Araya “Sunshine” Hedgemond comes from a family rooted in military service and law enforcement. Her father, a special operations veteran who spoke seven languages, often shared a simple piece of advice: “Learn a little from a lot.” Sunshine embraced that philosophy and has spent her life living it. After earning her degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast Academy, Sunshine served with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for five years. In 2013, she discovered a new path through GEICO’s Management Development Program. The move provided both stability and the opportunity to focus on her growing family while continuing her education.
Today, Sunshine is pursuing her master’s degree and remains committed to lifelong learning. As her father always said, “Just keep on moving.” That determination has defined her journey. During her law enforcement career, Sunshine set her sights on joining the SWAT team, even though she was told she couldn’t. She persevered through countless challenges, including frustrating days at the shooting range when instructors criticized her performance and assigned her menial tasks like collecting spent brass. Eventually, one instructor took the time to identify the problem. Sunshine had been shooting with her right eye, despite being left-eye dominant. Once the adjustment was made, everything clicked; she began hitting the center mass of every target.
A dedicated early riser, Sunshine starts most days in the gym at 4:30 a.m. and enjoys brunch with friends whenever she can. Having lived in various places around the world, she now proudly calls Florida home. Ask Sunshine where she sees herself in five years, and she’ll quickly respond, “I hate that question.” Rather than focusing on distant plans, she chooses to live in the present, confident in her ability to adapt, overcome, and persevere through whatever challenges come her way. Those same values guide the lessons she teaches her daughters: be adaptable, teachable, approachable, and reliable. Her personal mantra is simple: “Every day, be a better version of me.”
Sunshine is living proof that consistent growth and determination can take you far. You can find Sunshine working alongside Jaime Bryant at the Wesley Chapel GEICO office, where she brings positive energy, a welcoming smile, and a commitment to helping customers save money every day.
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