Member Spotlight

Sonia Munoz
Assistant Waterpark Director

Kalahari Resorts
Round Rock, Texas - U.S.A.

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2022

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I have a B.A. in English and Spanish; I have a M. Ed. in education in supervision and curriculum; I hold a Texas secondary teaching certificate. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am CPO certified and an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor. Previously, I received an Ellis & Associates Instructor certificate
 
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I had the privilege of serving my local city council in New Braunfels, Texas for 6 years. I have been involved with numerous local boards and non-profits and I am committed to community service. Currently, I sit on WWA’s Education Committee. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
I joined Schlitterbahn while in high school and loved it. It was a great experience for a young person to learn about guest service, crowd management and early leadership skills. During college, I continued working there in the summers. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I love watching how waterparks and lifeguarding are evolving into a global industry. Both domestic and internationally, WWA has proven to be the catalyst to inspire safety globally. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
Terri Adams. As one of the very few female leaders in our industry early on, Terri is one of the best leaders I have been honored to work with. I greatly regard her as a pioneer in park operation and safety. She is a true inspirational leader. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
A challenge I have seen is the shortness of the waterpark season due to schools starting earlier than before. Other challenges would be keeping up with all the technology now available from point of sale to inventory. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I get up early and I start looking at numbers. By the time staff gets in, I have a list and I am ready togo! They may not be as excited as I am at 7a.m., but they feel it. I remind my staff the best leaders are usually early birds. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Every day is a learning experience. Every day you have a chance to make an impact on some- one’s day. Every day smile and be ready to learn something new. Never stop learning. One day you will be someone’s mentor, so learn all you can and be ready to grow your legacy. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
Professionally, The Inspirational Leader by Gifford Thomas. I use this book as a preface to my leadership development sessions with our young leaders. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
My favorite part is working with our young staff and molding them to be the best in the business. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I would go into teaching. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I began first in park operations and then went into sales with NBGS International. NBGS sold Master Blasters, waterslides and waterpark play structures. I learned a lot during this time and was able to travel internationally. I am very grateful for that experience. My experience led me to join a WWA committee to continue my industry service. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I would like to visit as many National Parks as I can. I love to travel. •