We take a radically personal and empathetic approach to career discovery

An immersive career platform that puts students in control of their futures.

Our Story

We use the power of storytelling to help students find a career they love.

A few years ago, inspired by radio journalist Studs Terkel, we immersed ourselves in the workplace to interview people from all walks of life about their work--mushroom farmers, doctors, pipefitters, data scientists, volcanologists, lawyers, radio reporters, you name it. Next, we transformed these 700+ stories, including 40+ mini-documentaries, into an immersive web-based career platform that Rhode Island Monthly magazine called “Humans of New York for the professional world.”

Our goal is to inspire students to expand their idea of what is possible. We want them to know a scientist does not always look like a lone scientist in a lab. We want them to see the wide range of problems you can work on as a data scientist. And we want them to understand all of the opportunities that exist within nursing.

We think of Wingspans as a travel agent for life. It takes students on a journey that starts by translating their unique abilities into a real-world career and ends with a tailored plan for their futures.

On-set, interviewing Adam Blumenthal, interactive media producer with a speciality in virtual reality, about his career.

Testimonials

"Our students are desperately in need of a greater imagination for the diversity of career possibilities. Every year I teach approximately 150 students who are first-year Biology majors at Providence College, and who almost across the board, consider only about three job options: Doctor, Nurse, or Physician’s Assistant. I don’t know exactly where, when, or how we are collectively failing to educate these students about their future career options, but we need to let them know that there are endless other possibilities. There are no other resources on the web that offer my students what Wingspans offers."

James Waters

Professor of Biology, Providence College

"The most compelling thing you can do is tell a story and Wingspans provides our students the opportunity to explore career options through people's real-life stories, people who come from similar training or educational paths."

Salvador Pina

Executive Director, Center for Workforce Development at Roxbury Community College

"If you can see it, you can be it, and Wingspans helps students to see what career pathways are possible. In Rhode Island, we’re working across K-12 education, higher education, job training programs, and with our partners in industry, to connect what students are learning in the classroom to the skills and experiences they need to be successful in the workplace. Wingspans is an online resource that can help bring that work alive, empowering students to explore different careers and reimagine their future."

Ken Wagner

Former Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island

James Waters

Professor of Biology, Providence College

Ken Wagner

Former Commissioner of Education in Rhode Island

James Waters

Professor of Biology, Providence College

Partnerships

Brown University
Cape Fear Community College
Community College of Allegheny County
The National Peace Corps Association
Providence Public Library
College Visions
Rhode Island PBS
The Highlander Institute
The MET High School
Mount Pleasant High School
Charette High School
Hope Academy
AIM Academy
Millis High School

Our Team

Meet the dynamic people united by the mission to help people find future success.

“What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?”

Lindsay Kuhn

Founder and Filmmaker

"One day you will get a Ph.D. in a field your parents have never heard of. It will teach you how to think, how to persevere, and how to believe in yourself when others don't."

Alex Chiclana

Lead Engineer

"Don't brush off a career in technology just because math isn't your favorite subject. Engineering can be just as much about creative expression as it is about numbers and logic."

MacKenzie Abernethy

Development and Curriculum Designer

"Speak UP! It takes courage to influence change, and 'courage' comes from the French word 'coeur' or 'heart'."

Yuniya Khan

Writer

"Follow your curiosity, even if it takes you off the beaten path."

Mandana Vakil

Project Manager

"Be more open to diverse possibilities and to take more risks! Don’t worry about getting somewhere according to a certain plan—you don’t have to get from point A to point B in a linear fashion. And sometimes the bumpy or winding road might take more time, but also be more exciting!"

Robert Florida

Writer

"Read more. Travel more. Befriend more people."

Carol Green

Writer

"Be open to mystery, listen to your instincts, and only do work that feels morally fulfilling."

Maeva Makendi

Content Creator

"You got this. You do. I know it is hard to believe now because everything and everyone seems to be relying on you. I know you feel the pressure to succeed. I know you are tired. All that you have been through and seen have shaped and made you who you are."

Jen Chiang

Financial Analyst

"Be patient as you start your career. Focus on skills that you will learn and the exposure that the job will get you instead of just pay and title."

Lakshmi Hutchinson

Writer

Don’t be so shy. Being a good listener is great, but you should also make yourself heard.

Aaliyah James

Intern

"Enjoy things while they last. Never waste a dull moment"

Vanessa Sedore

Intern

"Everything will pay off, don’t stress so much."

Jeffrey Zou

Intern

"Look at all perspectives of a situation before drawing conclusions."

Sarah Parr

Writer

"Don’t be embarrassed to like what you like and pursue what you actually want to pursue (not what you think “sounds good”). You’re not alone, you know only a tiny fraction of the people on this planet, and you have only so much time — make the most of it."

Dave Kearney

Advisor and CTO/Founder of Boomerang.com

"Focus."

Stacy Holland

Advisor and Founder/CEO of Exceptional People

"Be conscious of the people and opportunities right in front of you, instead of moving too quickly to the next chapter. Really SEE them, appreciate them, and invest yourself in developing these relationships, as you have so many exceptional contacts waiting to be nurtured. "

Dan Pickett

Advisor and Co-Founder of Launch Academy

"Have more fun! Be open to new and unique experiences."

Kathleen Schindler

Advisor and Managing Director, Customer Success at Force Management

"1. Be open to all possibilities 2. Try everything once 3. Don't be afraid of failure And you may even surprise yourself!"

Jerry Johnson

Advisor and Consultant at CWE, Mass Challenge, and Empower Success Corps

"As I reflect on my younger days the things I regret most are missed opportunities to help others like classmates being bullied or ignored, fellow students struggling with coursework, or strangers in distress. So if I could give a young version of myself some advice I would say “Be aware of the plight of fellow travelers and commit at least one random act of kindness each day.” I now realize that paying it forward is the best mantra to live by."

Pete Rumsey

Advisor and Director, RI Innovation Campuses at Rhode Island Commerce

“I won’t bother…you would not listen”

Lauri Lee

Advisor and Educator, with over 20 years of experience in the field

"A career, like a life, is not a straight line. It's not all uphill or downhill. There will be detours, ups and downs, and even u-turns along the way. Learn to be okay with uncertainty, because change is the only constant! And change is how people, and communities and societies, develop and grow. Find joy in the little things you experience each day - family, friends, nature - because being happy is a choice."