A SPOTLIGHT ON ALTERNATIVE CAREERS
Panel Style Assembly Program
Spotlight on Alternative Careers
February 13, 2025 — Garden City, NY
Career Day Inc. was honored to partner with Nassau BOCES to present Spotlight on Alternative Careers, an inspiring program sponsored by the My Brother’s Keeper Grant. Designed to highlight meaningful, high-growth career paths beyond the traditional college route, this initiative brought students from Lawrence High School, Hicksville High School, Hempstead High School, and Glen Cove High School together for a transformative learning experience.
Hosted at 71 Clinton Road in Garden City, the event showcased a powerful panel of five accomplished professionals working in fields where success is shaped by skill, dedication, and hands-on experience—not just a college degree.
Featured Speakers
Timothy Shishko
Timothy Shishko brings 20 years of industry expertise, specializing in acquiring and expanding businesses across mechanical services, life safety, and fabrication. His leadership highlights how strategic thinking, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial drive can open doors to diverse and rewarding career paths.
Joanna Micucki
Joanna Micucki is a dynamic business development professional with a strong record of driving growth and building strategic partnerships across the commercial construction, real estate, and technology sectors. Her insights showcased the value of communication, relationship-building, and resilience in shaping a successful, nontraditional career.
Andrew Rabinowitz
Andrew shared his journey through the world of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, customer service, and creating memorable experiences. His path demonstrated how strong communication skills and a passion for people can lead to long-term career success in service-driven industries.
SFC Robert Battafarano
Sergeant First Class Battafarano introduced students to the wide range of career opportunities available within the military—from technical training and logistics to leadership development and advanced certifications. His perspective highlighted how the Army provides structure, education, and long-term skills that continue to benefit service members long after their military careers.
Rich Tavarez
Rich concluded the panel with powerful insights on perseverance, financial empowerment, and community leadership. He shared how careers in local banking can uplift families, strengthen neighborhoods, and create pathways for future leaders—especially for young people interested in meaningful work that makes a direct impact.
This collaborative program with Nassau BOCES provided students with a rare opportunity to hear directly from professionals building remarkable careers in nontraditional fields. Their stories showcased the value of hard work, curiosity, and confidence—proving that there is no single road to success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Nassau BOCES, the participating districts, and the My Brother’s Keeper Grant for making this initiative possible. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities that broaden horizons and empower every student to find their path.
Career Day Inc. is dedicated to helping schools inspire, educate, and uplift the next generation of workforce leaders.