Meet the Candidates: Bethany Aguad

This entry is being posted on behalf of Bethany Aguad, candidate for Director in the 2019 STC election. More information about Bethany can be found on her STC election page. You can ask questions of the candidates on the STC Election Forum. The election begins 25 February and runs through 11 March.


My name is Bethany Aguad, and I am honored to be a candidate for the STC Board of Directors in 2019. On the Board, I hope to strengthen a thriving Society with flourishing communities. In particular, I want to support the evolving needs of students and new professionals while serving our veteran members as they progress in their careers.

My passion for engagement with my fellow technical communicators has spurred my involvement throughout seven years of STC volunteerism. The Society has given me access to resources, opportunities, and lifelong connections that I value more than I can express. The Society is where I found community and belonging, at the local Florida chapter, and at the Society level as well. I would not have become the leader or technical communicator I am today without the mentoring and support I received from my STC colleagues.

I joined STC as a student member, and I am a testament to the value of our membership in providing young technical communicators with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the profession. As a student, I was a Sigma Tau Chi honoree, winner of the Distinguished Student Service Award, presented at the Summit on the Florida chapter’s mentoring program pairing professionals with student members, and served as the student representative on the Community Affairs Committee. I now serve on STC’s scholarship committee, where I can continue to sponsor efforts to recognize outstanding students.

In the past years, I have poured my energy into serving the STC Florida chapter in many positions, including Treasurer, Webmaster, and currently as President. As the chapter president, I made a commitment to deliver a robust, connected virtual experience for members across the state of Florida and educational chapter meetings that drive professional growth. I am proud of how our members came together to provide a warm, welcoming experience as the host chapter for the 2018 Summit in Orlando.

Since graduating from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. and M.A. in English—Technical Communication, I have worked in technical communication in multiple industries in Florida. I currently work as a Technical Documentation Specialist at Sagent Lending Technologies where I handle the publishing process for loan servicing documentation. I am inspired by my love of problem solving and improving the experiences of our clients through clear communication.

On the Board of Directors, I understand that we need to look strategically to the future, while pragmatically addressing the needs of today. I have always seen my leadership role as an influencer, where I can encourage, inspire, and support others. On the Board of Directors, I plan to encourage efforts to:

  • Increase and demonstrate the value of our membership
  • Drive the development meaningful relationships and connection in our communities
  • Expand and the depth and breadth of our education and services
  • Endorse technological innovation in advancing the growth of technical communication

Building for the future means embracing change, weighing risks, and evolving our services. In order to grow as a Society and a profession, we need to work together to find new solutions to our challenges. I am grateful for your support, and rest assured that I will do my utmost to serve the Society and our membership!