FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Emily Sperling

Emily Sperling was named Lakewood Ranch-based Shelterbox USA's president in late March. Learn more about her in our candid Q&A.

1. JAM MASTER: Emily loves hip hop and rap music. “If you turned on my iPod, you might be surprised,” she says.

2. CRAN-TASTIC: Sperling’s first non-profit job was with the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association.

3. GATOR NATION:  Sperling graduated from the University of Florida and later returned to work there to recruit students while earning her master’s degree.

4. OUTDOOR GAL: Sperling loves being outdoors. She loves to hike, kayak and play tennis. “My office would be under a tree if it could be,” she says.

5. MIDDLE NAME: Sperling’s middle name is Smart. “My great-grandmother passed the year I was born, so (my parents) gave me her last name,” she says.