Diana Santiago started her career at Aviation High School, obtaining her Airframe and Powerplant certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration. She then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Transportation Planning from Dowling College. She also holds concurrent Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Education from Dowling College. Diana is in the process of completing her postgraduate degree in Leadership from Stony Brook University. In addition to her FAA certifications, Diana holds her FCC & EPA license and NYS teachers’ certifications in Aviation Maintenance and Occupational Coordination.
Additional career endeavors include working at the Department of Energy at Brookhaven National Labs in their transportation division and Vaughn College as their Manager of Aviation Partnerships and Alumni Coordinator. For the past 20 years, Diana has taught Aviation Maintenance Technology to high school students at the Wilson Technological Facility. Throughout her career, Ms. Santiago has received numerous commendations, citations, and awards for her contributions to education and the aviation industry.
How did you get your start working in the aviation industry?
Diana Santiago: I began my career in the aviation field at Aviation High School, where I completed my Airframe and Powerplant Certification. While attending college, I worked at the Department of Energy in their transportation division. Prior to working at Wilson Technology, I worked at Vaughn College as their Aviation Partnership Manager and Alumni Coordinator. I later worked at SUNY Aerospace as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
My passion and interest in aviation started with my educational experience at Aviation High School. From the very onset, it was my first and only career choice. Now, decades later, it still is; my love and dedication for this industry have only grown with time!
Did you have a mentor at the beginning of your career? Can you tell us about them?
Diana Santiago: Access to female mentors and leaders is instrumental for young women. I’ve received immeasurable support and guidance from my male counterparts throughout my career. However, due to the scarcity of women in the field when I started my career, I have never had the benefit of this experience.
As a result, it has become my mission to foster the growth and development of up-and-coming professionals in the industry, especially young women.
How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?
Diana Santiago: For decades, women have been breaking into male-dominated industries. The aviation and education industries should be no exception.
Having Women in leadership roles helps attract other women into a workforce starving for diverse talent and skilled laborers. In my experience, young people benefit from seeing others who look like them in these roles. It expands their horizons and makes them consider new possibilities for their future.
How has networking or involvement in the Airport Community benefited your career?
Diana Santiago: Running a successful high school and adult training program requires tremendous industry input. Wilson Technology is very proud to have been chosen as a Delta Partner School. Additionally, through our Technical Advisory Board, we partner with local FBOs and aircraft/military defense manufacturers throughout Long Island.
They provide us with content for curriculum enhancement and support regarding training equipment and aircraft upgrades.
What makes the New York metropolitan area unique to other aviation and airport markets?
Diana Santiago: What makes the New York metropolitan area unique is that we have some of the busiest airspace in the country. We are a port city surrounded by three major metropolitan airports and countless regional and private airports.
The aviation industry is a highly sustainable market; it contributes to nearly 5% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. New York State airports generate almost 500,000 jobs and nearly $80 Billion in economic activity. This translates to ample job opportunities for an industry that produces approximately $28 billion in payroll and benefits for its residents.
Western Suffolk BOCES Wilson Tech Center
200 Little Plains Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
www.wilsontech.org
