For survivors of domestic violence, leaving an abusive relationship can be only the beginning of a complicated legal journey. Questions about child custody, financial support, housing, and personal safety can make an already difficult situation feel impossible. And for many, the cost of hiring an attorney puts legal help out of reach.

For 35 years, the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) has worked to change that reality.

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Founded in 1991, the Center provides free civil legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Today, its team of approximately 35 professionals, including 26 attorneys, serves roughly 3,500 clients annually. Through courthouse offices, legal consultations, a helpline, and partnerships with the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, PWJC helps survivors understand their rights and navigate a legal system that can be difficult to access.

But as the Center marks its 35th anniversary during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, its leaders acknowledge that significant challenges remain.

Cindy Kanusher, JD, PWJC's executive director, has spent nearly three decades working to expand access to legal representation for survivors. She joined the organization when it had just three attorneys and has helped guide its evolution into one of the region's established legal advocacy organizations.

We spoke with Kanusher about the financial and legal barriers survivors encounter, where the justice system continues to fall short, and why the Center's work remains as urgent as ever.

What are the biggest legal challenges facing survivors of domestic violence today?

One of the biggest challenges is that survivors simply cannot afford legal help. So many of the people who come to us don't have the financial means to hire an attorney. Sometimes that's because financial abuse is part of their situation. Other times, they just don't have the resources to pay for legal representation, which can be extraordinarily expensive.

That's why being able to provide our services for free is so important.

But affordability is only one barrier. Access is another. We have offices in the family courthouses in White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle, where someone can walk in without an appointment and speak with an attorney. We also have a legal helpline and a walk-in clinic where people can receive consultations, including remotely.

Someone might need an emergency order of protection, or they might be worried about custody of their children or how they're going to support their family. They can come to us and begin understanding their options immediately.

We try to make legal help available in ways that work for people's lives. That might mean speaking to an attorney during a lunch break or from the privacy of their car.

How does a lack of information about legal rights keep people in abusive situations?

It's an enormous barrier. Many survivors don't understand their legal rights, and sometimes that's because they've been deliberately told they don't have any.

Someone might be told that if they leave, they'll automatically lose custody of their children. Or that they have no right to financial support or access to the family's money. Those beliefs can have a tremendous impact on someone's decisions.

Being able to sit down with an attorney and learn that leaving doesn't automatically mean losing custody of your children, or that there may be ways to obtain financial support, can make an enormous difference.

Sometimes people aren't ready to take legal action. They just want to understand their rights and what the process might look like. Giving them that information allows them to make decisions about their own lives and their families.

What does meaningful legal advocacy look like beyond just securing an order of protection?

It's much more comprehensive than simply providing legal representation!

Someone might come to us because they're considering divorce, seeking custody of their children, or trying to obtain an order of protection. We explain how the legal system works, what they can expect, and what steps they might need to take.

But we also talk about safety, because pursuing legal action can create very real safety concerns for someone living in an abusive relationship.

We work with community partners who provide counseling, advocacy, safety planning, and other services. Sometimes the immediate concern is housing. Someone may want to leave an abusive situation but have nowhere to go, so we help connect them with shelter or other housing resources.

It's really a support system. The legal component is essential, but it's only one part of what someone may need to move forward safely.

After so many years of advocacy at the Center, in your opinion, where does the legal system still fall short for survivors?

That's a difficult question, because we've made tremendous progress, but there are still significant problems. The legal system, whether we're talking about family court or criminal court, is fundamentally adversarial. And that doesn't always align with what survivors want or need.

Not every survivor wants to pursue criminal charges. Not everyone wants their abuser arrested. Sometimes they simply want the abuse to stop. They want to live in peace. But the options available through the legal system don't always reflect those needs.

We need to continue thinking about innovative approaches that make the system more responsive to survivors. There have been conversations about restorative justice and mediation, although both raise serious concerns in domestic violence cases because of the power imbalances involved.

We also need continued education for judges, attorneys, and everyone who works within the justice system. Understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and the trauma survivors experience is essential to responding appropriately.

There isn't one simple answer. But we have to keep asking how the system can work better for the people it's supposed to protect.

As the Pace Women's Justice Center celebrates its 35th anniversary, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

When I joined the Center 28 years ago, I was its third attorney. Today, we have approximately 26 attorneys and a staff of 35. That growth has allowed us to expand our services tremendously.

When I first started, much of our work focused on training and education, particularly helping police and prosecutors understand domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Over time, we began providing direct legal representation in family court, helping survivors with custody, support, divorce, and other matters.

One of our most innovative programs is our Family Court Legal Program, which places attorneys directly in courthouses so people can receive help without an appointment. We also work closely with Haub Law students, who gain hands-on legal experience while helping us serve more people. That program alone assists approximately 500 to 600 people annually.

We've also built a substantial pro bono network. We have more than 50 volunteers, many of them attorneys, who contribute approximately 10,000 hours of service annually. That represents an extraordinary contribution to our clients and our mission.

And one of our newest initiatives, our walk-in legal clinic, provides about 800 consultations each year.

We've expanded our work to address elder abuse and the legal needs of sexual assault survivors as well. I'm proud of how much we've grown and how many different ways we've found to reach people who need help.

How does the Pace Women’s Justice Center prepare the next generation of attorneys while expanding access to justice?

One of the things that makes our work so special is the opportunity to involve current Haub Law students directly in serving survivors. Through our Family Court Legal Program, law students work alongside experienced attorneys, gaining hands-on legal experience while helping people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

It's a win-win. Students receive valuable training and learn what it means to advocate for clients facing real challenges, while their involvement allows us to serve more people. That program alone helps approximately 500 to 600 people every year, and we simply couldn't do that without our students.

Being part of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law also gives us a strong foundation for this work. Pace University's support has been instrumental in helping the Center grow and remain stable over the years. Together with our volunteers and community supporters, that foundation allows us to continue providing free legal services to thousands of people who need them.

What gives you hope for the future of domestic violence advocacy, and what do you want people to understand about PWJC?

I often joke that I hope one day the Pace Women's Justice Center will be out of business because our services won't be needed anymore.

But that hasn't happened. In fact, we're probably receiving more calls now than ever before. My hope is that we'll continue to be here for as long as people need us.

And the most important thing I want people to understand is that they are not alone.

If someone is experiencing domestic violence, has been sexually assaulted, or is experiencing elder abuse, there are resources available. There's somewhere they can go to talk to someone, understand their options, and get help.

We want people to know that they'll be believed and treated with respect. We'll work with them to understand what they want to do and help them make decisions that keep themselves and their families safe.

Most importantly, people need to know we're here. Because if they don't know about us, we can't be a resource for them.

Access Legal Help. Support the Mission.

The Pace Women's Justice Center provides free legal services and resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Community members, legal professionals, and students can also support the Center's work through volunteer opportunities, pro bono service, and financial contributions.

Learn more about the Pace Women's Justice Center and how to get involved.

The Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) supports faculty in advancing research and creative inquiry through collaboration with undergraduate students. Explore upcoming events, professional development webinars, and funding opportunities designed to help you engage student researchers, strengthen your projects, and expand undergraduate research at Pace.

Funding Opportunities Faculty Webinar Series Undergraduate Research Presentations

For more information, visit the CURE website or contact Norma Quiridumbay, CURE director of operations, at nquiridumbay@pace.edu, or Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD, assistant provost for research, at miacullobird@pace.edu.

2026–2027 Funding Opportunities

2026–2027 Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program Funded by Federal Work Study (FWS)

Looking for support for your research or creative inquiry project? The Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program provides opportunities for faculty to recruit student research assistants through Federal Work Study (FWS). The program also gives students valuable hands-on research experience while working alongside faculty mentors.

Faculty are invited to submit proposals for research assistantship positions tied to specific projects. Proposals will receive priority consideration through October 15, 2026. After that date, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

Undergraduate Research Assistantship Position Application

Fall 2026 Faculty Undergraduate Research Webinar Series

Join CURE for the Fall 2026 Faculty Undergraduate Research Webinar Series, featuring Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD, assistant provost for research. These virtual sessions will help faculty explore undergraduate research resources, develop grant-writing skills, incorporate research into their courses, and pursue external funding opportunities.

Webinars will be held during Tuesday common hours, from 3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m:

All webinars take place on Tuesdays from 3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.:

• September 29, 2026: Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Opportunities, Resources, and Advocacy
• October 13, 2026: Getting Started in Grant Writing and Incorporating Undergraduate Research
• November 10, 2026: Developing Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
• December 8, 2026: Applying for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program Site or Supplement

Register for Webinars

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Presentation Series

Join CURE for the Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Presentation Series, a series of virtual events showcasing the work of Pace University student scholars. Held during 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m. common hours from September 23 through November 9, the presentations highlight research and creative projects supported by University and external undergraduate research programs. Faculty are encouraged to attend, celebrate student achievements, and support the next generation of scholars.

• Wednesday, September 23, 2026: Computer Science
• Monday, September 28, 2026: Creative Arts
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Economics
• Monday, October 5, 2026, noon–1:00 p.m.: Humanities
• Monday, October 12, 2026: Psychology and Biology
• Friday, October 16, 2026: Social Justice and Environmental Studies
• Monday, October 19, 2026: Mathematics and Statistics
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Social Sciences
• Monday, October 26, 2026: Creative Arts
• Monday, November 2, 2026: Biology and Chemistry
• Monday, November 9, 2026: Humanities

Register for Presentation Series

For More Information

For more information, visit the CURE website or contact Norma Quiridumbay, CURE director of operations, at nquiridumbay@pace.edu, or Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD, assistant provost for research, at miacullobird@pace.edu.

Looking to get involved in undergraduate research at Pace? The Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) connects students with opportunities to collaborate with faculty, develop research skills, and showcase their work. Explore upcoming events, webinars, funding opportunities, and resources to take your research experience to the next level.

Presentation Series Webinar Series Other Opportunities

For more information, visit the CURE website or contact Norma Quiridumbay, CURE director of operations, at nquiridumbay@pace.edu, or Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD, assistant provost for research, at miacullobird@pace.edu.

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Presentation Series

Join CURE for the Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Presentation Series, a series of virtual events showcasing the work of Pace University student scholars. Held during 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m. common hours from September 23 through November 9, the presentations will highlight research and creative projects supported by University and external undergraduate research programs. Come discover the exciting work our students are doing and support the next generation of scholars!

• Wednesday, September 23, 2026: Computer Science
• Monday, September 28, 2026: Creative Arts
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Economics
• Monday, October 5, 2026, noon–1:00 p.m.: Humanities
• Monday, October 12, 2026: Psychology and Biology
• Friday, October 16, 2026: Social Justice and Environmental Studies
• Monday, October 19, 2026: Mathematics and Statistics
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Social Sciences
• Monday, October 26, 2026: Creative Arts
• Monday, November 2, 2026: Biology and Chemistry
• Monday, November 9, 2026: Humanities

Register for Presentation Series

Fall 2026 Student Undergraduate Research Webinar Series

Join CURE for the Fall 2026 Student Undergraduate Research Webinar Series, featuring Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD, assistant provost for research. These virtual sessions will help students explore undergraduate research opportunities, learn about conference funding, develop essential research skills, and discover ways to get involved.

Webinars will be offered during Thursday common hours (3:25 p.m.–4:25 p.m.) and Friday common hours (12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.).

Student Conference Travel Funds and External Conferences, Including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)

• Thursday, September 24, 2026, 3:25 p.m.–4:25 p.m.
• Friday, September 25, 2026, 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.

Peer Undergraduate Research Leaders (PURLs) and Getting Started in Research

• Thursday, October 15, 2026, 3:25 p.m.–4:25 p.m.
• Friday, October 16, 2026, 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.

Social Justice, the Responsible Conduct of Research, and CITI Training

• Thursday, November 5, 2026, 3:25 p.m.–4:25 p.m.
• Friday, November 6, 2026, 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.

Applying for a Summer 2026 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

• Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:25 p.m.–4:25 p.m.
• Friday, December 11, 2026, 12:10 p.m.–1:10 p.m.

Register for Thursday Webinars Register for Friday Webinars

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the webinar.

Other Opportunities

2026–2027 Student Academic Conference Travel Fund for Undergraduate Presentations

Pace University students presenting scholarly research or artistic projects at external academic conferences may be eligible for travel funding. To qualify, students must be presenters at the conference and be listed in the conference program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability.

Apply for the Student Academic Conference Travel Fund

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Membership

Pace University offers faculty, students, and staff access to the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), a leading organization dedicated to advancing undergraduate research. Through the University's Enhanced Institutional Membership, members of the Pace community can access CUR resources and professional development opportunities.

Activate Your CUR Membership

CUR Governance Nominations and Elections

Interested in helping shape the future of undergraduate research? The CUR governance nominations and elections process is open, offering opportunities to get involved in the organization's leadership.

Learn More About CUR Nominations and Elections

Looking to build your resume, explore AI, or develop new career-ready skills? You can do it at no cost through Pace University.

Through the Google AI for Education Accelerator, the Pace Community has access to Google's professional certificates and AI training courses, designed to help them develop in-demand skills and prepare for the workforce.

Explore courses in cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, project management, IT support, and more. Students can also take advantage of Google's AI training programs to learn how to use emerging technologies in their studies and future careers.

The best part? Courses are online, flexible, and available at no cost.

How to Get Started

Ready to build your skills? Getting started with the Pace University Google Learning Program is easy. Follow these steps to access your courses:

1. Visit the Pace University Google Learning Program on Coursera and select Log In.
2. Choose Single Sign-On (SSO). Select Log in with Pace University rather than creating a separate Coursera account.
3. Enter your Pace credentials. Sign in using your standard Pace username and password.
4. Complete your first-time login. If prompted to create a new password, choose one that is different from your Pace password.
5. Start learning! Once logged in, you'll be directed to the Coursera dashboard, where you can explore available courses and begin your training.

Need help? Visit the Pace University Google Learning Program Helpdesk guide for detailed instructions and screenshots, or contact acadtech@pace.edu for assistance.

As surveillance technologies become increasingly sophisticated, where do we draw the line between public safety and personal privacy? For Amy Freedman, PhD, professor and chair of Political Science, that question is a key aspect of her research on democracy and individual freedoms in Southeast Asia. In this Q+A, Freedman explores the intersection of technology, political power, and civil liberties, and shares how her research informs her teaching and inspires student collaboration.

Your research interests relate to trends toward and away from democracy, and particularly in Southeast Asia. How did you become interested in this topic?

In countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, individual rights and freedoms are not a given, and there is a lot of variation within Southeast Asia and over time in rights protections and individual liberties and freedoms. I became interested in these questions in graduate school and in my dissertation research on ethnic Chinese communities, who are an ethnic minority in Indonesia and Malaysia and have often suffered persecution. I was interested in how they were able to organize and assert their interests, and this led to other related questions about democracy, rights, and freedoms.

How do surveillance and freedom in particular intersect with your research on Southeast Asia?

Autocratic countries, like many in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, for example), and semi-democratic countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, use surveillance as a way of perpetuating state control. While not as rigidly controlled or censored as China, almost all countries in Southeast Asia have limitations on things like a free press, free assembly, and what you can say or post on the internet. Laws purporting to address misinformation or ‘fake news’ often are used against critics of leaders and opposition forces; and, these laws often go hand in hand with state surveillance of all citizens’ online and in-real-life activities.

While surveillance varies around Southeast Asia; several Southeast Asian countries have heavily invested in AI-driven public tracking, frequently importing low-cost facial recognition and smart-city software from Chinese tech giants, as well as developing fairly extensive surveillance technologies themselves.

Were any of your research findings surprising or challenged assumptions?

Surveillance isn’t that surprising in autocratic states, but what has been interesting is how countries which used to be very suspicious of China (in terms of their foreign policy), have shifted their position and become much closer to China, welcoming investment and deals for infrastructure and technology. This includes countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore.

It’s both an election year in the U.S. and a time with much debate surrounding Flock cameras and data centers. As a political scientist, what are your thoughts on the intersection of these?

I think the focus of this election cycle on Flock cameras and data centers is really useful as a way for people to become better informed about how technology and surveillance are already present in our lives. But I am frankly not hopeful that either political party is going to do much to change the status quo. Democrats, if and when they regain control in Washington, might put some safeguards in place to better protect rights of privacy and curtail some of the worst abuses of state power, but it is really local governments and police forces who are buying and using facial recognition equipment and allowing construction of data centers.

How has your research informed your work with students and teaching?

As part of the Provost Office’s Summer 2026 Dyson College Student-Faculty Undergraduate Research Initiative, I collaborated with Idris Johnson ’27, a Political Science major, on the topic of surveillance and individual freedom, and he is much more knowledgeable than I am on the implications for democracy here in the US.

The courses I teach that relate to this topic are Modern Chinese Politics, Politics of Southeast Asia, and Freedom in the World. Certainly, in the classroom, we discuss individual rights and freedoms, both at a theoretical level and in application to the real world. Philosopher and social theorist Jürgen Habermas’s work is interesting in how he thinks about the importance of community and technology, and I often assign journalist and historian Anne Applebaum’s work on growing authoritarianism around the world. In addition, my students examine Freedom House reports on levels of freedom globally. (for many years, I wrote the Freedom in the World reports for Malaysia and Singapore).

Curious about the forces shaping freedom and democracy around the world? Explore how a degree in Political Science from Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences can help you understand global challenges, question the status quo, and turn your curiosity into meaningful research and real-world impact.

When Christina Tram ’27 was considering a career, her experience with illness during high school influenced her thinking. In and out of hospitals as a teenager, Tram said she rarely felt motivated to heal, and often identified more with her illness than her potential.

Then, one day, a nurse changed her outlook on life.

“It was the first time in a long time that someone treated me like a person and not just a patient,” said Tram, a Pace University nursing student. “It was through her kindness that I realized how much of an impact a nurse can have, and this helped me see a professional future in something meaningful.”

Today, Tram is a nursing student scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the president of the Pace Nursing Student Association. She’s also among the more than 1,000 nursing students currently pursuing degrees at Pace’s Lienhard School of Nursing (LSN) within the College of Health Professions, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.

“I’m so grateful that the contributions of my professors and clinical instructors and the knowledge I gained in Lienhard prepared me to excel in my internships,” Tram said.

From pioneering nurse-led healthcare to advanced clinical simulation, Lienhard has for decades been at the vanguard of training the next generation of nurses. More than 12,800 alumni have earned their nursing degrees at Lienhard.

“I’m so grateful that the contributions of my professors and clinical instructors and the knowledge I gained in Lienhard prepared me to excel in my internships,” Tram said.

In 1966, when Pace University welcomed nursing students to the Westchester Campus, it marked a turning point for healthcare education in the region, opening new pathways into a profession that would become increasingly central to the region's healthcare system.

Along the way, Pace's school of nursing has grown into a national powerhouse for nursing education, research, and clinical innovation, preparing nurses to serve patients, lead healthcare teams, and respond to changing community needs.

The need for nurses has never been greater. While many industries are contracting amid a wave of technical disruption, health care remains an economic brightspot. A recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report found that healthcare employment is surging, and projections for future growth in healthcare occupations remain robust.

Brian Goldstein, PhD, dean of the College of Health Professions, said the goal at Pace is to ensure that graduates are ready to serve from day one.

“Through education by exemplary faculty who are scholar-practitioners in their areas of expertise and advanced simulation experiences in our accredited Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation, we’re preparing students to align with workforce demands,” said Goldstein. “With strong teaching, scholarship, and clinical and practice partnerships, our model of education directly benefits students, faculty, and the communities we serve.”

A Legacy of Firsts

Innovation has been part of Lienhard's identity from the beginning.

In 1977, Pace established what became University Health Care, the first nurse-managed academic health center in the United States. Initially supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the initiative demonstrated how nurses could lead in healthcare delivery while expanding access to essential services, which continue to be offered at the Westchester campus.

Throughout the decades, the school continued breaking new ground. It established a nursing research center in 1982 and expanded advanced nursing education to include a nurse practitioner master's programs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and then a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.

"We are poised to lead, honoring our legacy while embracing innovation, advancing nursing education, and preparing the next generation of nurses to shape the future of healthcare.”

The school's evolution also helped lay the foundation for Pace's College of Health Professions, established in 2010.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the Lienhard School of Nursing, we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of generations of dedicated nursing educators, visionary leaders, and colleagues whose commitment and passion have built the exceptional nursing program we are today,” said Esma Paljevic, EdD, RN, CPNP, FNYAM, senior associate dean and chief nursing officer at the College of Health Professions.

“Our rich history is not only a source of pride but also the foundation that informs and inspires our future,” said Paljevic. “As healthcare continues to transform through technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and new models of care, we are poised to lead, honoring our legacy while embracing innovation, advancing nursing education, and preparing the next generation of nurses to shape the future of healthcare.”

Preparing Nurses for What's Next

Today, Lienhard combines industry experience with contemporary approaches to learning.

Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, students gain clinical experience in settings such as NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, Northwell Health, and Westchester Medical Center. The school's Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation provides opportunities to practice clinical decision-making, develop technical skills, and navigate complex patient-care scenarios in a controlled environment.

From undergraduate nursing education to master's and doctoral programs, Lienhard prepares nurses for roles in direct patient care, advanced practice, research, and healthcare leadership.

“I know the feeling of looking at other students and viewing them as extraordinarily talented or intelligent—beyond any perceived capacity I would ever achieve—and thinking that there was no way I could ever be so capable,” said Tram. “And yet, through trial and error, and not being afraid to say yes to opportunities (or being afraid and still saying yes), I am the student I once looked up to.”

On Sunday, October 18, alumni, faculty, clinical partners, and friends will gather at Pace's Westchester Campus for the Lienhard School of Nursing's 60th Anniversary Celebration. Register to attend.

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What attracted you to Pace?

My connection to Pace University stems from two sources. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with Pace alumni. Each individual consistently proved to be a grounded, results-driven, high-performing leader. That continuous caliber of talent made a lasting impression on me and made me eager to contribute to the university’s mission.

In addition, I welcomed the opportunity to return to higher education. It is truly fulfilling to play an active role in guiding, supporting, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

How do you contribute toward the success of Pace?

I often describe the Talent Acquisition (TA) team as the individuals who set the pace of the organization's brand. The TA team holds the honor of being the very first touchpoint for every new hire.

In partnership with the university’s hiring leaders, TA carefully maps the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for every role. Student-facing or operational, we directly secure the human capital vital to executing Pace’s strategic vision, fostering an environment where talent thrives and furthers our commitment to Opportunitas and student success.

What is your favorite part about your job?

For many people who reflect on success, their career is almost always central to the narrative, shaping not just their livelihood, but their personal brand and identity.

Talent Acquisition sits at the intersection of professional growth and personal transformation. Opening doors that alter career trajectories and transform lives creating lasting personal impact.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to relax?

NYC is all about the experience. From a blindfolded sensory sculpting session at Unorthodox (which I highly recommend) to high-energy group scavenger hunts through Grand Central and The Met, these moments may not always be relaxing, but they are always memorable.

What would be your ultimate getaway vacation destination?

My travel bucket list spans into two categories. Domestically, I would love to visit every US national park and spot bison in the wild—from a safe distance, of course.

Internationally, top on my list is the Fiji Islands. Beyond the turquoise waters, warm tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes, I would love to experience firsthand: stepping ahead of time - literally. The 180-degree meridian passes through the island of Taveuni, meaning I would be able to stand with one foot in today and the other in yesterday.

From learning about cybersecurity threats in the classroom to becoming an information security analyst in the legal sector and co-founder of tech company Cyranix, Pace University alum Laraib Sarmad (BS in Information Technology ’23) has built a career that goes well beyond any single role. Today, she is exploring new ways to apply her expertise through artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and research, but her journey in tech started at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Drawn to the school for its hands-on learning opportunities, faculty, and connections to New York's professional community, she credits the experience she gained and the relationships she built at Pace with helping shape her career.

"I chose Seidenberg because I wanted a program that combined strong technical education with practical, real-world application," she says. "The security & information assurance concentration aligned directly with my interest in cybersecurity, while my criminal justice minor gave me an additional perspective on investigations, evidence, and risk."

Learning by Doing

Throughout her time at Seidenberg, Sarmad pursued opportunities to put her classroom knowledge to work. One particularly impactful experience was her cybersecurity capstone project with ISACA, a global professional association with 185,000 members working in fields such as information security, governance, risk, and privacy. The project challenged her to analyze a complex cybersecurity scenario, examining technical vulnerabilities, organizational risks, security controls, and the broader consequences of a cyber incident.

"What made the project valuable was that we had to go beyond identifying technical problems. We had to understand why the incident occurred, evaluate its impact, and develop practical security recommendations. That experience strengthened the evidence-driven and risk-focused approach I use in cybersecurity today."

Eager to expand her cybersecurity knowledge beyond the classroom, Sarmad also worked as a Cyber Range student assistant at Pace and later as an IT consultant. While the former gave her hands-on exposure to cybersecurity environments, the latter broadened her experience supporting users, systems, and day-to-day technology operations.

"Pace gave me opportunities to apply what I was learning long before graduation," she says, adding that her time at the Cyber Range “helped me build confidence working with real systems and strengthened my interest in cybersecurity as a career."

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Building a Career in Cybersecurity and AI

Since graduating, Sarmad has built a career spanning cybersecurity operations, IT, research, and technology entrepreneurship. She is also returning to Seidenberg to pursue her MS in Cybersecurity.

Currently an information security analyst at a law firm, Sarmad investigates security activity, analyzes potential threats, and helps protect sensitive systems and information. Her work in the legal sector has deepened her understanding of confidentiality, risk management, and the importance of protecting sensitive information.

Her interests have also taken her into entrepreneurship. Alongside a group of colleagues, Sarmad co-founded Cyranix to develop intelligent technology products. The team created TickFlo, an AI-enabled ticketing and support platform, and is now developing an AI-based system to help identify and analyze potential cybersecurity threats.

"All of these experiences connect back to what I developed at Seidenberg: approaching complex problems analytically, understanding risk, and translating technical knowledge into practical solutions," Sarmad says.

Staying Connected

Sarmad's connection to Seidenberg has continued beyond graduation, opening doors to new opportunities. While volunteering with Pace's CryptoBot camp, she worked with students and built relationships with faculty that would later lead to further research. "One of those faculty connections later developed into a separate research collaboration involving quantum computing and cybersecurity," she says.

In addition to exploring the implications of quantum computing for cryptography and cybersecurity, Sarmad is collaborating with Pace faculty on research related to CryptoBot and hands-on cybersecurity education.

"One of the things I value most about Pace is that faculty support does not end when a class ends," she says. "My professors have remained accessible and supportive as I continue developing professionally, academically, and through research."

Making Opportunities Count

For current Seidenberg students hoping to build careers in tech, Sarmad emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience early and building meaningful relationships with professors and alumni.

"Do not wait until graduation. Pursue internships, student employment, research, volunteer opportunities, campus programs, capstone projects, and anything that gives you practical experience,” she says.

Sarmad reminds students that the most important thing is simply getting started. "Your first opportunity does not have to be your dream job. It needs to give you a place to learn, contribute, and prove yourself."

And just as important as finding that first opportunity, Sarmad believes, is making the most of it.

"When someone gives you that first opportunity, make it count. Be dependable, ask thoughtful questions, take initiative, and keep learning. Your first role may be a small step, but it can become the foundation for everything that follows."

You don’t have to navigate an experience of sexual or interpersonal violence alone. Pace offers confidential support, campus resources, and reporting options so you can decide what feels right for you.

Looking for Confidential Support?

Confidential resources can help you talk through what happened, explore your options, and connect with care without making a formal report.

At Pace, confidential resources include the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness, Counseling Center, and University Health Care.

For campus-specific contacts, medical resources, off-campus support, and information about forensic exams:

• Get Support in New York City
• Get Support in Pleasantville

Want to Make a Report?

You decide if, when, and how you want to report.

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance can explain your options, connect you with supportive measures, and respond to reports of sexual misconduct. Supportive measures may be available even if you do not file a formal complaint or make a police report.

You may also report to Pace Safety and Security, law enforcement, or through the University’s online reporting form.

Supporting Someone Else?

You don’t need to have all the answers. Listen, believe them, respect their choices, and help them connect with support if they want it.

Pace’s campus support pages include additional guidance for helping a friend, along with confidential and off-campus resources.

You have options. You have support. You don’t have to navigate this alone.