Vandy Vela

Biography

Vandy Vela was born in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. That's so far South that, instead of a pacifier, she was given a crab claw; her family has gumbo at Thanksgiving instead of turkey; and you think that's blood flowing through her veins—it's Tabasco sauce. It must be all that spice that has branded Vandy as passionate. She's delighted to bring her passion for serving people and her community to the Solution Consultant role, ensuring businesses can experience the Bit-Wizards magic.

Vandy received her bachelor's degree in education from Drury University and her master's in design and technology from Full Sail University. Her best education was a lifetime of learning from the School of Hard Knocks, which has enriched her with an award-winning career.

Her professional journey started in the classroom as an educator. She taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at St. Charles Community College and Communications Arts at Bryan Middle School in the Midwest. Vandy was quickly identified as a leader and early adopter. If there were new technology tools for instruction, they were beta tested in her classroom: computer labs, digital cameras, and smart boards.

In an effort to capitalize on her natural ability to build rapport and gain trust with people, Vandy obtained her real estate license and began specializing as a corporate mobility specialist. She had dual careers, helping real estate clients on the weekend while still teaching during the week.

In 2008, her family was still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the real estate market took a sharp decline; she made a move back to the South, but this time to paradise, the Emerald Coast. She landed a role with AT&T, moved through the ranks, and eventually became an Account Executive covering the panhandle with a focus on business accounts. Regardless of what hat or role: Educator, General Manager, Account Executive, Realtor, Corporate Mobility Specialist, Vandy pursues a standard of excellence and has a heart to serve her clients. That's why the culture of Bit-Wizards is a hand-in-glove fit.

In her spare time, Vandy makes a difference in the community by volunteering one hour at a time. She has served as a Destin Chamber Ambassador and a Heritage Museum Board of Directors member, and she's currently the Treasurer for the Bring Hope Now Board. Her volunteer hours have gained her state and national recognition; however, it's the intrinsic reward of helping others that keeps her motivated.

Vandy has a very supportive family that's at the heart of everything she does. She is a proud mother of two young adults: Vendelina and Daniel. Her grandsons, Drake and Vaughn, are the true rock stars. She's a water baby and can be found boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, or just walking the beach on our beautiful Emerald Coast.

Operating Systems

• Windows

Software & Technology

• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Suite

Professional

• Sales & Teaching/Training
• National Association of Realtors: Realtor/Corporate Mobility Specialist
• National Certified Teacher: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• Adult Learning & Elementary Education Grades 1-8: State of Missouri
• Elementary Education Grades 1-8: State of Mississippi
• Retail Leadership: Harvard Business School & AT&T Learning Services
• Small Business Specialist: AT&T Mobility 

Random Skills

• Scrabble Master
• Storyteller
• Futurist 
• Saints & LSU Fan
• Volunteer Extraordinaire
• Foodie