Employee Spotlight: Anna Shurdha, IT Support Specialist
As part of her job in IT, Anna Shurdha enjoys understanding what makes technology tick.
As a member of the Tampa International Airport Information Technology team, Anna Shurdha has a passion for understanding how things work. From laptops and iPhones to the intricacies of the human mind, she finds the inner 
workings of technology and psychology equally fascinating.
A 2022 graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned degrees in Business Analytics & Information Systems (BAIS) and Management along with a minor in Psychology, Shurdha is 
one of TPA’s newest IT team members. In her role, she staffs the IT Service Desk, assisting the Aviation Authority’s nearly 700 employees with tech issues and new employee onboarding. She also serves frontline airline employees working on the Airport’s common-use systems, which facilitate operations at TPA’s ticket counters, boarding gates, and baggage claim.
“I love science, and I love the human mind,” said Shurdha, who initially wasn't sure she wanted a career in tech.
One of her first jobs took her up in the air, as a tour guide at a ziplining park.
“You work with a lot of intense emotions when you're ziplining. People are scared, excited, or even crying,” she recalled. This position required significant interaction with individuals who often needed encouragement before tackling a new frightening challenge—an experience she finds very similar to helping people navigate new technology.
This passion for assisting others led her to her next role as a consultation and repair agent with Best Buy’s Geek Squad. “When people come in, they’re typically not coming in for a positive reason. They’re usually stressed out because something is wrong,” Shurdha explained. “You're in a position where you have to show compassion, patience, and understanding right off the bat.”
Anna enjoyed taking apart iPhones to learn about the technology inside. After more than a year assisting retail customers with their tech issues, she sought to advance her career and applied for a new role with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
Today, she works full-time as an IT support specialist, assisting employees across the airport. “I love conversing with people, and I love taking things apart,” said Shurdha, who is currently pursuing a series of IT certifications known as the CompTIA Trifecta—comprised of CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. This series of certifications is recognized as the gold standard for launching a well-rounded IT career.
Outside of work, Shurdha has an impressive array of interests. From photography to live theater and cosplay, she loves anything that combines creativity with community. “I've been attending conventions pretty much every single year since 2022,” she said. “It's fantasy, it's creative, and the community is so welcoming to whatever creative expression you want to share.”
Among her favorite characters is Founder Ymir from the manga and anime series Attack on Titan, whom she dressed up as for a recent convention. “I sewed the costume and put so much effort into it, and people loved it because they could see the work I put in,” she shared.
Shurdha is constantly seeking ways to merge her love of technology with the arts, whether through her photography, designing sets, or running the audio board for live productions. She believes her ever-present curiosity will guide her career journey, which she is certain will always include interacting with people and understanding how things work.
