Debra A. Vogel (A.A.S. ’85) is president and owner of Las Vegas- and New York-based Paradigm Management LLC, providing consulting services that include business development strategies, entrepreneurial startup planning, leadership and career mentoring, and real estate investment, management, and renovation.

Vogel is also president and owner of Paradigm Café on Manhattan’s West Side. Offering wraps, paninis, homemade soups, salads, specialty coffees, and more, the eatery has scored positive reviews on Yelp, Google, and other online sites. “Good business acumen allows for the ability and diversity to succeed in different industries,” she says.

Previously, Vogel was executive vice president, treasurer, partner, board member, and consultant at Lachman Consultant Services in Westbury, N.Y.—a global U.S. Food and Drug Administration consulting firm. During her 30-year tenure, she helped set up and build the company into one of the most premier regulatory and quality assurance consulting firms for the pharmaceutical, medical device, and allied health industries. “I was responsible for corporate and client management, human resources, legal and finance, client contract negotiation, travel services, information services, and technology,” she says. Prior to her tenure at Lachman, Vogel was employed at Endo/DuPont Pharmaceuticals as Quality Assurance Coordinator.

While working at Endo/DuPont Pharmaceuticals, Vogel pursued a formal business management degree to complement her pharmaceutical industry knowledge. “A management degree is highly flexible, allowing you to reach the highest rank of any industry,” she says.

At New York Tech, Debra found a place that allowed her to fulfill her professional commitments while earning a degree. “I started my studies at Old Westbury at night while working full time during the day,” she says. “I really enjoyed the professors and learning alongside other professionals who were my classmates.”

She first joined the Business Advisory Board in the School of Management in 2011. Soon after, its dean invited her to serve on the school’s Executive Council, which serves as its primary steering committee.

“Our AACSB accreditation is truly deserved,” she says. New York Tech received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International in February 2015. Considered the gold standard in business education, only 5 percent of universities worldwide earn this elite distinction. “The global marketplace is changing, and you need the experience and formal education to succeed; this goes along with my philosophy that you are always learning.”

Vogel is a founding member of the New York Tech President’s Forum, which includes trustees, faculty, and friends of the university. On the School of Management Executive Council, she helps identify market opportunities, develop strategies, define objectives, and review outcomes. In recognition of her diverse and successful expertise and kind contributions, New York Tech established the Debra A. Vogel Student Advancement Program—a diverse group of activities that give students ways to build their professional, social, and leadership skills as they embark on global careers. This includes honor societies, ambassador and mentoring opportunities, faculty-led trips, community service and social awareness programs, scholarships and awards, and professional networking events.

In April 2021, Vogel introduced the Debra A. Vogel Student Advancement Scholarship, which is designed to inspire New York Tech students to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and engage with the global business community as they continue their studies by providing financial assistance and encouragement to become future international industry leaders through their innovation, ideas, and passion.

Vogel regularly speaks with New York Tech students to offer professional guidance. This includes her “Recipes for leadership and success in your career life”: know your company and its competition; master the art of effective listening and thinking; work hard and always be prepared; strive to overcome challenges; make informed decisions; take on responsibility; understand the importance of personal and corporate financial stability, be approachable; and don’t forget to smile!

“Thinking is problem-solving, which leads to leadership, successful outcomes, and an exciting career and a lifetime of fulfillment, albeit lots of hard work and responsibility,” she tells them. “Surround yourself with good people with whom you can aspire to, or with those who share your personal aspirations and goals. Then reach for the stars—but while reaching, keep it simple, and always challenge and strive for more!”