A Seahawk Soars in JetBlue: BC Alumni Becomes General Manager
It’s 4 p.m. on a Monday but to Franky Elias, it already seems like Friday. That’s how long the day feels for the General Manager of JetBlue at Orlando International Airport. His job is intense but his smile translates the passion and joy he has for his job as he gives his best to the company that has allowed him to grow as a professional.
Franky graduated from Broward College in 2004 with an A.S. in Aviation Administration. During his time as a student, he took advantage of numerous internships opportunities that were offered as part of his degree.
“I understand what the airport does thanks to my internships, I know how the airport works and it has made my job a lot easier having that knowledge,” Franky says.
Rising through the ranks
A veteran of the air force, Franky began his career in aviation working as airport ramp agent for JetBlue at Fort Lauderdale Airport two years after graduation. While working towards his BAS in Aviation, Franky was promoted to the position of general agent within the company and after completing his bachelors, he was promoted once more, to supervisor.
With a lot of hard work and dedication, Franky has experienced significant career growth with JetBlue. Between 2012 and 2014 he was assigned as the Airport General for the airline’s location in San Juan Puerto Rico. While there, he increased the number of daily flights from 18 to 50.
In 2014, Franky was again promoted, this time to Airport General Manager for JetBlue at Orlando International.
A day in the life of…
With such a job, “there’s no typical day” as Franky says, but if there’s anything characteristic, it would be the long list of responsibilities each.
“This job entails the management of 450 employees, a $30 million budget, and 56 daily departures,” Franky explains. “It’s a lot of responsibility but I enjoy the challenge”
His responsibilities include acting as a liaison between the airline and the airport authority. In addition, Franky also spends a lot of time at JetBlue's headquarters in New York. He explains that his current job is very versatile and though his initial goal was to be a pilot, he’s happy he discovered this side of the industry that has proved to be just as exciting.
“If you’re passionate about aviation and flying but for some reason, you are not able to, there are many jobs within the industry that will still fulfill your dream,” he says.
Learn more about career opportunities in Aviation and get ready to soar!
Get ready for Hurricane season with these hot jobs
After being hit in 2017 by three of the top five most destructive hurricanes ever recorded and forecasts predicting an above-average season, the U.S. is bracing itself for potentially bigger, stronger storms. With each season becoming more dangerous every year, certain professions within the business field are growing steadily to meet demands.
Broward College offers state-of-the-art programs that exceed expectations in a wide range of expertise that help with hurricane preparedness and recovery, and through our recently developed Risk Management concentration, the College has introduced more career options for students.
Check out these hot jobs for hurricane readiness offered in our Business Pathway:
Property Manager
The fastest-growing job in the business field, with an estimated 11.4 percent through 2027, is a constantly overlooked profession. Property managers are tasked with planning and coordination of the sales, acquisition, and leasing of residential, industrial, or commercial real estate.
They can also work as managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented housing units, and land. Property managers earn an average $25.47 an hour. Pursue a degree in Business Administration at Broward College and prepare for this hot job in South Florida.
Insurance: Sales Agent
With an estimated growth of nine percent over the next ten years, a profession in insurance sales is the second fastest-growing job within the industry. Career opportunities include selling life, property, casualty, health, automotive, and many other types of insurance. You can work as an independent broker or for an insurance company.
The average hourly wage is $27.46 in the state of Florida. By pursuing an A.S. in Business Administration at Broward College, you can become an insurance sales agent through our new Risk Management concentration. Learn more about the program here.
Logistics Manager
The highest-paying occupation in the field is a logistics manager, with an average hourly wage of $45.73. The job is expected to grow 6.3 percent in the next ten years. A logistics manager plans, directs, and coordinates transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Students can follow this career path by pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management Operations.
Claims: Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Claims is a field with many opportunities. You can become an adjuster, examiner or investigator. The median hourly wage for these careers is $29.16 and demand for these experts is expected to grow 3.1 percent in the next ten years.
Responsibilities include revision of settled claims, determine payments and settlements, confer with legal counsel, and follow company practices and procedures. Learn more about the Risk Management concentration and the steps to become a claims adjuster.
Technology for the environment: IT graduate uses her degree to help the green cause
With growing concerns about the need to reduce the impact of population growth and development on the environment and preserve natural resources, more entrepreneurs are developing businesses that are eco-friendly. Tangy Frederick, a Broward College Information Technology graduate, has followed this path, creating her own company and putting her knowledge to good use by finding ways to help the environment. Tangy graduated with an A.S. degree in Software Development in May 2018.
Finding her calling
Tangy always had an interest in Information Technology thanks to her parents, who encouraged her and her brothers at an early age to use computers and other digital devices.
“Electronics were always around the house and using them was like second nature. I was always making go-karts with my friends and working on all types of devices,” Frederick explains. “I also taught myself how to build websites and would practice making websites for myself and some clients.”
She admits that she fell in love with IT because it allows her to be creative and develop programs from basically any idea.
Improving her skills
During her time as a student, Tangy demonstrated her passion for IT by finding new ways to gain experience and improve her skills. She would create apps during her free time and work as a freelancer for companies such as the Urban League of Broward County. Tangy also participated in two BC Hackathons both of which she won.
“Thanks to the Hackathons I learned a lot about teamwork and time management. Now I would like to go back as a mentor to help other students during such a fantastic experience,” she says.
Creating her own business and supporting the environment
Early in 2018, Tangy founded her own company called Cre8tive Devs Software. She works as a software engineer and currently has a staff of 10 people that include developers, software engineers, and project managers. The company focuses on designing and programming software, websites, mobile apps, and more for start-ups and small businesses.
“I decided to start a company like this one because I wanted to put my skills to good use. I wanted to help people that are starting their own projects and businesses and I figured this would be a win-win situation for everyone,” she says. “Through my company, I’m also giving back to Broward College, by hiring mostly BC Alumni.”
Tangy is currently participating in the Startup NOW Accelerator program of the Innovation Hub. Through this program students and alumni learn how to develop their innovative ideas into a successful business. The program is free for qualifying participants.
In addition to helping startups, she focuses a lot of her time on following her desire to help the environment. She uses her skills to create programs that help and promotes environmentally-conscious businesses and/or activities.
“My number one goal is to be one of the top software companies that build technology for socially responsible and eco-conscious business and causes,” she explains.
Currently, Tangy is working on a mobile app that helps mitigate the amount of pollution that is sent to landfills. She intends to develop environmentally-friendly apps on a regular basis.
Learn more about opportunities in Computer Science at Broward College here.
Five curious facts you didn’t know about the 4th of July
Every 4th of July we celebrate America’s Independence, but what else do we know about this historic day?
As we celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the 4th of July here are five things you should probably know about America’s most patriotic day.
The Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776
The actual signage of the Declaration of Independence didn’t take place until August 2, 1776.
The Continental Congress declared Independence on July 2, 1776, and two days later, after several edits, they agreed on the final draft of the document hence the reason Independence Day is celebrated every 4th of July.
One of the Founding Fathers disagreed with the 4th of July
In John Adams’ point of view, a more fitting day to celebrate America’s Independence would be indeed the second Day of July, as he pointed out in a letter to his wife that read “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”
It is said that he would refuse invitations to celebrations of the 4th of July as a protest.
It didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870
Even though celebration of 4th of July has always been recognized with parades, concerts and bonfires as a tradition from the very beginning, these didn’t become really popular and widespread until after the War of 1812, when America took on Great Britain.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress finally declared the 4th of July as a Federal holiday and in 1941, expanded the provision to include for it to be a paid holiday for federal employees.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the 50th anniversary
In a perhaps interesting twist of fate, both Jefferson and Adams died on July 4, 1826, which was the 50h anniversary of the patriotic day. Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence mostly all by himself.
James Monroe, who served as the fifth president, also died on July 4, but five years later, in 1831.
The day of the hot dog?
As traditions have evolved over time, Independence Day has become a day of family gatherings and barbecues. TIME magazine revealed that Americans consume about 155 million hot dogs during the 4th of July celebrations alone.
Additionally, Americans also consume an approximate $92 million of chips, $167.5 million on watermelon, and $341.4 million on beets.
As you celebrate 4th of July, don’t forget to share these facts about what makes our nation so great with friends and family. By the way, if you’re still looking for ways to celebrate 4th of July, there are lots of things to do in South Florida. Check out this list.
Get to know him: President Greg Haile – Part 1
Greg Haile is the seventh president of the College. Haile who took office on July 1 was selected by the Broward College Board of Trustees in May. Haile is the former General Counsel and Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs at the College since 2011.
He is a first-generation college graduate who received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and his Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law. In addition to his experience as General Counsel, Haile has also taught at Harvard, Miami Dade College and Broward College. Haile is a strong advocate for education and improving the local community.
Focusing on community
The Board cited Haile’s knowledge of the institution and the community as one of the main factors for his selection. Haile is eager for the opportunity to work on improving the Broward County community by strengthening the College’s outreach to the most underserved citizens.
“I know that there are still many communities in Broward County that are not benefitting from our existence,” says Haile. “This organization has done tremendous things and we continue to grow every day but I know that there are still cities with double-digit unemployment and many communities that don’t believe college is available to them and I consider that a major concern of mine and priority to address.”
Haile plans to tackle this by creating a strong campaign for education within the community. He understands that to change the misconception that college is unachievable for the local youth, the initial effort must be to engage parents as the main communicators to the youth that college is a natural continuation of a person’s educational journey.
“I want to make sure that every corner of our county knows that we exist to provide them with an opportunity to have a great life.”
Improving student success
As a first-generation student who grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York, a neighborhood overwhelmed with violence and drugs, Haile understands very well the many challenges students may face on a day-to-day basis, especially in tough communities.
“We have to play a role in helping our students understand that, notwithstanding anything that they’ve dealt with in their past or deal with on a day-to-day basis, they have the capacity to be great at this institution and beyond,” explains Haile. “Sometimes we have challenges that can interrupt our ability to be successful and part of what every student has the capacity to do is navigate beyond that to achieve their maximum potential.”
Additionally, Haile will engage in conversations with the student body to understand their concerns and needs.
“I’m looking for the opportunities to join the faculty in their classrooms and listen to the students, sitting with our students in the dining hall and listening. Listening is critical for me to learn and understand what I need to do to make improvements,” Haile explains.
Part of his plan to improve and guarantee student success is to continue to provide a strong support to college initiatives such as the Minority Male Initiative. These initiatives work to close the achievement gaps in the student body.