moment, joy in youth and discovery, and joy in looking at life through a child's eye. That's what my grandparenting role is about, and I love every moment of it. I also see that my son grew into a wonderful, caring father.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified March 8, 2008, 20:51:59]