Empowering Educator, Connector, Travel Enthusiast
Julie Huckaba is the driving force behind the successful implementation and growth of the FlexFactor program at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. FlexFactor, created by NextFlex, is a project-based learning initiative aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM and advanced manufacturing. What started as a pilot program with just 13 students in the Spring of 2021 has now expanded to over 2,240 students, with Julie at the helm of this impressive growth.
In her role, Julie coordinates all aspects of the FlexFactor program at Sinclair, engaging with local industry partners and key organizations like the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Wright Brothers Institute. Her leadership has not only expanded the program’s reach but also enhanced the student experience. Julie’s efforts include spearheading the FlexFactor Regional Competition, which brought C-suite professionals in as judges, providing students with real-world exposure and valuable feedback.
Julie’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She has a background in Petroleum Technology, a B.S. in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. For the last three years, Julie has helped plan the National Manufacturing Day event at Sinclair, collaborating with local partners to bring together students, industry leaders, and government officials to promote manufacturing careers. Her work has had a significant impact, with 82% of students reporting increased awareness of career opportunities in STEM and manufacturing, and many expressing an interest in attending Sinclair for further education.
Her commitment to student success is evident in the program's outcomes, such as the increased matriculation rate to Sinclair and the invaluable public speaking skills developed by participants. Julie’s innovative approach and dedication to community engagement make her a standout leader in the field of education and workforce development.
Q&A with Julie
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I tell students that most adults didn't have a linear path to their current positions. My first job was as a gas station manager, then I was a laboratory technician, then a stay-at-home mom, then a Children's Director at a church, then a paraprofessional in my local school district, then a District Executive for the Boy Scouts, then a Financial Aid Counselor at a university, which finally led me to my current position. All of these positions and experiences gave me the kind of background knowledge that I need to be able to reach students wherever they are. I want them to know that you can change paths and that there are so many options available to them that they probably haven't ever heard about.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I enjoy getting to know the students that I work with but recently, because of the number of schools I work in, I am unable to learn their names. Plus, I drive a LOT for work!
What is the best part of your job?
I absolutely love it when students get it! Those moments when you see the lightbulbs turn on are the reason why I am an educator. I enjoy being able to share that there are so many career options available to them, some that they’ve never heard of or that don’t require a four-year degree. When I can help students become accustomed to public speaking, they are able to move into the future with more confidence.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
When I have the opportunity to share my work with others, they are consistently surprised at what the students are capable of. Many of the judges that I bring in to score the students' work state that they could not have presented as professionally at the students' age as the students do. And then they are often very surprised at the use of technology and the ways students use it to conceptualize their hardware devices. The judges get to see some really wonderful, outside-of-the-box thinking! I consistently hear from judges how much brighter the future is than they previously thought.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
This is not our grandparents’ manufacturing. The majority of the facilities that I am privileged to visit are very clean and also a great place to make a very good living. We need to continue to work harder to remove any remaining stigma around manufacturing with more education.
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
That I get to work with the students and the teachers at the schools that allow me to bring the FlexFactor curriculum to their site.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
- Listening to the needs of the teachers. Teachers everywhere have to meet state requirements, and I enjoy sharing how FlexFactor can help with many critical skills.
- Having enough experience that you can help students pivot with their ideas.
- A willingness to set high expectations and the ability to provide support to the students so that they can achieve those expectations for themselves.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
I would travel more and spend more time with my new grandson and all the rest of my family. I’d also continue to learn new things – I’m currently learning Italian for my next international trip.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Travel - I love seeing new places. I have had the privilege of traveling internationally but I would also like to visit all 50 states - I have 20 more states to go! I also enjoy gardening and being out in nature.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Reading and research
How does the work you do impact the world?
I get to educate the next generation - how great is that?!
