Parth (Pete) Singh

Class of 2026
Pronouns: He/him/his
Currently Studying: BBA in Finance, Minor in Business Analytics and Pre-Law
Member (Clubs): Beta Alpha Psi, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), ASCEND, Undergraduate Finance Club

Image

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

Choosing Pace was less a single decision and more a convergence of location, opportunity, and community—all pointing in the same direction.

I started my academic journey as a philosophy major, drawn to big questions, frameworks, and the idea that how you think matters just as much as what you know. Over time, I found myself gravitating toward markets, capital structures, and the mechanics of how value is created and destroyed in the real world. Philosophy gave me a lens; finance gave me a field to apply it.

When I discovered Pace’s finance program in the Lubin School of Business, something clicked. When the Dean’s Merit Transfer Scholarship made it financially possible, I knew I had to take the leap. That scholarship did more than open a door—it changed the trajectory of my life.

There is a quote I often think about from Donald Rumsfeld: “There are known knowns… known unknowns… and unknown unknowns.” When I transferred, I knew I wanted finance, and I knew New York City was where I needed to be. What I did not know were the people I would meet, the opportunities I would have, and the version of myself I would become here. Pace has been the place where those unknowns became real, one opportunity at a time.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

More than anything, clubs taught me how much I still had to learn—and gave me the community to figure it out.

Beta Alpha Psi has been especially meaningful to me. Before getting involved, I understood finance academically. Being surrounded by students who were genuinely passionate about the profession—reading deal news at breakfast and debating capital markets between classes—changed how I engaged with the subject. It stopped feeling like coursework and started feeling like a calling.

Stepping into the vice president role pushed that growth further because leadership made me see the organization not just as something I was part of, but something I was helping shape. The conferences Beta Alpha Psi brought me to expanded my perspective in ways I did not expect. Sitting in rooms with students from top programs across the country and hearing from professionals working at the highest level sharpened my sense of where I wanted to go and the standard I needed to hold myself to.

National Society of Leadership and Success opened a different kind of door. As treasurer, I took on real accountability within an organization that values leadership development. It introduced me to a network of people who were equally intentional about their growth, and that environment naturally brings out your best. It also broadened how I think about leadership—not just professionally, but in how you show up for others.

Together, these two organizations shaped both my student experience and the professional I am becoming.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

It is hard to choose just one, because Pace has given me opportunities I did not know existed until I was experiencing them.

The Beta Alpha Psi conferences stand out as some of the most formative experiences of my time here. Being in a room with driven accounting and finance students from across the country, exchanging ideas, hearing from industry leaders, and representing Lubin at the national level reminded me that the standard I hold myself to should keep rising. Those conferences expanded both my network and my sense of what is possible.

PaceBound was meaningful in a different way. It gave me the opportunity to represent Pace while connecting with prospective students and sharing my own story. As a transfer student, being able to speak honestly about the opportunities, support, and community I found here made that experience especially personal. It reminded me how powerful it can be to help someone else picture themselves in the place that helped shape you.

The competitions also stand out. Representing Pace in the CFA Institute Research Challenge and the AGA Government Finance Case Challenge meant presenting analysis in front of industry professionals and defending ideas under pressure. Those experiences challenged me and helped me grow, and I am proud to have represented Lubin in those spaces.

The access you have here—to professors, industry events, competitions, and New York City itself—is something many students elsewhere would value deeply.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

Take every opportunity you can, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone.

The students who stand out are not always the ones with the highest GPA. They are the ones who show up early, stay curious, and raise their hand before they feel fully ready. Readiness is often built through experience, not before it.

Lubin sits at the center of the financial world. The access you have here—to professors, industry events, competitions, and New York City itself—is something many students elsewhere would value deeply. Be intentional about how you use your time, because opportunities rarely come looking for you. You have to pursue them.

And build relationships genuinely, not transactionally. The people you meet at Lubin—your peers, professors, and mentors—will matter long after graduation. Invest in those relationships the same way you would invest in anything meant to grow.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

It means being part of a university that believes in you before you have fully learned how to believe in yourself.

For me, #LubinLife is the Dean’s Scholarship that made attendance possible, the conferences that broadened my perspective, the competitions that tested my preparation, and the organizations that gave me meaningful leadership responsibility while I was still a student. It is the city outside the classroom and the community inside it working together in a way that feels uniquely Pace.

Most of all, it means being part of something that continually pushes you to close the gap between who you are and who you can become. That is what I will carry with me long after graduation.

Connect with Parth Online:

• Connect with Parth on LinkedIn
• Connect with Parth on Instagram

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has once again been ranked #1 in the nation for Environmental Law by U.S. News & World Report, marking the seventh time—and the sixth consecutive year—the program has earned the top distinction and further solidifying its position as a global leader in environmental legal education.

The 2026 rankings also reflect the continued strength and growth of the Law School across a number of key program areas. Other highlights include #21 in Trial Advocacy, #36 in Dispute Resolution, #56 in International Law, #75 in Tax Law, #83 in Health Law, and a part-time program ranking of #43.

“For six consecutive years, Pace Haub Law has been recognized as the nation’s top environmental law program,” said Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr. “This continued distinction reflects the strength of our faculty, the depth of our experiential learning opportunities, and our commitment to preparing students to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

A Legacy of Leadership in Environmental Law

Established in 1976, the Pace Haub Law Environmental Law Program has a global footprint and remains at the leading edge of environmental law. The program’s continued evolution includes new partnerships, innovative programming, and faculty scholarship that is shaping the future of environmental law and policy on a national and international scale. Initiatives such as the Sustainable Business Law Hub, the Environmental Law and Policy Hack Competition, and the Future Environmental Law Professors Workshop create new opportunities for training, policy development, and research that address emerging environmental challenges.

The Law School also hosts a wide range of lectures, panels, and symposia throughout the year, bringing leading environmental scholars, advocates, and policymakers to campus, and annually presents the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, which is one of the world’s most distinguished honors in the field. In addition, Pace Haub Law maintains a longstanding partnership with the Yale School of the Environment, offering multiple joint degree programs and co-hosting the New Directions in Environmental Law Conference (NDEL), a premier academic gathering that brings together students and scholars from over 30 institutions. With more than 40 environmental law courses, and extensive clinic offerings, including the Environmental Litigation Clinic and Food and Farm Business Law Clinic, as well as opportunities through centers such as the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies, Pace Energy & Climate Center and Land Use Law Center, students gain hands-on experience tackling complex environmental issues. This October, a cohort of 4 Pace faculty members, 5 students, and 6 alumni successfully advocated for the adoption of 10 motions addressing critical environmental issues at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. These opportunities uniquely prepare Pace Haub Law graduates to become leaders in environmental law and policy at both the national and international level.

Last year, the Law School announced a dynamic new leadership team to guide its top-ranked Environmental Law Program into the future. Katrina Fischer Kuh, Haub Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, now serves as Faculty Director of the Environmental Law Program. Achinthi C. Vithanage, Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law and Associate Director of Environmental Law Programs, was appointed Executive Director of the Environmental Law Program. In addition, Josh Galperin, Associate Professor of Law, now serves as Faculty Director of the Sustainable Business Law Hub.

Our Environmental Law Program is defined by both rigorous scholarship and hands-on experience.

—Katrina Fischer Kuh, Haub Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, Faculty Director of the Environmental Law Program

“Our Environmental Law Program is defined by both rigorous scholarship and hands-on experience,” said Kuh. “We are preparing students not only to understand the law, but to shape it, ensuring they are equipped to tackle complex environmental challenges on a national and global scale. Providing this training for our students is possible as a result of the community of talented and committed professors, adjuncts, alumni, and institutional partners who enrich our program and to whom we are deeply grateful.”

Distinguished Faculty Expand Key Program Areas

Beyond the Environmental Law Program, Pace Haub Law continues to strengthen its academic offerings across disciplines through strategic faculty growth in other disciplines. Lauren Roth, an accomplished scholar in health law and business law, recently joined the faculty as an Associate Professor of Law, contributing to the Law School’s Health Law and Policy certificate program. Her addition further enhances opportunities for students to engage with emerging issues at the intersection of health, business, and regulatory law.

The Law School has also welcomed Professor Imre Szalai, a nationally recognized arbitration scholar whose work strengthens the Law School’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs. His extensive scholarship on arbitration law, combined with his practical experience, enhances the Law School’s ability to prepare students for work in complex dispute resolution settings. He joins Professor Jill I. Gross, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and a nationally respected authority on securities arbitration and investor protection, whose leadership and scholarship have been instrumental in shaping the Law School’s reputation in this field.

Building Distinction in Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution has become an area of distinction at Pace Haub Law, supported by robust curricular and experiential opportunities that allow students to develop practical skills in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. The Law School is home to the Amelia A. Gould Representation in Mediation Clinic, one of the only clinics in the country dedicated to representing clients in mediation. Students also gain hands-on experience through the Fairbridge Investor Rights Clinic, which focuses on customer disputes with securities broker-dealers.

Further advancing its leadership in this area, Pace Haub Law partnered with the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations – North America Committee (CGA-NA) to launch the inaugural Greener Arbitration Writing Competition last year, showcasing emerging scholarship on sustainable arbitration practices, with the competition returning for a second year. Last year, the Law School, in partnership with CGA-NA, also hosted a special New York Arbitration Week program, spotlighting innovation, sustainability, and greener arbitration practices in international arbitration while bringing together leading practitioners, academics, and emerging voices in the field. The program also served as the conclusion of the inaugural Greener Arbitration Writing Competition. These initiatives position Pace Haub Law at the forefront of emerging conversations around sustainable dispute resolution while highlighting the important intersection of environmental law and ADR.

A National Leader in Trial Advocacy

Pace Haub Law’s Trial Advocacy program continues to gain national recognition, now ranked #21 in the country. The program’s success is driven by a commitment to experiential learning and competitive excellence.

“Our advocacy program continues to demonstrate exceptional growth and national competitiveness,” said Louis V. Fasulo, Professor of Trial Practice and Director of Advocacy Programs. “Through hands-on training, dedicated coaching, and extensive competition opportunities, our students develop the skills necessary to become effective and impactful advocates. These rankings reflect both the strength of our program and the dedication of our students.”

Through hands-on training, dedicated coaching, and extensive competition opportunities, our students develop the skills necessary to become effective and impactful advocates.

—Louis V. Fasulo, Professor of Trial Practice and Director of Advocacy Programs

Student advocacy teams continue to excel in both national and international competitions, with the Alternative Dispute Resolution team earning top honors at a variety of recent events. The Law School’s trial advocacy teams are often coached by dedicated alumni who have excelled in their own careers and now play an integral role in mentoring the next generation of advocates. Throughout the year, Pace Haub Law also hosts a range of advocacy competitions and symposia that bring together students, practitioners, and leaders in the field. This fall, the Law School will collaborate with New York County Defender Services to host a national voir dire competition, with the inaugural event focused on combating racial bias during jury selection.

Further strengthening the program, Pace Haub Law recently expanded its Advocacy Program leadership team with the appointment of Jared J. Hatcliffe, Esq., Senior Trial Counsel for the New York City Law Department, Office of Corporation Counsel, as Associate Director of Advocacy. A published author who has litigated hundreds of jury trials to verdict, Professor Hatcliffe brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to mentoring future trial lawyers.

These latest rankings underscore the Law School’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and impact.

Wrapping up the semester is exciting—but it can also come with a lot of logistics. From figuring out your financial aid package to making last-minute schedule changes, Pace’s Pop-Up Student Solutions Centers are here to help you navigate it all, so you can focus on what really matters.

Whether you’re on the New York City Campus or the Pleasantville Campus, you’ve got dedicated support from teams across Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Admissions, and the Registrar’s Office. No appointments needed—just show up during operating hours and get the answers you need.

Pop-Up Student Solutions Center Schedule

Dates:

April 20–April 24, 2026

Hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 12:00–5:30 p.m.

Locations:

• New York City Campus: 161 William Street, 8th Floor
• Pleasantville Campus: Kessel Student Center, Dean’s Suite area

From adjusting your Fall 2026 class schedule to understanding your tuition bill, the Pop-Up Student Solutions Centers are here to simplify your start to the semester. Because when things run smoothly, you can spend less time in line—and more time chasing what’s next.

When Mohammed Ali ’26 began thinking about law school, he already had a clear example to follow: his older sister, Aleh Ali ’19. Years after Aleh graduated from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Mohammed followed her path and enrolled at Pace Haub Law himself.

Aleh, now the owner and managing partner of Ali Law, PLLC, says her interest in law began early. “I knew I was going to be a lawyer at a very young age,” she said. “I was argumentative and always had to win an argument. My father used to tell me I was going to be a lawyer.” This passion for the legal profession that she developed early on continues to drive her work today.

Aleh chose Pace Haub Law in part because of its location and reputation. “It was conveniently located in Westchester, which was important since I was living at home while attending law school,” she said. She was also influenced by colleagues from her work as a paralegal who had attended the Law School and spoke highly of their experiences.

Mohammed says his own interest in law began in his teenage years, shaped in part by watching his sister pursue her legal education. “I knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was 16 when I got to see my sister graduate from law school and become a lawyer,” he said.

Aleh helped him secure a legal internship early on, where he observed housing court proceedings, which he describes as an experience that solidified his interest in the profession. Mohammed continued building toward a legal career by earning a degree in Paralegal Studies from Westchester Community College and a BA in Legal Studies from Purchase College before enrolling at Pace Haub Law, where he is now a JD candidate in the Class of 2026.

Aleh was thrilled when Mohammed decided to attend the same law school. “I was extremely excited he was following in my footsteps,” she said. “I tried to pave a path for him and give him the best advice I could, and I’m glad he listened. Pace is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be a lawyer.”

For Mohammed, seeing Aleh’s success after graduation played a significant role in his decision. “I mainly chose Pace Haub Law because of my sister. I went on a tour of the campus when she was a 3L and it felt like a small, but connected and supportive community. I also saw how successful my sister became after graduation,” he said. “Looking into the externships and clinical opportunities offered by the school was also a big sway in my decision, and the location is convenient for where I live.”

Both siblings say their experiences at the Law School were shaped by influential professors and hands-on learning opportunities. Aleh recalls the impact of professors including Professor Crawford and Professor Tenzer, whose teaching helped guide her legal education. Through externships and other opportunities at the law school, she gained valuable practical experience that helped prepare her for the job market.

Mohammed has similarly found his time at the Law School to be transformative. “My experience in law school has been nothing short of insightful,” he said. He credits professors such as Professor Simon, Professor Denman, and Professor Carbone with shaping his law school experience by teaching beyond the material required for the bar exam and also offering valuable career advice.

The siblings also share the experience of having studied under some of the same faculty members, including Professor Bennett Gershman, who they both describe as one of the School’s most memorable professors.

Outside the classroom, Mohammed has immersed himself in campus life. He serves as Executive Acquisitions Editor for Pace Law Review, works as a research assistant for multiple professors, and participates in several student organizations, including serving as Treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association and 3L Representative for the Public Interest Law Students Organization. He is also a legal extern with Nolletti Law Group PLLC and serves as Head Student Representative for Themis.

“These experiences have helped me sharpen my research, writing, and communication skills,” Mohammed said. “They’ve also helped me understand the level of dedication an attorney owes to a client.”

When Aleh graduated in 2019, she was five months pregnant, so she did not start working immediately after passing the bar. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the legal job market. Aleh notes that what initially seemed like a challenge ultimately helped guide her toward the career she has today. In 2020, she began working at a real estate transactional firm, an area she had previously encountered while working as a paralegal and during law school externships. The field proved to be the perfect fit. “It showed me that you can have a career and a family,” she said.

In 2022, Aleh opened Ali Law, PLLC, her own real estate law firm. Two years later, she expanded her work further by opening a title company in 2024. “It is very manageable, and I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “It allows me the flexibility to be an attorney, a mother, and my own boss.”

Throughout Mohammed’s law school journey, Aleh has continued to serve as both mentor and role model. One piece of advice she shared early on continues to guide Mohammed today. “When I started law school, Aleh told me, ‘What you put into law school is what you will take out of it,’” he said. “That really stuck with me and inspired me to become very active on campus.” Mohammed hopes to pursue a career in family and matrimonial law after graduation, ideally working with a private firm that focuses on those practice areas.

Despite their busy schedules, both siblings say that family remains central to their lives. “Outside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family and friends,” Aleh said.

Mohammed agrees. “My favorite thing outside of law school is spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews.”

For the Ali siblings, Pace Haub Law represents a shared starting point, one that helped launch Aleh’s legal career and continues to shape Mohammed’s path as he prepares to enter the profession.

In a city where stories shape culture and commerce, Pace University’s Communication and Media Studies programs prepare graduates to lead the conversation. From fashion and beauty to film, music, business, media, education, and public service, our alumni are building careers at organizations that influence audiences, and move ideas into action.

Rooted in the energy of New York City, the program blends critical thinking, creativity, digital fluency, and hands-on experience. Students learn to analyze media, craft compelling narratives, and communicate with purpose across platforms and professions. The result is a network of graduates whose careers reflect the breadth of the field and the strength of a Pace education.

Whether shaping brand strategy, producing content, driving public advocacy, supporting major media organizations, or advancing communications in corporate and nonprofit spaces, Pace graduates are putting their skills to work where it matters most.

Learn more about how Pace’s Communication and Media Studies Department connects students with internships, industry mentors, and real-world media experience in the heart of New York City.

The Land Use Law Center at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University was recognized as Westchester County municipal leaders formally signed a new intermunicipal agreement reestablishing the Long Island Sound Watershed Intermunicipal Council (LISWIC), a coalition of 14 municipalities committed to advancing watershed protection, flood mitigation, and regional resilience. The signing, held at Playland Beach in Rye, NY overlooking the Long Island Sound and attended by Government officials including Congressman George Latimer, marks the official revival of LISWIC and a renewed commitment to regional collaboration across the watershed. It reflects more than 30 years of sustained leadership by the Land Use Law Center in training, convening, and supporting municipal leaders across the region.

Originally established in 1999 following participation in the Land Use Law Center’s Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA) training program, LISWIC brought together local governments to collaboratively address shared environmental and infrastructure challenges across the Long Island Sound watershed. Through coordinated efforts, the coalition became a regional leader in stormwater management, securing state funding, shaping county legislation, and advancing intermunicipal cooperation.

Image

After a period of inactivity following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Land Use Law Center led efforts to reengage municipal leaders and reestablish the Council. Building on a series of LULA training programs in 2020, 2024, and 2025, the Center convened elected officials and sustainability leaders from across the watershed to address pressing environmental challenges and strengthen regional collaboration.

“These programs are designed not only to educate, but to catalyze action,” said Tiffany Zezula, Deputy Director of the Land Use Law Center. “The renewed energy behind LISWIC reflects a shared recognition that regional challenges such as flooding, stormwater management, and climate resilience require coordinated, intermunicipal solutions.”

The LULA training programs, supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Long Island Sound Futures Fund (2020), the Westchester County Association through County funding (2024), and New York Sea Grant (2025), brought together a diverse group of municipal officials and conservation leaders. During the program, participants received resilience audits and land use regulations from the Land Use Law Center and developed their own implementation plans prior to graduating from the program.

The renewed energy behind LISWIC reflects a shared recognition that regional challenges such as flooding, stormwater management, and climate resilience require coordinated, intermunicipal solutions.

—Tiffany Zezula

During the last day of the training program, Land Use Law Center staff reintroduced the concept of LISWIC as a model for regional cooperation. Local elected leaders expressed strong support for reviving the Council, prompting outreach to other key stakeholders, including various County Legislators who endorsed the initiative.

In the months that followed, municipal elected and administrators reconvened to reestablish LISWIC’s mission. A series of working meetings, facilitated by Center staff, resulted in updated bylaws, renewed intermunicipal commitments, and the formation of a new Executive Committee.

The newly established Executive Committee includes the Mayor of the Village of Mamaroneck as Chair, the Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck and the Mayor of the Village of Rye Brook serving as Vice Chairs, and the Village of Larchmont serving as Treasurer.

With its reformation, LISWIC is poised to once again serve as a leading model for intermunicipal collaboration—advancing coordinated strategies to address climate resilience, stormwater management, and watershed protection across the region.

Fall registration is here, and with it comes excitement, planning, and sometimes a bit of confusion. Let’s break down common myths and get the facts straight so you can register with confidence and stay on track for success.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth 1: If I register now, I’ll have to pay my bill immediately.

Fact: That’s not true! No matter when you register, tuition and fees for the Fall 2026 semester aren’t due until Friday, August 1, 2026. Register early to secure your ideal schedule without worrying about immediate payments​. You can also set up a payment plan.

Myth 2: Registering now locks me into classes I might not want.

Fact: You can adjust your schedule through the first week of classes. Early registration simply secures your spot in your preferred courses, but you can make changes later if needed​.

Myth 3: I don’t have time to meet with my advisor, so I can’t register yet.

Fact: Sophomores through seniors and graduate students can register as long as there are no financial or admissions holds on their accounts. While first-year students must work with their advisors or UNV 101 instructors first, upper-level students can register and follow up with their advisors later​.

Myth 4: Registering for classes is so hard.

Fact: The process is simple and clearly outlined! Visit Pace’s registration page or consult the Student Registration Guide (PDF) for step-by-step instructions​.

Myth 5: I’ll still get the classes I want if I register late.

Fact: Popular classes fill up fast, and late registration may leave you with fewer options. To get your dream schedule, register as soon as possible​.

Myth 6: Professors can add me to closed classes if I ask.

Fact: Adding students to closed classes involves a multi-step process, and classroom capacity restrictions often mean requests are denied. It’s best to plan your schedule early​.

Myth 7: I’m unsure about next semester, so I shouldn’t register until I know for sure.

Fact: Registering early secures your spot in key classes. If your plans change, you can drop your classes through the first week of the semester or work with your advisor to take a leave of absence​.

Myth 8: I don’t know who my advisor is.

Fact: Your advisor’s name is listed on your Degree Works page, your Student Profile in the Portal, and your “Network” in On Track. First-year students should consult their UNV 101 instructors​.

Steps to Register

1. Log in to Pace Portal.
2. Check your registration status for holds or prerequisites.
3. Plan your schedule using Degree Works and the registration guide.
4. Register early to secure your spot!

Don’t wait—registration is your first step toward a successful semester. Visit Pace’s Registrar page for more information or contact your advisor if you have questions.

For Jeshica Patel ’17, her desire to pursue a legal career began early and was eventually driven towards a passion for science and environmental policy.

“I knew I wanted to be a lawyer in middle school,” shared Jeshica. While she always had an interest in the law, it was during college that she discovered how her scientific interests could intersect with legal practice. After taking an environmental law class, she changed her major from biology to environmental science and policy in her final year of undergraduate study, with the goal of eventually pursuing environmental law as a career.

It was her passion for the environment that ultimately led Jeshica to Pace Haub Law. In addition to knowing she wanted to practice in New York, she was drawn to the Law School’s nationally recognized environmental law program, its proximity to New York City, and its location near extended family in New Jersey.

Once she was at Pace Haub Law, Jeshica immersed herself in the environmental law program and took advantage of the wide range of opportunities available to students. “I think my experience at the Law School was so great because I got out of it what I put in,” she said. During her first year, she formed lasting friendships with classmates, many of whom lived together in the law school dorms, which helped create a strong sense of community.

I think my experience at the Law School was so great because I got out of it what I put in.

—Jeshica Patel '17

One course that left a lasting impression was Professor Coplan’s Environmental Skills class, where students assumed real-world roles to better understand how environmental laws are applied in practice. Throughout law school, Jeshica participated in nearly every environmental extracurricular opportunity available, exploring different aspects of the field to determine the best fit for her career. Her experiences included volunteering at the Land Use Law Center, participating in the DC Externship Program at EPA headquarters, interning at EPA Region 2, interning at Riverkeeper, and working at the Pace Energy and Climate Center. She also participated in the Environmental Litigation Clinic, completed a judicial externship in an Integrated Domestic Violence court in New York City, and attended the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2016. “All of those experiences helped me learn substantive issues, work on my networking skills, and think creatively about problem-solving,” Patel said.

Jeshica’s first role after graduation came through the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program, where she worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The position introduced her to the policymaking process while setting her up for the next stage of her career. “That placement set my career up for a trajectory I never could have envisioned for myself in the best way possible,” she said.

Today, Jeshica works as an associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where her work combines legal research, policy analysis, and client advocacy. She notes that her daily work varies widely. “Every day is different,” she said. “Some days I’m deep in legal research and memo drafting, while other days I’m working with clients to advance their priorities with various government entities. I get to learn something new every day.”

The skills Jeshica developed at Pace Haub Law continue to serve her well. She notes that a legal drafting course in particular proved valuable, as much of her work today involves drafting research memoranda and legal documents. Her internship and externship experiences also taught her how to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.

One of the proudest moments of her career came when she was appointed Governor Hochul’s assistant counsel for environment, energy, and agriculture, a role that allowed her to contribute directly to shaping environmental and energy policy in New York State.

Jeshica remains connected to the Law School community and is actively involved with the Pace Environmental Law Alumni Association, often gathering with fellow alumni in Albany and New York City. She also makes herself available to speak with students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing careers in environmental or energy law. Her advice to current law students and recent graduates is simple: “Keep an open mind. You never know what will happen when you say yes to an opportunity you didn’t expect.”

Outside of work, Jeshica enjoys traveling, rediscovering the joy of reading for fun, and attempting to improve her skills as a gardener, though, she jokes, the results are still to be determined.

Image

Welcome to the College of Health Professions (CHP) A Healthcare Pathway Series, where we take a deep dive into the careers, experiences, and inspiring advice from Pace University College of Health Professions Advisory Board members and key figures in healthcare.

Meet Cathy Manley-Cullen, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC '96. Recently retired after a 40+ year long career, Cathy has had a great impact on hundreds of nurses, both as the current chair of the Pace University College of Health Professions (CHP) Advisory Board and as the former chief nursing officer (CNO) for Northwell Health-Northern Westchester Hospital Center, and within numerous other roles.

I couldn't have imagined when I first decided on nursing as a profession, that it would offer so many different opportunities as it has.

Cathy had never planned on becoming a CNO, though her career goals were always focused on leadership. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of New Rochelle, Cathy started her leadership journey by earning her Master of Science in Nursing from CHP’s Lienhard School of Nursing (LSN). Obtaining professional certifications as an Emergency Nurse, Flight Nurse, and Nursing Leader, were also important to advancing her professional development.

“A leadership position isn't necessarily for everyone, but if you do enjoy envisioning and improving the quality of care that can be delivered, creating new healthcare delivery models, collaborating with many different disciplines, and focusing on strategy and efficiency, then leadership just might be for you,” Cathy explained. Leadership can take form in many ways and result in many different career paths. Prior to becoming the CNO for Northern Westchester Hospital Center, Cathy held roles such as, chief operating officer at Westchester Medical Center, vice president of Patient Care Services and Nursing for NYU Langone, director of nursing for NYU's Emergency Department and Observation Service, and chief flight nurse for the regional STAT Flight program.

Cathy shared that there are many paths that a nurse can follow with their career. For those looking to be more hands-on with patients, there is the direct clinical care route; you can work in a hospital, outpatient setting, provide care through a Telehealth platform, and provide care for all ages across the healthcare spectrum.

Outside of direct clinical work, nurses can become educators, conduct research, and work within different operational roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Other pathways include becoming a transformational leader, serving as an elected official, or roles where you can influence healthcare policy, manage finances, and direct healthcare policy.

The direction Cathy took with her career led her down an administrative pathway. Typically, when moving from clinical into more admin-focused positions, direct patient care decreases, but the overall impact on patients remains. A CNO’s responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, monitoring resource procurements and allocations, and improving nursing policies by creating a healthy environment for nurses to work within.

Moving to the administrative side of healthcare gave Cathy a new understanding of the importance of engaging in policy discussions, especially those that directly impact patient care and nursing practice.

"I’m not sure that when I was involved in direct patient care, I was as informed as I should have been regarding healthcare policy,” explained Cathy. “When I transitioned into various administrative positions, having access to information and participating in discussions led me to think more critically about policy issues and develop a passion for advocacy.”

Mentorship was another resource for Cathy that positively impacted her career. Having access and creating relationships with multiple mentors created a collaborative space for sharing knowledge and perspectives.

I was fortunate enough to have many [mentors]. One in particular taught me a lot about hospital operations and finance outside of patient care services, which gave me a better understanding of how all the different departments and services in healthcare are intertwined.

Since her retirement, Cathy has continued to mentor nursing colleagues and students alike, inspired by those who helped her along her own path. She is the regional president of the New York Organization of Nursing Leaders, and through this role is able to share her experiences with established and emerging nursing leaders.

“One of the benefits of being an active member of the CHP advisory board is having access to students who are in need of a mentor as they begin their professional journey.” Additionally, she has continued to serve the public and the nursing profession by remaining active through different advocacy and participation efforts, like her work on political action committees, to ensure that nursing agendas get attention from elected officials.

Supporting nurses and those who provide direct patient care is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had in my career.