Emily Daly

“YPIE prepared me not only for college, but also for my adult life. I would not be as successful as I am now without YPIE.”

• Yonkers High School

• Manhattan College (2023), Electrical Engineering; M.S. Electrical Engineering (expected 2027)

• Stagehand, Sound Associates

• YPIE Mentors: Jake (YPIE Science Research), Anne (YPIE College Advisor), Raissa (YPIE College Success), Judy (Mentor)

When did you first learn about and join YPIE?

It was 2015. I was part of YPIE’s first class of students starting in 9th grade.

I went to the YPIE College Zone almost every day after school and even on Saturdays. As a freshman, I received help with math and other homework. Later, I worked on SAT preparation.

In my junior year, I joined the YPIE Regeneron Science Research program.  

YPIE connected me with an amazing volunteer mentor and friend for life. Judy was one of the first women to graduate from Columbia University, and from her life experiences, I learned not to be afraid of male-dominated fields. Her attitude was priceless.

Tell me more about being part of YPIE’s Science Research program.

I have always been very interested in plant life. During high school, I worked at the New York Botanical Garden and led science experiments with children. This experience led me to become involved in YPIE’s Science Research program.

My science research project looked at the blooming patterns of maple trees to see if they revealed any changes related to the changing climate.

Jake, who led the Science Research program, helped me set up everything and clearly define my research topic. Reading scientific studies is almost like learning another language.

Jake taught us how to break down the papers and understand the research. I placed fourth in my category at the Westchester Science Fair. Learning the research process helped me tremendously in college and continues to influence how I think today.

Did YPIE help prepare you for college?

I absolutely felt prepared for college. YPIE taught me a very important lesson about balancing and using my time well.

In high school, I was completing the full IB diploma while participating in YPIE’s Science Research program, preparing my college applications, and spending time at the College Zone. Having those deadlines and responsibilities taught me how to manage my time.

My mentor Judy and I talked about every aspect of the college application process, including which colleges suited me academically, financially, and socially. Applying was overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure if I should stay local or move away. Judy helped me talk through those decisions and always offered her honest opinion. We are still in touch today.

YPIE always provided support when I needed it. If I was having trouble with a course, there was someone to help me. If I needed college application help, I could talk to Anne or Judy.

Were there other memorable moments during high school?

My family is from Ireland. Music has always been a huge part of my life and my culture. I have always played guitar, and I sing as well.

We did not have many opportunities to pursue music in high school. But after a YPIE talent show where I sang, Sam gave me a guitar he said no one ever used. I will never forget the generosity of that gift.

What did you study at Manhattan College?

I majored in electrical engineering. I was not sure where I could take my music, but I wanted a career that combined sound and electrical engineering.

I took a summer course at Manhattan that opened my eyes to the field of sound engineering. That is the field I work in today at Sound Associates.

How did you connect with Sound Associates?

Raissa, my YPIE college advisor, introduced me to Sound Associates during my freshman year, a leading provider of audio and visual equipment for Broadway and other performing venues. I knew instantly I wanted to work there, but it took some time because of COVID.

Summer internships were scarce during my freshman year in 2020.

In 2021, an opportunity came up through Sound Associates to help a synagogue set up an online broadcast for their services. I was hired to manage the broadcast as a videographer and have continued working with Sound Associates ever since.

Today, I am a union stagehand working on Broadway shows. I help set up sound and video equipment, build sound racks and amplifiers, and assist productions in choosing the equipment they need. I also work with the Metropolitan Opera, helping mic their singers.

There are many opportunities in this field for me to use both my music abilities and my engineering skills.

What advice would you give other students about their educational paths?

There is no one path that is right for everyone. Don’t try to measure yourself against other people’s experiences.

College is a great opportunity, and the path you take will be different from everyone else. A good education can take you anywhere.

I value my education for how it has shaped my character. It is a great personal investment, and I’m hoping graduate school will take me to another level in this industry that I love.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

I am currently working toward my master’s degree in electrical engineering at Manhattan College and expect to graduate in the spring of 2027.

I love this industry and its creative challenges. I would love to do more hardware design for shows.

The work can be complex. Some systems are analog, and some are digital. I want to continue learning about the unique challenges and opportunities in this field.

If you had to define YPIE’s impact on you in one sentence, what would you say?

YPIE prepared me not only for college, but also for my adult life. I would not be as successful as I am now without YPIE.

I have kept all of my YPIE relationships. I have lifelong friends, a great job and a career path, and a community I can always return to for help and friendship.