Becky Vasquez
CIO & Vice President at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself?
I’m currently the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, based out of Daytona Beach, Florida. Embry-Riddle is the world’s largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace with over 140,000 graduates around the globe.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
My journey started with a fascination about computers and how they work. In the sixth grade, my math teacher brought Apple computers into the classroom. I wrote my first computer program in her class. Since then, I’ve been intrigued about technology, the beauty of it, and how it can positively impact lives. My professional career has primarily been with Embry-Riddle. Shortly after completing my computer science degree, I started with the Help Desk performing IT troubleshooting. I found the work to be invigorating and a wonderful challenge as someone new to the information technology space. Some of the most well-rounded technology leaders I know had a start at a help desk and I’m grateful for my time there. From the beginning of my career, I’ve looked forward to opportunities that stretch me and expose me to different facets of the IT realm as well as business operations. I’ve been fortunate to have several different positions, including Chief Technology Officer for Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus, known for their #1 in Online Learning distinction from U.S. News & World Report.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
It was my vision for several years to continue to grow in my leadership journey and to pursue positions at the ‘next level’. My current role wasn’t specifically a part of my vision to be a tech leader but it was inspirational. Being able to make a difference, even if it’s in some small way, has always been a key factor in my leadership pursuit.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
I’ve had so many role models and mentors and still do today. A CIO I reported to once upon a time was critical in shaping me as an IT leader. He would provide me with challenges that would help me become more well-rounded. He would also provide constructive criticism that he knew would help me grow in the best way possible. I always looked up to how visionary he was. At times, I didn’t immediately understand his vision but as the days went on, it was clear that he was onto something well before others. To have a mentor with this ability is a gift of a lifetime. There are many others as well. My colleagues who are creative and inspire teams to do things they didn’t think were possible are those that I look up to the most.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
Technology leaders need to be seen and sought as business leaders in their organization. Ideally, they are strategically aligned with the leadership team. Technology can and should be a competitive advantage for organizations. When technology leaders thoroughly understand the strategic direction of their organization, they are well-positioned to make a difference by aligning technology initiatives as business initiatives. Technology touches every aspect of most operations. The importance, impact, and opportunities are significant.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
A variety of skills are necessary. Of course, a well-rounded understanding of all things technology is imperative. As a leader, we don’t necessarily need to ‘put our hands on the keyboard’ but we do need to understand technology and the respective fields to the extent that we can lead by example and make sure our strategy translates to excellence in operations. Information security is a needed focus for all technology leaders. Soft skills are critical, especially when it comes to effective communications and interpersonal skills. When it comes to dealing with escalations or issues in the workplace, most of them come down to communication and soft skills. Technology issues will happen. How you react to them and address them can make a significant difference.
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
Conferences, blog posts, podcasts, subscriptions, and LinkedIn Learning are some of my top resources. When I’m faced with a new opportunity or something I haven’t done extensively in the past, I enjoy the process of researching and learning everything I can about it. Some of our service partners are helpful with this such as Gartner and EAB, which focuses on higher education.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
Virtual desktops and artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of chatbots as digital assistants. AI has potential to impact every aspect of how we operate. Some higher education processes and decisions can be complex and administrative processes can become hurdles to learning. By leveraging AI for transactional interactions, our employees can focus on higher-value tasks and relationship building. Easy-to-use interface design and streamlined technologies are at the top of the list and something students expect. Virtual desktops offer anytime, anywhere learning and naturally lead us into considering what the classroom of the future can offer.
"As leaders, we need to find ways to navigate different situations."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
Envision where you want to go in your career, including the position and responsibilities. Start demonstrating to your organization that you are capable of taking on those responsibilities. There are several ways you can do this such as offering to lead a project or volunteering to participate in a committee. Don’t wait for someone to fix your problems. As leaders, we need to find ways to navigate different situations. It’s OK to ask for help but it’s not OK to let problems overtake you and your team with no action on your part.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
There are so many things! The creative application of technology continues to fascinate me. Doing something very entrepreneurial is at the top of my list.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would end child abuse. Childhood abuse can have many devastating impacts throughout a person’s life such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues. What a wonderful world it would be if our children could be safe from harm caused by others.
A big thank you to Becky Vasquez from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for sharing her journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
