Opportunities Lead Emily Peraria From Volunteer to Fire Company President

When Emily Peraria '19 joined the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company as a student searching for a volunteer opportunity, she never imagined she’d become the company’s first female president.

When she pursued her GIS certificate as a Marine Science major, she didn’t realize it would be the start of her future career as a GIS specialist for Atlantic County.

Peraria discovered a theme. “Take full advantage of opportunities,” she said, as she looked back on her time at Stockton.

“Your twenties are a pivotal time and a lot can change. Seven years ago, I never would have expected to be where I am now. Be open. You can decide to do whatever you want and it’s okay to make mistakes,” she said.

Peraria studied Marine Science with a concentration in Oceanography and attended the Fire Academy while she was working as a research student with Elizabeth "Z" Lacey in the Marine Ecosystem Research Laboratory (MERL).

As a MERL ranger, Peraria worked with a team of women in STEM to survey seagrass in local bays. “I love marshes and live on one. It was a really interesting experience, and I got to work with a great group of girls,” she recalled.

“I really liked the Marine Science program and the fact that we were outside so much. My whole major revolved around the ocean, so I spent the majority of my college time out on the boats at the Field Station, which was a really unique experience,” she said.

Her professors also encouraged her to get a GIS certificate, which led her to an internship that later became a career. Peraria creates maps and works closely with environmental engineers and planners. Currently she’s inventorying the county’s stormwater system.

When she joined the fire company, she didn’t know the ropes, but she focused on listening to those with experience, and she learned quickly. “I started from scratch, and it was a growth point for me,” she said.

Ospreys, the next time an opportunity arises, just imagine where it might lead you. 

Story by Susan Allen