For more than a decade, career events at The Storm King School have provided juniors and seniors with valuable exposure to a variety of professions, while giving them the opportunity to connect with alumni about career paths, higher education, and life beyond graduation.
This year’s Career Day, held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, was one of the most engaging, with conversations held around a table or gathered in small classrooms. The interactions were more than informational—they were opportunities to build relationships and community.
Nader Fathi ’77 at Career Day 2025
Fifteen presenters volunteered their time including alumni who traveled from San Francisco, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, and Maryland, and others from New York and New Jersey. Two presenters, Yasmine LaBarca ’95 and Brian Lydell ’91 came back to speak about their careers for the third time! In addition to the alumni presenters, three parents participated and Sele Birchwood ‘09’s wife, Annette Kabia-Birchwood Esq., presented to an Introduction to Law class earlier in the week, providing valuable insight into how student-athletes can make positive choices to build their brand and advance their careers outside of their athletic abilities.
Careers explored this year included:
- Coaching and Athletics – Sele Birchwood ‘09
- Accounting & Tax Management – Jeremy Cole ’96, Tax Senior Manager
- Finance and Investment Writing/Novelist – Alex De Campi P ’29
- Global HR Operations & Finance Leadership – Chris DeSalvo ’85
- Government Affairs & Public Service – Matt Fascaldi ’14, Director of Constituent Affairs, NY Senator James Skoufis
- Serial Entrepreneurship & Tech – Nader Fathi ’77
- Criminal Law/Judiciary – The Honorable Harold Kennedy, Esq. ‘73
- Sports and Intellectual Property Law – Annette Kabia-Birchwood, Esq.
- Electrical Engineering & Robotics – Richard Kong ‘17
- Art Gallery Owner, Curatorial Serves and Art Sales – Joe Kraeutler ‘P’29
- Forensic Psychology – Yasmine LaBarca ‘95
- Music Composition and Technology – Brian Lydell ‘91
- Careers in Information Technology– Marco Smith P ’28
- Small Business Ownership/Home Theater and Technology – Ross Sober ’92
- Medical School & Healthcare Research– Tiana Vasquez ’19, M.D. Candidate at the Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine
- Performing Arts/Acting – Vallea Woodbury ‘95
Judge Harold Kennedy ’73 at Career Day 2025
The event began with a campus tour by Blue Key members Daniel Z. ’25, Nyla A. ‘25 and Juliana D. ’27, enjoyed by alumni who had not been on campus in recent years. A welcome session followed, with Head of School Lisa Shambaugh providing updates on the School, including recent campus improvements, college admissions success, and the school’s strategic plan. Trustee Richard Grossman ’79 thanked participants on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and as Chair of the Development Committee, invited support for bringing important campus projects to fruition.
Following the reception, alumni took their places in Ogden and Dyar Hall to lead three 25-minute career sessions in which students rotated between their top choices.
Chris DeSalvo ’85 welcomes all
The day concluded with a formal dinner where students and faculty shared tables with alumni and parents, continuing conversations in a relaxed setting. The atmosphere was positive and everyone was engaged over an incredible dinner of steak with chimichurri sauce, swordfish with pineapple salsa, and a large assortment of delicious side dishes and homemade panna cotta for dessert.
The value of Career Day 2025 was best expressed through students’ comments, exemplified by Santiago S. ‘26 whose main takeaway was “Be bold and make connections.”
Other student comments and takeaways included:
“Start getting experience (internships) before you start working.”
“Do what you really like.”
“Just write the graphic novel! Just do it!!”
“I learned a lot about entrepreneurship and business success.”
“You should never give up, no matter how many times you fail, and follow your passion!”
“The writing industry is tough, but the first step you must take is doing it…turn it into muscle memory and get your foot in the door.”
“When you find your niche, work hard to perfect your craft and hone your skills whether it’s acting, singing, or writing”
“I learned that self-responsibility and self-care are really important “
“Receiving a “no” doesn’t mean you are not good”
“Be persistent and be insanely passionate about what you love”
The Storm King School community extends its deepest gratitude to all the Career Day 2025 presenters for sharing their time, wisdom, and experiences. Their willingness to engage with our students not only helps them shape future careers, but also strengthens the lifelong bond between Storm King alumni and the School. We look forward to continuing this tradition of mentorship, inspiration, and connection for years to come!