Guest speakers visit Mount Vernon STEAM Academy to share career and life advice

Three professionals across different industries visited Mount Vernon STEAM Academy to share their experiences on Friday, December 15, 2023. The speakers detailed their time in various roles such as cybersecurity, law, public service and photography.  

The first guest speaker, Stefan Leipold, invented magnetic privacy screens for computers and cell phones. He has spent his career working in cyber security and helping famous and influential people all around the world deal with cyber-attacks. His son also attends Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.

“For the last 23 years, I’ve educated the world about making the world a safer place with cybersecurity not only for corporations, but for individuals and young people like you,” said Mr. Leipold. 

 Mr. Leipold discussed the common mistakes people make with technology, how to protect your information and the type of work he has done around the world protecting other peoples’ information.  

He also asked questions to the audience and handed out privacy screens to students who responded.  

The second guest was Assemblyman Clyde Vanel from Assembly District 33 in Queens. He discussed his keys to success and what students should be doing during and after high school to set themselves up for success.  

“You guys are coming to an age when you graduate where it’s going to be really competitive,” said Assemblyman Vanel. “You’re competing with the world.” 

Mr. Vanel discussed the opportunities and options that graduates have compared to previous generations and how to take advantage of them. He has worked and studied in fields such as engineering, aviation and law, and he wanted students to understand that they can also take time with their decisions and explore different careers.  

He explained that the road to becoming a successful adult starts now for the students at STEAM. He detailed the efforts students will have to put in to compete with their peers and be successful. He then answered questions from students.  

Ron Foster, a New Yorker and National Geographic published photographer and owner of RonLouis Photos, was the final speaker. He shared some of his work with students and explained what inspired him to become a photographer and visual storyteller.  

Mr. Foster discussed his path, which included studying aviation and working for the American Stock Exchange, and how he changed careers

before becoming a photographer. He talked about how it is ok to be unsure, but the most important thing is just getting started and trying things. 

“Where you are today is not where you will ultimately end. It’s OK to not know what you want to do with your life. It’s OK to not know where you want to be in 10 years. But what I want to tell you is: find the thing you love.”  

He talked about the importance of time and how everyone’s unique circumstances will shape them. He highlighted the number of opportunities available for students in many industries.  

One of Mr. Foster’s key messages for students was to start where they are and to explore the many opportunities they have until they find what they love.