In this inspiring episode of Futureproof Focus, Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo sits down with trailblazer and Vaughn alumna Samantha Mitchell—founder and president of Black Women in Aviation. From her beginnings as the first female aircraft mechanic for Air Jamaica to launching a movement focused on representation and mentorship, Samantha shares her powerful journey through a male-dominated industry and her mission to redefine the norm. 

Learn how her time at Vaughn helped her discover her calling, the hurdles she overcame and the passion that drives her to uplift future generations—especially young women of color—toward meaningful careers in aviation and aerospace. This episode offers a fresh perspective on leadership, empowerment, and what it really means to be futureproof.

In this episode of Futureproof Focus, Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo sits down with Shari Lindner, learning and development manager at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and Jason Becker, a Vaughn graduate and mechatronics engineer at BNL. Together, they explore the exciting career pathways available at BNL, the importance of continuous learning in engineering, and the lab’s commitment to fostering innovation through accessibility and professional growth. Jason shares his journey from Vaughn student to engineer, while Shari discusses leadership development and the future of engineering careers. Tune in to learn how Vaughn and BNL are shaping the next generation of engineers and discover upcoming opportunities for students interested in this dynamic field.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WBvoz-Eq0NA

In episode 17, Sharon DeVivo, Vaughn College president and CEO, sits down with Doug Jahnke, assistant professor of engineering and technology, to discuss the new cutting-edge programmable logic controller (PLC) and robotic automation certificate program. Discover how this program opens doors to high-demand careers in robotic automation across a variety of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and transportation, along with the advantages of pursuing other specialized engineering certifications Vaughn offers. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or looking to upskill, this episode highlights opportunities to futureproof your career in a rapidly evolving industry.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pDpeNH0-zfI

Tune in to to hear Xylene DeCoteau's '20 journey to becoming a first officer at Mesa Airlines, and how you, too, can start on your path to becoming a pilot at Vaughn College. She discusses her flight training, how she landed her job and her goals for the future. You won't want to miss this one!

You can also watch on YouTube here.

Richard Ugarte, vice president of maintenance and engineering at PSA Airlines discusses the unique partnership with Vaughn where his staff coached the Aviation Maintenance Team to complete in the MRO Americas in Chicago, which had its best showing of 90 teams in April. The conversation also covers a range of timely topics including the aviation workforce shortage, building a more diverse workforce and emerging technologies in the field. This is one you won't want to miss!

Elena Buenrostro discusses how her company, Women Who Drone, is connecting people, especially young women from underrepresented communities, who love drones through shared stories, education and career opportunities. Listen in to see how she's changing the world, one person at a time through a shared passion for autonomous flight.

In this episode, we speak to Vaughn mechanical engineering alum Okera Bullen '22 about his job at a pure electrification company called Nexans working in supply chain management. He speaks about his passion to have a positive impact on society and the world as a whole which brought him to Nexans, which supplies the cable connectors from Long Island wind farms to the land. Tune into this episode to learn how you can make an impact and contribute to a more sustainable future with an engineering degree from Vaughn. 

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/SkLsLjZbt_U

We know that the cost of attending college can sometimes seem insurmountable, and many students and families worry about affordability. But the evidence is clear—students with bachelor’s degrees earn $1.2 million more and Vaughn College is the best in the nation at moving students to the top 40 percent income—a strong indication of Vaughn’s return on the investment in higher education. Join us as we explore tips to help you finance your educational journey.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/959iUEz9sfg

Embark on a journey into the dynamic world of drone careers with Vaughn adjunct professor and aviation attorney Loretta Alkalay in the latest episode of Futureproof Focus. Uncover the diverse career paths drones offer, from drone design, operation and safety, while addressing the need for more women in the field. Join us for an enlightening discussion as we navigate the ever-evolving future of uncrewed aerial systems.

Watch the video version on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ywxag6TOyW4

In episode 10, Phil Rugile, Executive Director of the Institute for Workforce Advancement and the OSW Supply Chain delves into the world of composites and offshore wind careers. Rugile outlines initiatives to bridge the gap between the kind of careers students are exposed to and the actual opportunities that exist in composite manufacturing and offshore wind, which will ultimately help feed the workforce pipeline. Vaughn is helping to provide training programs for these careers - tune in to learn more or visit oswlongisland.org.