Pelican Community Park Community Services Manager, Norelli Liguori.

The People of Pelican Community Park: Norelli Liguori

How One Manager is Transforming Lives

(August 28, 2018) – For Norelli Liguori, making a difference in the community by developing and changing lives of young children has always been her passion. In February 2008, she discovered the City of Sunny Isles Beach’s Afterschool Care Program part of the then-Cultural and Human Services Department. As a Recreation Leader, Norelli developed her skills as a leader, mentor, and team player. When an office assistant position became available, Norelli jumped at the chance to give more back to the community.

Now, 10 years later, Norelli is the Community Services Manager at Pelican Community Park (PCP), leading her own team of 12 full- and part-time employees, making decisions that affect the entire Sunny Isles Beach community, and helping enhance lives.

“Norelli has been so successful with us because she emanates one of the most important characteristics in the workplace – positivity!” says Cultural and Community Services Director, Sylvia Flores. “She walks in every day with a smile on her face, ready to tackle any challenges that come her way. That positivity is magnetic and makes her transition into a leadership role that much easier because people want to be around that positive energy.”

Throughout the last 10 years, Norelli saw Pelican Community Park transform into a premier facility. As PCP changed, grew and developed, so did Norelli. She cultivated a career and started a family.

“You end up growing with everyone who passes through the PCP doors on a daily basis,” explains Norelli.

Liguori is a stellar employee who goes above and beyond for the residents of Sunny Isles Beach. She spends the time searching for information that may not be related to Pelican Community Park or the Cultural and Community Services department and helps her coworkers whenever possible. Working at the City’s most frequented front desk for many years allowed Norelli to develop relationships and bonds with the City’s residents and customers.

“I always say PCP is the face of the City,” says Liguori. “Our front desk team is here to help in any way we can, even if it is something we don’t handle.”

Interacting with dozens of residents, parents, and children daily is demanding, but Norelli’s kindness, patience, and selflessness fortify her model customer service skills.

On one occasion, Norelli heard that a parent was unable to pay for her daughter’s cheerleading program due to financial reasons. Norelli had always looked up to the customer as a mother; no matter how difficult the day, the single mom always came into PCP with a smile. After discovering the daughter’s devastated reaction about the program, without thinking twice, Norelli took out her own wallet and paid for the child’s session. The mother was elated when she found out Norelli paid for the session, expressing her deep gratitude to Norelli with tears streaming down her face.

When asked about her selflessness, Norelli simply states, “I am always willing to help a customer, employee, or the community in any way I can.”

From youth counselor, to office assistant, to senior office assistant, to now the Community Services Manager at Pelican Community Park, Norelli has made endless memories and takes everything as a life lesson. She finds ways to turn challenges into opportunities, which motivate her to do better and work harder.

Read more behind-the-scenes stories and learn about Pelican Community Park’s 10th Anniversary.