Shari Armstrong: Following Her Own Path

After assembling a group of teenagers in the dance studio at 8 a.m. to practice the disco number they will be performing that night, Shari Armstrong runs downstairs to her office to return calls to the Mayor, Chief of Police, and other supporters attending the reception for The Wiz Meets the Wizard of Oz prior to the show that evening. Shari helped choreograph the seven dance numbers the children performed, and teach the dances to the classes of children ranging in age from 5 to 15. 

Having promoted the event in traditional and social media outlets, the demand for tickets had necessitated an additional show. After going over last minute details with the show’s director, Keesha Allen, Shari drives over to the venue to set up children’s projects which will be on display at the reception. On the way, she pauses to impart words of encouragement to a group of children during a final rehearsal. It’s not even 10 a.m.  Make no mistake, when the first guests arrive, Shari is calm, composed and looks like she just strolled out of a salon.

Shari Armstrong, Public Relations Representative for Quality Life Center was among the recipients of Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award on September 5 at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers.  The award recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their professions and in the community.

“Despite having a wide range of talents, Shari is hardworking, humble and thoughtful,” said AH Muhammed, Executive Director of Quality Life Center.  “Whether it is working with children or promoting an event, she encourages action and involvement with her enthusiasm and positivity.”

A 2011 graduate of the University of South Florida, Shari has had diverse experiences in broadcast journalism: researching, writing, recording and editing for radio and television, as well as anchoring the show Florida Focus.  Casting aside enviable job offers on the corporate track, Shari returned to Fort Myers where she began working with an underserved community at Quality Life Center. She initiated major arts projects in order to provide children with a creative outlet. She wrote scripts, choreographed dances, and taught dance and drama, including The Nutcracker: Redefined, an updated version of the classic.

Utilizing her education and training, she transitioned to a position as Public Relations Representative while continuing to work with children in the afternoon. With patience and compassion, she brings out the best in youth. Meanwhile, she has energized the organization’s social media campaigns, started building media relationships, and did all of the leg work and much of the marketing for a big event featuring Magic Johnson at Quality Life Center earlier this year.

Flyers, programs and invitations to the summer camp show have long since been filed away, replaced on Shari’s desk with material for the Q’s annual fundraising event. Leaning back and taking a deep breath, she ponders: “It may not be the traditional path, but it feels right.”  Shari played the role of Dorothy in a performance of The Wiz years before.  She is no longer on the yellow brick road, but she is still striving for her own Emerald City.