A Catalyst for Change: Q+A with Lauren Shelton '26

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Lauren Shelton

Class of 2026

BS, Criminal Justice/MS, Homeland Security

Recently, and as the Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR)’s student outreach and social media coordinator, Lauren Shelton has been named to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Student Voting Honor Roll, a national recognition for students who show an exceptional commitment to non-partisan student voter outreach. She is one of 137 students nationwide selected for this honor and representing Pace University.

Please tell us more about your work with CCAR and how this recognition is meaningful to you.

When I was in the ninth grade, I signed up to register high school seniors turning 18 to vote and didn't think anything of it; I just wanted to get involved at school. Little did I know that this would open up a passion for voter education I further explored throughout high school and then at Pace through CCAR. At CCAR, I am now able to participate in voter education, along with work with community partners throughout New York City and host civic engagement and social justice-related events.

CCAR has given me the opportunity to explore and host events related to societal topics that are important to me, such as Narcan training to help with the Fentanyl crisis, reproductive justice events, and a Protesting 101 workshop, in addition to all the voting events we have every year. It is an honor to be recognized by ALL In for my work at Pace because ever since I joined CCAR my second week of freshman year, I have been given the opportunity to encourage political participation throughout Pace and it feels good to be recognized for that work.

How did you become interested in pursuing criminal justice as a course of study?

I’ve always been passionate about law and criminal justice-related subjects, as well as helping to reform the criminal justice system, so my major of choice was not a question when I got into Pace. Criminal Minds is also my favorite show.

CCAR has given me the opportunity to explore and host events related to societal topics that are important to me, such as Narcan training to help with the Fentanyl crisis, reproductive justice events, and a Protesting 101 workshop, in addition to all the voting events we have every year.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

Access to internships was definitely one of my main reasons, because I wanted as many opportunities as possible to explore my field before leaving college, and Pace provides that to its students.

The five-year combined BS in Criminal Justice and MS in Homeland Security degree is also a unique program that is not offered at many other universities. As someone from Los Angeles who has always dreamt about attending school in New York City, these reasons were worth moving across the country to attend Pace.

What have your experiences been like with the New York Criminal Justice Department? What faculty have been instrumental in your journey?

I’ve had a great experience with the Criminal Justice Department here at Pace. I’ve taken classes such as Organized Crime, Intro to Criminal Investigation, and Terrorism and Society, and learned from fantastic professors such as Christina Chuliver and David Mulcahy, who have helped increase my interest and passion for the major. Professor Chuliver has been a huge supporter of not only my work in the Criminal Justice Department, but also at CCAR, allowing me to come to her classes and talk to students about ways to get involved and register to vote. Professor Mulcahy has given me the opportunity to study unique subjects in the criminal justice system, such as organized crime, and has also been a supporter of my interest in joining the FBI. Professor Cathryn Lavery has also been a huge support during my time at Pace, allowing me to bring voter registration forms to criminal justice-related events and answering any and all of my many questions.

What other activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

In addition to my work with CCAR, and as part of my Civic Engagement course, I have been volunteering at the New York Common Pantry, helping provide food for New Yorkers battling food insecurity. During my sophomore year, I was also student co-chair for the DJ Henry Memorial during Social Justice Week, and I hope to continue my involvement the rest of my time here at Pace. Outside of Pace, I have done some volunteering, such as at South Bronx United, providing tutoring and mentoring for students coming from low-income neighborhoods as they prepare for Regents and SAT exams, as well as homework and other exams.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

I hope to complete my master’s in homeland security here at Pace, and then become a counter-terrorism field agent at the FBI, with work experience prior to that possibly including joining the Drug Enforcement Administration or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

My biggest piece of advice is to get involved on campus. I am eternally grateful I got involved with CCAR at the beginning of my freshman year because it has allowed me to explore so many opportunities and meet so many new people. Going to college and being in New York City can be intimidating, so surrounding yourself with people and activities is crucial.