Vaughn College Gala Honors Trailblazers in Aviation Leadership and Vision

Celebrating Leadership in Aviation at Vaughn College's Annual Gala

On April 16, 2026, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Flushing, New York, hosted its annual Gala to honor five outstanding leaders in the aviation industry. This year marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the event acknowledged multiple honorees, celebrating their immense contributions to aviation and their roles in paving the way for the next generation of aerospace professionals.

The distinguished honorees included Debbie Coffey, Chief Communications Officer at Atlas Air Worldwide; Evita Garces, vice president of line operations at American Airlines—herself a proud alumnus of Vaughn; Icema D. Gibbs, JetBlue Airways’ Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility; Patricia Ornst, Managing Director for New York State and Local Government Affairs at Delta Air Lines; and Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at United Airlines. The event was facilitated by Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Policy for Airlines for America, and featured Anne Thompson, NBC News’ Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, as the evening's emcee.

The Gala not only celebrated the nominees but also served as a platform for discussing crucial topics in workforce development. With a focus on engaging partnerships between academia and industry, the event highlighted the essential work being executed nationally to attract young talent to the aviation sector, particularly from underrepresented communities.

Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, President of Vaughn College, delivered a powerful message regarding the need for industry participation in curriculum design, partnership programs, and the provision of internships and scholarships. "We deeply appreciate the generous sponsorship from our honorees and their support for Vaughn College," Dr. DeVivo stated. "We are eager to honor these remarkable women who have significantly influenced the advancements in aviation and aerospace. With such industry backing, our students will gain the vital skills and educational background required to thrive in this dynamic field."

The Gala was a considerable success, generating over $420,000 to bolster student activities. This funding was made possible through the generous sponsorship of major industry players including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Atlas Air, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and others in the aviation community.

Vaughn College, established in 1932, has evolved into a premier institution, enrolling over 1,500 students across diverse programs in engineering, technology, management, and aviation. Its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment is evidenced by a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. An astonishing 97% of Vaughn graduates find employment or opt for further education within a year of completing their degrees, with 77% working in their field of study.

Acknowledged as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, Vaughn College is particularly dedicated to supporting first-generation college students. In a recent study by The Equality of Opportunity Project, Vaughn was recognized as the top institution in the nation for upward mobility.

For more insights into Vaughn College and its remarkable initiatives, please visit their official website at www.vaughn.edu.