In the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant community stands a woman whose dedication to philanthropy has left an indelible mark. Libby Soderberg’s journey in Sarasota is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and leadership.

 

Since relocating from Skaneateles, NY with her husband Jon in 2015, Libby has immersed herself wholeheartedly in Sarasota’s community, driven by a passion for making a positive impact. As a devoted wife and mother of four, including a daughter with her own non-profit and three sons who attended The Out-of-Door Academy, Libby’s commitment to her family is matched only by her unwavering dedication to serving others. Beyond her responsibilities as a mother, Libby’s professional background as an engineer has equipped her with a unique perspective on problem solving and innovation.


Libby’s impressive resume includes serving on the board of the Sarasota Police Foundation, where she focused on ensuring that officers who are the first responders to often traumatic situations, have access to necessary resources beyond what insurance coverage dictates. Libby advocates for additional support to safeguard the mental well-being of these frontline heroes and works to bridge the gap between policy and practicality, ensuring those who risk their lives for the community are properly cared for.

 

Additionally, Libby’s leadership extends to her prior role as board chair of Core SRQ, now the Sarasota City YMCA, where she played a pivotal role in ensuring Sarasota’s beloved YMCA didn’t close permanently and continues to serve as a place where the community can come together to improve physically and mentally.  

 

Libby’s passion for mental health advocacy was recently demonstrated through her and husband Jon’s generous gift to the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion. This significant donation reflects Libby’s unwavering commitment to improving and preserving the mental-well being of individuals in the Sarasota community. She notes how mental health, particularly in adolescents, is such an important topic. She recognizes that when a family member is affected, it doesn’t just affect that person but the entire family.

 

As she continues to lead by example, Libby stands a source of inspiration for all who aspire to make a difference. She hopes that her dedication to serving others, coupled with her sense of social responsibility, inspire those around her to give generously to a cause they may be passionate about—either in time, talent or treasure. With so many non-profits and wonderful causes at our fingertips in Sarasota, she believes it’s easy to find something that sparks meaning in each person’s life, and she urges everyone to explore that passion and give back.

 

In her free time you can find Libby painting, gardening or kayaking. She proudly confesses that she recently created a bronze sculpture that is displayed on the Upper Campus of The Out-of-Door Academy, a first for her artistic abilities!

 

It’s clear that Sarasota has found in Libby someone who recognizes the profound impact that collective action can have on effecting positive change.