Vaughn College hosted a virtual panel discussion with two aviation industry leaders on Thursday, May 20. Debra Santos was the chief marketing officer for Boeing Global Services up until her retirement but prior to that spent six years as the managing director of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Marketing for Europe and five years as a director in international sales based in London. Abby Bried is the vice president and general counsel for Panasonic Avionics and has a portfolio of experience of evaluating high-stakes risks on major commercial, regulatory and compliance matters in more than 65 countries. Both women are on the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) advisory board and are widely recognized leaders in the global aviation business community.

The discussion began with an introduction from Stephen DeSalvo, chief development officer of the office of institutional advancement and engagement and featured both women discussing their professional journeys, advances in the industries the College serves, and the importance of life-long learning.

Panelists answered questions from students at the end of the program and offered career advice and encouragement to students highlighting both the resilience of the industry and the growing need for highly-trained professionals.