Image

Uruguay native, entrepreneur, and Acting alumnus Octavio Yattah ’19 shares his love of taking on challenges and making his dreams a reality.

You attended the Pace School of Performing Arts for four years as a student, and recently returned to the neighborhood and community to open MCM Coffee on Fulton Street.

Tell us about your dream to start this business and why its fruition is so meaningful to you.

My parents are artists and business owners. My mother, an opera singer, decided to become a chef and open her own restaurant and I inherited the outlook that there is not only one way to play the game [of life]. I love taking on challenges and overcoming them. It gives me security of mind to know that, no matter how hard things might be, perseverance is key. And doing something for yourself is priceless.

You graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. What attracted you to this program and Pace University?

I had both a limited budget for my education and a youthful hunger, that idealist mindset of wanting more from life than what was presented. To stay in my country of Uruguay, where performance art is almost null, was not an option. I researched universities in New York (I loved the idea of a multicultural melting pot) and was first attracted to Pace because their scholarships were extremely competitive. Later on, during the audition process, I met some faculty and had an overwhelming sense of joy and felt very welcomed. I did not know what I was doing, and everyone jumped to help get my auditioning structure right. Bottom line, if first impressions count, Pace Performing Arts has outdone themselves on this one.

How were Dyson faculty or other members of the Pace community instrumental in your personal and/or professional journey?

I have had much guidance, and through conversation, I have discovered brilliance in a lot of the faculty. Educators have a distinctive characteristic; they are idealists. They believe firmly that education is the foundation of reforming society from its roots. They are dreamers. Having daily access to people who share this ideology is a blessing, especially on those days when you are feeling unsure and defeated. I have been lifted by so many of the faculty and community at the Pace School of Performing Arts. But you have to do your due diligence and create those bonds for yourself.

I have been lifted by so many of the faculty and community at the Pace School of Performing Arts. Having daily access to people who share [the same] ideology about education is a blessing.

You have had a large range of roles in international theater, New York theater, and educational theater, as well as both supporting and lead roles in television and film. What are you are most proud of and how do you balance being an enterprising business owner with your passion for acting?

I loved being a part of the International Festival of Sibiu in Romania, in which I was cast, along with other fellow PPA students (some in the BA in Acting – International Performance Ensemble program, and others, such as myself, in the BFA program) for a play by a directing student of Professor Cosmin Chivu. We did a piece called The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), and it was a great experience for me. I loved being able to travel for work and it all felt very official; I was very proud of that moment. I am currently on a hiatus from the acting world, as starting a business requires a lot of focus and effort, and I had to prioritize. But it is temporary, and I look forward to returning soon, if not the conventional way, by making films funded by my business.

Originally from Montevideo, Uruguay, what values fueled your journey to New York City?

I believe New York City is understood by many, if not all, as a “tough” city. It will make or break you. Experiencing what it is to be human, finding solutions, and persisting to conquer another day is what differentiates a good artist from a not-so-great one. And learning from your mistakes creates an understanding of the collective, with our similar heartbreak, treason, joy, selflessness, and other traits. Coming from Uruguay, a country of 3.5 million people, to a city of almost 9 million, I also had to adjust culturally, rhythmically, and anthropologically. But I had a bigger dream and I wanted to see it through.

I set my goals, which gets me out of bed, while allowing space to welcome new experiences and ideas.

What advice would you give to our students, as they navigate their college life?

Learn how to adapt, be smart about your choices. Be true to your boundaries (you will learn self-respect). If you put in the work, you will be provided for. It won’t be anything short of easy, but if you persevere and give it your all, you will see something come out of it. Make mistakes, lots of them, as those are gems, and without them, you will never know who you truly are. Also, go to therapy if it is accessible to you and pay attention to self-care and self-love!

Driven from a young age to be a lawyer, Chioma Deere had her son while she was applying to law school. Ultimately, Pace provided the flexibility to allow Chioma to accomplish her dream while balancing her family life. Now, Chioma Deere is the founding and managing partner of her own firm, Deere Law Firm, in West Palm Beach, Florida with a focus on wills, trusts, and estate planning.

Let’s jump right in, what was your path to law school?

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a lawyer. After college, I was accepted to three law schools in the tri-state area. It was right around that time that I had my son. While he was still a baby, I went to paralegal school to get my certificate in Paralegal Studies from Mercy College in New York. While working as a full-time paralegal, I went to what was then called Pace Law School, at night for four years. I chose Pace because of the proximity to home and my then 24-month-old son, as well as the collegial and welcoming way that the students and teachers who were going to “night school” came together. It was certainly a trial by fire going to law school for four years at night; I made some lifelong friends there. Somehow, when I got there, I knew Pace was the one for me.

What experiences from Pace stick with you?

There were many memorable moments: studying in the library in my little spot on the third floor, going for drinks with my classmates after class on Friday, crunching through the snow to the parking lots to drive home, and meeting incredible individuals who were embarking on the journey of law at various ages and stages of their careers. And, of course, Professor Bridget Crawford. My most memorable times were in classes I had with Professor Bridget Crawford. I am originally from Jamaica, and moved to the Bronx as a teenager. My thesis in undergrad focused on socioeconomic belonging of immigrant women from the Caribbean, so I gravitated to Professor Crawford’s topics as well as her style of teaching. I truly felt seen and welcomed when I was in her classes.

You are the founding and managing partner of your firm, Deere Law Firm, in West Palm Beach—how did that evolve and what brought you to West Palm Beach?

Most of my family had moved to West Palm Beach at the time I was graduating from Pace. It made sense for me to move there to be with my family. I was also dating the person who was later to become my husband.

Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008, I’ve practiced in the area of complex hurricane claims litigation, insurance defense litigation, personal injury, arbitration, and employment litigation in state and federal courts. In 2017, while still in litigation, I expanded my practice areas to estate planning and probate law. Then, in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, I opened Deere Law Firm to help clients with estate planning, asset protection, probate, and trust administration.

When I first launched my firm, during the pandemic, it was much easier for me to start a virtual law practice. With increased social distancing, many people were operating remotely. It was easy for me to connect with clients virtually while being safe. I joined an estate planning association, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA), and the Florida Bar’s Real Property Probate and Trust Law (RPPTL pronounced “reptile”) Section, which provided guidance, resources, and a support network.

What I also believe benefited me during this time was that I am a certified technology lawyer. Providing legal services in a digital age is an important niche of mine. Ensuring that we attorneys use technology to make life easier for our clients as well as for ourselves is one thing that I stress, especially now as the chair for the Technology Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. I love all things tech. I’ve been teaching attorneys and judges about electronic discovery and litigation and how to use technology to be better attorneys for about 10 years now. With technology, there are so many avenues and ways that attorneys can practice law while taking care of their clients and their communities.

What is it about the areas of wills, trusts, and estates law that interest you?

A mentor of mine here in West Palm Beach, who went on to become a judge, encouraged me to explore other areas of life and the law. Estate planning and probate allowed me to help families while making a living here in West Palm Beach. I also find that there are few black women estate planning attorneys helping black families and people of color to maintain and preserve their wealth. The wealth gap has been a big issue lately, and I feel that I am in a good position to not only educate communities, but also help people to save and preserve the wealth they have built and pass it onto the next generation.

I will always be a litigator at heart. My litigation experience helps me to look at situations from many perspectives. I find that my years of litigation practice lend well to many situations in estate planning and probate law because they both require flexible and creative thinking.

The other day during the sessions to put together their trust, a client of mine remarked that al- though this process could be daunting for those who may feel fear and trepidation when thinking about death, they felt comfortable speaking to me about these things. In those moments, I feel as though I found my calling in the law.

How did Pace shape your career path?

Pace allowed me to continue to work while pursuing my childhood goal of being an attorney. Very few law schools were offering in person law school at night. I felt blessed to have had Pace in my backyard so that I could still work and take care of my family while earning my law degree. I don’t think anything would have stopped me from getting my law degree. However, Pace changed my life by making it so accessible for someone like me, with a baby in tow, to go to law school.

What are some of your passions aside from the law?

I love many different types of music and love to dance. I love orchids and I am slowly expanding my orchid collection.

Do you have any advice for current or future law students?

I’ve been blessed to have had many mentoring opportunities with high school students as well as law school students. I would tell them to cultivate relationships that they have in law school, learn the art of networking, and give of themselves to causes and areas in the law that matter to them. The possibilities are endless as to the type of legal work that someone could end up doing over the course of their careers.

What is the some of the best advice you have received?

When I was in college, one of my mentors told me that the road of life is not a straight line, that it had many twists and turns to success. You see, at that time I believed that I had to do certain things a certain way in order to achieve the goals that I had in my mind, fuzzy and distant though they were. How her words have echoed and have rung true at every major crossroads in my life. I’m grateful that the main reason I've been able to take all of the roads, sidewalks, and pathways, including creating my own pathways, has been because of the love and support of my family, as well as those individuals who have poured into my life their love and support as though they were my family.

On February 16-18, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University had two teams compete in the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition’s Brooklyn Regional. The two Haub Law advocacy teams included Audra Gale, Stephanie Areford, Amanda Dinkin, and Renee Fancher.

During the intense competition, 32 teams competed with over 80 total competitors. In the preliminary rounds, the teams met fierce competition. From there, the pair of Gale and Areford advanced past the first round of eliminations to the top 16 where they faced off against the highest ranked seed of the round and won, advancing to the final round of 8 teams. After a very close final round, Pace was defeated in a narrow loss. Team captain, Audra Gale, was also awarded a top five individual oralist award out of the 80 competitors.

Of the experience, Audra said, “The NAAC was a rigorous competition full of talented competitors. I feel very lucky to have had a coach like Brad Gorson, who prepared me to perform at such a high level. My partner, Stephanie, and I share an intense drive for polish and success, which ultimately was what helped us go far. Practicing day in and day out with a dedicated and talented person like her was such a pleasure. I was very lucky to be a member of this team and am excited to see the bright futures in advocacy for all my teammates. This experience was a very bright spot to end my advocacy career at Haub Law before graduation this May!”

“I am so encouraged by our overall successes in the Moot Court Competitions this year,” said Director of Advocacy Programs at Haub Law, Professor Lou Fasulo. “This team exemplifies the work ethic, skill and pride which all our competitors strive. Congratulations to Audra and the entire team and coaches.”

Danielle Riley

Assurance External Audit Associate, PWC

Class of 2023
BBA/MBA in Public Accounting

Member Of: Robert S. Pace Accounting Society (President), Colleges Against Cancer, Residence Hall Council

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Image

Danielle Riley is a leader in the Lubin School of Business’ Public Accounting program – literally. As the President of the on-campus Robert S. Pace Accounting Society, Danielle is developing leadership, teamwork, and networking skills that will help launch her career. After she graduates with her BBA/MBA in Public Accounting this May, she’ll be joining PwC as an audit associate.

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

I chose Pace University because of the distinguished faculty and staff, particularly in the Lubin School of Business. Pace and the professors support students and offer multidisciplinary and career-focused coursework that prepares you for real world experiences. I also chose Pace because of the countless opportunities for students to connect with a strong network of employers who offer internship and full-time job opportunities.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Although I am a commuter student, I am actively involved on Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus. The extra-curricular activities on campus have enhanced my educational experience. I am the president of the Robert S. Pace Accounting Society, which I decided to join during my freshman year because of the leadership, networking, and engagement opportunities the organization offers to students. The Accounting Society gives students the opportunity to network with various recruiters and potential employers. The connections I have made because of the Accounting Society are extremely valuable and can lead to internships and full-time employment opportunities. Throughout my time at Pace, I have also been involved with Colleges Against Cancer to promote cancer awareness and plan the Relay for Life event each year. These organizations have helped me develop many skills, particularly leadership skills, and make countless connections at Pace.

You currently serve as president of the Accounting Society. What motivated you to go after this leadership position?

I decided to serve as president of the Accounting Society because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I wanted to make a difference for other students on campus by being in a position that would allow me to influence, motivate, and guide others towards their goals. I am passionate about helping other students gain insight into their future career in accounting and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.

How will you use the leadership skills you’re gaining as president of the Accounting Society in your future endeavors?

As the president of the Accounting Society, I have learned valuable leadership skills that I can use both during and after my college years. As an accountant, I will be working closely with colleagues and clients in a team-based environment. It is essential to use the teamwork and leadership skills I have gained to build strong relationships and integrate a diverse range of ideas and knowledge. It is also important to be a leader by acting with integrity and motivating others to build trust in society and solve important problems.

Pace and the professors support students and offer multidisciplinary and career-focused coursework that prepares you for real world experiences. I also chose Pace because of the countless opportunities for students to connect with a strong network of employers who offer internship and full-time job opportunities.

What is the most important lesson you learned in your leadership position at Pace?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership often requires you to improvise, adapt, and overcome various challenges. Throughout the pandemic, I worked with the other leaders of Accounting Society to successfully find creative ways to develop virtual meetings that still gave students the opportunity to develop their academic and professional careers. It is still a challenge to ensure that students feel engaged in extracurricular activities. Teamwork helped me remain motivated and excited about our organization’s mission of providing networking opportunities for students.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

The Lubin Pace Path and faculty are focused on ensuring each student has real-world experience before graduating. Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Advance Internship Program at PwC, where I worked as an external audit intern. I participated in trainings that were designed to develop my leadership and technical skills. I enjoyed working directly on a client assignment with a PwC partner and audit team. I was able to build relationships with interns and employees at all different levels. The environment and experience at PwC have helped broaden my personal and technical skills and deepen my knowledge of accounting. This opportunity has led to a full-time position at the firm, upon graduation, as an audit associate. I have grown both academically and personally from this experience. I feel Pace University has helped me achieve my full potential and prepare me for a successful professional career.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice to other Lubin students would to be build your network as early on as possible to start making meaningful career connections. For students, networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop because you will use it throughout your career. As a student, do not be afraid to ask questions and start conversations with your peers, professors, alumni, and industry professionals.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means continuous learning and development. Lubin offers experiences and opportunities that allow students to learn new skills and knowledge on an on-going basis. This allows students to grow both personally and professionally. #LubinLife means embracing lifelong learning, which is essential to be a leader and make an impact.

Connect with Danielle:

• Connect with Danielle Riley on LinkedIn