Bronwyn Stanford

Bronwyn Stanford

Born in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Bronwyn Stanford is a figure of resilience and ambition molded by her upbringing in a family deeply committed to education. Her father, an MBA and PhD graduate from Wharton and NYU respectively, and a Vice President at General Motors, instilled in her a drive for excellence. This environment shaped Bronwyn’s character, fostering early traits of perseverance which she later channeled into her athletic and professional pursuits.

Bronwyn’s journey in athletics began in high school, leading her to Springfield College and subsequently Western Michigan due to its sports programs. Here, she shone in track events, especially the 800 and 1500 meters. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Health in 1984 and completed her Master's in Exercise Physiology in 1986, producing a thesis on the physiological impacts of fatigue on elite runners.

Transitioning from athletics to law, Bronwyn graduated with a law degree in 2003. Her legal career saw her tackling roles from a Florida State Assistant State Attorney to a position at Carleton Fields, where she handled domestic violence and white-collar crime cases. However, her impact was realized at the Florida Department of Children and Families, where she spearheaded initiatives that transformed the agency, establishing it as a model for child welfare.

Bronwyn’s commitment to service is also evident in her advocacy for animal welfare. She led one of the nation's largest animal shelters through a critical period and founded CJPAWS, an organization dedicated to animal rescue. This extends to her personal life where she maintains a vegan diet and rigorous exercise regimen, ensuring she remains fit for her advocacy roles.

Her reading on leadership and animal welfare, coupled with volunteering and organizing fundraising events for animal organizations, highlight her dedication to philanthropy. Bronwyn's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her the Visionary Award for the State of Florida in 2012 and the Stetson Alumni Award in 2018.

Bronwyn Stanford's life is a testament to the power of integrating passion with profession. Her endeavors in law, athletics, and nonprofit work underscore her commitment to justice, leadership, and compassion, inspiring those in the legal, athletic, and nonprofit communities.