Rebecca Spears
Special Agent
Tampa Field Office
I began my career as a special agent with the FBI in June 2021. I was assigned to the Brevard Resident Agency out of the Tampa Division. I currently work international and domestic terrorism matters.
Prior to the FBI, I worked as a task force officer on the same Joint Terrorism Task Force program while I was employed as a law enforcement officer with the Palm Bay Police Department.
What drew you to the FBI?
Throughout my prior career as a law enforcement officer, I spent six of my seven years investigating crimes as a detective. I loved working complex crimes and solving cases that required me to think broader and outside of the box. I knew that I would have the opportunity to continue the investigative lifestyle with the FBI. I wanted to be part of something bigger and have more resources available. I also wanted to receive more in-depth training and opportunities and expand my skills, all while continuing to learn.
What is the best career or life advice you have to give?
Some of the best advice I have received and would share is to be confident in whatever you do and do it wholeheartedly. Life, at times, will bring challenges and obstacles that may make us doubt ourselves on many levels.
However, it is in these times we have to remember to be confident in spite of the obstacles we face. One way I build my confidence is by making sure to take care of myself. Making the time to invest in my mental, physical, and emotional health has done wonders to build my overall confidence. And the confidence I have been able to build has allowed me to be able to fully pursue my goals.
What does it mean to make room at the table? Why does it matter?
One thing I have learned is that no one person has all the answers and that everyone’s input matters. Creating an environment that allows everyone involved to have a say and to express their ideas is beneficial. Allowing others to be heard and making room for them can assist in creating overall happier employees who know they’re making a difference.
