Students

Building a Better Future Through Business

Maddy Vallillo

Account Coordinator, John James Public Relations

UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellow

Class of 2024
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Non-Profit Studies

Member Of: Fusion Magazine

Pronouns: She/Her

Maddy Vallillo is on a mission to make her community a better place. As a UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network fellow, she has spent the semester tackling food insecurity in Lower Manhattan—but she aims to make a bigger impact. With her BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications and minor in non-profit studies, Maddy plans to organize and implement initiatives that go beyond her neighborhood.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I chose Pace University because it allows me to major in advertising, not just marketing. Its location in New York City provides me with unique networking opportunities, and the Lubin School of Business has great professors who have experience in their industries.

You are a member of Fusion Magazine, Pace's on-campus publication highlighting fashion, art, and lifestyle. Why is it important for you, as a business student, to tap into your creative side through Fusion?

Having a creative outlet is extremely important to me. Fashion, art, and lifestyle are all personal interests of mine. Being able to explore these interests and learn about pop culture through Fusion benefits me as an advertising student because I always need to be up to date with news, especially pop culture. Advertising is also an extremely creative field, so I'm getting some great experience with Fusion before I start creating my own campaigns.

This semester, you were selected for the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellowship. As part of the Fellowship, you are working to tackle the issue of food insecurity in Lower Manhattan. Why was it important for you to pursue this opportunity and project?

I have been working with Denise Belen Santiago, PhD, at Pace's Provisions Food Pantry for the past two years. I have first-hand knowledge of food insecurity and, more specifically, how this issue is affecting the Pace University community. When I applied to become a Millennium Fellow, I knew I wanted to tackle an issue close to me and one I have knowledge and experience with.

How will this Fellowship and project impact your career path?

I chose to minor in non-profit studies because I wanted to do more with the advertising and marketing skills I have been learning. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and the way I wanted to do that was through organizing and implementing initiatives that benefit the communities I belong to. My fellowship project combines my passion for marketing and my desire to generate positive change in my community. I feel fulfilled by the work I am doing, and I hope to find a career that allows me to have more experiences like this.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace was an internship I had with the Trade Commission of Peru in New York City in the Fall 2022 semester. I was able to work on marketing an entire country, attend international trade shows, learn a lot about the culture of Peru, and work hands-on in international business for a government sector. It was an incredible experience, which I am so grateful for.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

College is more fun when you get involved and find your community. Pace and Lubin have great clubs and spaces where you can find your people and thrive socially and academically.

#LubinLife means having a great community of individuals I have been fortunate enough to collaborate, connect, and grow with during my past four years at Pace. Within Lubin, I have developed friendships with classmates, found mentorship in professors, and served as a leader and positive influence.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?