Alumni Offer Professional Insight During Virtual Career Day
The annual Career Day took an unexpected turn this year when a blizzard forced a last-minute shift to a virtual format. Hosted online on February 25 by the Alumni Relations Manager Jayne Tully ’17 and the Development Office, the program brought together eight alumni speakers with seniors for candid conversation and practical advice.
From flying fighter jets to guiding children through cancer treatment, producing films and concerts, advising collectors, and building global businesses, the speakers reflected the breadth of paths made possible by the King education.
Throughout the event, alumni emphasized that careers rarely unfold in a straight line. Instead, they described journeys shaped by a willingness to adapt when opportunities arise.
Entrepreneur Paola LaManna KLHT’95, founder of Compass Star Distribution, encouraged students to look beyond familiar surroundings.
“Fairfield County is a tiny little place,” she said, urging them to explore different regions, cultures, and industries. Working with people from varied backgrounds, she noted, can open unexpected doors. Reflecting on her own path in global logistics, she added that she could never have predicted where her career would lead. “Don’t be afraid to pivot. Things change.”
Steven Menking KLHT’06, who moved from Wall Street to entrepreneurship as the founder of a tutoring company, stressed the importance of initiative. He encouraged students to actively use the networks and expertise available to them, whether through alumni communities, professors, or professional contacts, rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. Failing to engage those resources, he said, means missing out on knowledge that can shape both academic and professional success.
Veteran film professional Steve Apicella K’75 drew on decades of experience to deliver succinct advice. “Never be late, always be on time, and be the hardest worker,” he said, underscoring the value of discipline in a competitive industry.
Across industries and generations, the alumni demonstrated how adaptability and curiosity shape their careers.
Neil Sullivan K’75 described his path to becoming a Navy fighter pilot who flew aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat before beginning a second career as an international pilot with American Airlines. Callie Jo Barker KLHT’05 offered a window into her role as a board-certified art therapist in pediatric oncology at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, where she blends psychology, counseling, and creative expression to help children navigate serious illness.
Clinical psychologist Rachel Gotler ’99 spoke about building her Manhattan-based private practice, working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, while Libby Mattson ’82 reflected on decades in Fairfield County real estate, emphasizing trust and long-term relationships.
Joanna Jackson-Bialek KLHT’09 pulled back the curtain on the live events industry through her role at Function of Gravity, producing large-scale concerts and experiential events.
Ann Lydecker LHT’84, who advises collectors and institutions through her firm Metropolitan Art Advisors, brought a “top 10” list of career lessons distilled from conversations with leaders in Silicon Valley and encouraged students to take risks.
“Say yes to everything,” she said, adding that this is how she has navigated her life. “When you are invited to places, go. Stretch your mind and your heart.”
As the program closed, Director of Development Colleen Dealy expressed gratitude on behalf of the school community.
“We are inspired by the pearls of wisdom you have given us all to take away today,” she said. “We are proud to call you part of the King family, and we hope you will continue to see King as a community and resource for you as well.”
Though the virtual format eliminated breakout sessions, seniors were encouraged to consider the school’s alumni network as a resource and to reach out to Tully for introductions to alumni in fields they hope to explore.