Latoya Robinson

Ticketing Assistant, Live Nation Entertainment

Class of 2023
BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management

Member Of: Residence Hall Association (Vice President), Black Student Union, P.A.C.E. Board

Pronouns: She/Her

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Latoya Robinson is making a name for herself in the music industry and on-campus. As she pursues her BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management, she's also interning at Sony Music as an A+R intern, discovering new talent and helping them launch into stardom. Meanwhile, on the New York City Campus, Latoya is on the e-board for the Residence Hall Association and a member of the Black Student Union and P.A.C.E. Board, where she has the opportunity to curate and be part of major events.

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

I chose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business because of the excellent business program and location in the heart of New York City. The opportunities that come with being in one of the biggest cities in the world were a big part of my decision to attend Pace. The city offers numerous internship and networking opportunities, as well as exposure to diverse industries and cultures. Additionally, the Lubin School of Business has a strong reputation and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in various fields. My decision to attend Pace has provided me with the education and experiences necessary for a successful future in the business world.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Joining clubs on campus has greatly enriched my student experience by allowing me to connect with individuals who share similar interests, expand my skills and knowledge, and take on leadership roles. Through club activities and events, I have had the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and form lasting friendships. Participating in clubs has also helped me grow professionally by providing hands-on experience and helping me develop transferable skills, such as communication and problem-solving. Being part of clubs has definitely added a dynamic and fulfilling aspect to my college journey.

You are spending your semester with Sony Music Entertainment as an A&R intern with AWAL. How have your classes at Lubin helped prepare you for this position?

Classes at Lubin have helped me prepare for internships in the music industry by providing relevant coursework and resources through the Arts and Entertainment Management program. Lubin classes have equipped me with the skills to analyze data and understand consumer behavior, which is crucial in today's rapidly evolving music industry. I have also gained hands-on experience through various projects and case studies, which have given me the confidence to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. I'm so thankful for the opportunities and experiences that Lubin has offered me, and I am eager to utilize my knowledge during my internship at Sony Music Entertainment.

Where did your interest in the music industry stem from?

As a lifelong music fan, my interest in the music industry stems from a deep appreciation for the artists and their work, as well as a curiosity about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry. From a young age, I was drawn to the creativity and emotion conveyed through music, and I was constantly seeking out new artists and styles to explore. Over time, I became more involved in the music community by participating in fan activations and connecting with others through social media, where I gained a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication that goes into an artist's success. I realized that the music industry was much more than just the artists and their music, and I became fascinated by the business and management side of things. This led me to pursue a degree in Arts and Entertainment Management and a career in the music industry, where I can combine my passion for music with my interest in business and management. In particular, I am pursuing a career in artists and repertoire (A&R) because of my love for artist discovery and development. I find great satisfaction in being a part of the process that helps talented artists reach their full potential and bring their music to the world. I am excited to use my knowledge and skills to support the growth and success of artists and their careers, and to be a part of an industry that brings so much joy and inspiration to people's lives. I am so grateful to be able to work in this field and be a part of the industry that has had such a profound impact on my life.

How do you hope to combine your business skills from Lubin and your love for the music industry in your future career post-graduation?

I hope to leverage my business skills from Lubin to work in the music industry, where I can use my passion for music to make strategic decisions that drive growth and success for artists, labels, or live music events. I envision being able to apply my knowledge of management, marketing, and operations to create and execute innovative solutions that address the challenges facing the industry. Ultimately, I hope to bridge the gap between business and creative aspects of the industry, creating mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.

You also serve as the Social Justice Council Chair for the Black Student Union on the New York City Campus. What motivated you to take on this position?

I took on a role on the Black Student Union's Social Justice Council because I strongly believe in the power of activism and community organizing to bring about positive change. As a Black person, I have a personal stake in advocating for issues that affect the Black community, such as racial justice, equality, and representation. The Black Student Union provides a platform for Black students to come together and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and being on the Social Justice Council allows me to play a leadership role in this important work. My goal is to use my position to mobilize the Black student body and make our collective voices heard on the issues that matter most to us and to create meaningful, lasting change through advocacy and action.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace has been being a general member of P.A.C.E. Board. As a superfan with a passion for the music industry, being a part of this club has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my interests and aspirations. Through P.A.C.E. Board, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at major events such as the Unleashed concert series and their behind-the-scenes events, which have been incredibly rewarding experiences.

I'm grateful for the resources and opportunities that P.A.C.E. Board has provided me, and I feel that it has been a crucial part of my college experience. Not only have I had the chance to meet and work with talented and inspiring individuals, but I have also gained valuable hands-on experience in the music industry, which I believe will serve me well as I continue to pursue my career goals. I am truly thankful for the support and guidance that P.A.C.E. Board has provided me, and I believe that my involvement with this club will have a lasting impact on my life.

Always be willing to learn, be proactive, and take advantage of the resources available to you at Pace and in New York City. Attend events, join clubs, and network with alumni and professionals in your field. This will not only enhance your learning experience, but it will also give you the opportunity to build relationships, gain practical experience, and develop skills that will serve you well in your future career.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice for other Lubin students would be to prioritize being a good team member in all aspects of your life, whether that be academically, professionally, or socially. It's important to be someone who maintains positive relationships, who doesn't burn bridges, and who is a good person to work with. Remember that the people you meet in your classes now could become your future bosses and colleagues, so it's crucial to make a positive impression.

Another word of advice is to not be discouraged if you face rejection during your internship search. I applied for my dream internship nine times before finally being accepted, and that experience taught me the value of perseverance. Keep applying and learning from your experiences, and never give up on your dreams.

It's also important to always be willing to learn, be proactive, and take advantage of the resources available to you at Pace and in New York City. Attend events, join clubs, and network with alumni and professionals in your field. This will not only enhance your learning experience, but it will also give you the opportunity to build relationships, gain practical experience, and develop skills that will serve you well in your future career.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife represents a dynamic and challenging environment where I can actively engage in various opportunities to enhance my academic, professional, and personal development. It represents a supportive community of peers, faculty, and alumni who share the same passion for excellence and drive to succeed. To me, #LubinLife is a symbol of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge and growth.

Connect with Latoya:

• Connect with Latoya Robinson on LinkedIn
• Follow Latoya Robinson on Instagram

Researchers Identify Gaps in Services

Mental health, counseling, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services are among growing needs in lower Westchester that were identified by a team of Pace University faculty researchers during a survey of community residents.

The study, commissioned by The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe was conducted by the Helene T. and Grant M. Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University over an 18 month period that included interviews with area not-for-profits, service providers, and stakeholders.

“Taking a thorough look at community resources and comparing them to current needs goes a long way to ensuring that no person or group is overlooked, and that The Community Fund is maximizing its reach, impact and resources,” said Rebecca Tekula, executive director of the Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship, and professor of public administration at Pace. “We are looking forward to continuing to work with The Community Fund to improve the lives of area residents.”

The assessment identifies gaps or inadequacies in areas such as human services, health care, housing, public safety, day care, and recreation, among other vital community needs. Findings were presented on March 29, 2023 at The Bronxville Public Library by Pace University faculty who identified ways to use the results to inform the important work of The Community Fund as well as nonprofit agencies, community programs, and local school administrations.

Overall, survey results (PDF) show that while the three communities differ in priorities based on service categories, mental and physical health emerged as the biggest service gap area overall. Findings emerging from the interviews largely confirm the survey results. The most identified theme among all the interview participants refers to mental and emotional health, followed by diversity, equity and inclusion, and youth social and emotional programs.

“The Community Fund is committed to supporting critical social, health and well-being programs that dramatically improve the lives of the people in our Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe Community,” said Amy Rutter Korb, executive director, The Community Fund. “We are proud to have employed the expertise of Pace researchers to inform our work as well as the efforts of our community partners.”

In 2021, The Community Fund selected experts at the Helene T. and Grant M. Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University to conduct a survey of community members and analyze results.

During this 18-month partnership between The Community Fund and Pace University, Pace Public Administration and Wilson Center faculty and researchers developed an in-depth community survey and held interviews with select community members and leaders in the areas of public health, human services, business, nonprofits, and government. All responses were treated as confidential to ensure the greatest possible degree of candor.

“The interviews and analysis help us understand the ongoing needs of residents, and project where program development and funding will have the greatest impact,” said Gina Scutelnicu Todoran, department chair of public administration at Pace. “It is particularly rewarding to work with an organization like The Community Fund to translate research into practice as we share assessment results with community leaders."

Wilson Center and Public Administration faculty and graduate students have completed a variety of in-depth research projects and reports for local governments and community organizations across a variety of areas, including an assessment of K-12 learning programs for the Westchester Children’s Association; the economic impact of the nonprofit sector in Westchester County; a community assessment of performance for the Port Chester Police Department; and Pace University’s overall economic impact in New York State.

About The Community Fund

The Community Fund, which was founded in 1919, currently supports 26 social service agencies and community programs that provide critical services to Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and the area within the Bronxville 10708 zip code – often at no cost to people who cannot afford to pay. Additionally, The Community Fund provides administrative support to the agencies it supports through on-going site visits, consultations, workshops, and forums.

About The Helene T. and Grant M. Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship

The Wilson Center promotes social change through entrepreneurship. The Center furthers this mission by serving Pace students across all disciplines, social enterprises and nonprofit organizations with education, research, communication, and advisory service.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

After studying acting during her undergrad years, Katie Schwab ’23 switched tracks during the height of the pandemic, allowing her to pursue a future in an industry she hadn’t thought much about previously: publishing. Read what she has to say about Pace’s MS in Publishing program.

The nature of publishing has changed so much in the last decade. What excites you about the future of publishing?

I am so excited about the future of publishing! Especially regarding the continuing dedication toward diversity and inclusion, not only through the types of stories being published, but by also providing more opportunities for authors from marginalized communities to tell those stories. I am currently writing my graduate thesis on the histories of queer adult and YA fiction, and the different treatments of these markets from a publishing perspective given our context of time. It has been amazing to track the linear progression of acceptance of queer writers and narratives, especially within this last decade. It’s a truly wonderful feeling to walk into a bookstore and see designated tables featuring queer literature. I am really excited to see how much more space we are given in publishing in the future.

What drew you to Pace’s MS in Publishing program? Does it tie in at all to your undergraduate studies or professional experience?

During the first lock-down of 2020, I was in a pivotal place in my life career-wise; I’d studied acting during undergrad. I fell in love with reading again and realized there is this whole industry out here that I’d never thought about before. I did some research on graduate programs, and it became very clear to me that the MS in Publishing program at Pace was the right one for me. Not only did it bring me to New York City, the center of the publishing world, but it is clear how much Professor Soares and the rest of the faculty care about providing students with every opportunity to learn, network, and, ultimately, get hired in publishing.

What was your favorite class within the program and why?

I enjoyed so many of my classes! I’d have to say my favorite class was Copyediting/Proofreading with Professor Holt. It takes a certain group of people to get genuinely excited to learn about commas for three hours! I also liked Professor Samedi’s Introduction to Production and Design class. I’m no designer, but I loved being able to learn about the elements that go into designing a book cover, and the materials that bring them to life.

What is something you've learned while in the program that you didn't expect to learn?

I have never been great at math or numbers, but Financial Aspects of Publishing was probably one of the most important and beneficial classes I took during the program. Publishers have a unique way of creating budgets and allocating royalties for books and authors. I might not end up in finance but knowing these systems and how to read P&Ls are very important skills that I’ve been able to put on my resume.

Mentoring, internships, and exposure to the New York publishing scene are part in parcel with the program. Can you describe your personal experience with some of those program aspects?

Yes! It was actually the One-to-One Mentorship program that sealed the deal with me for Pace. I’ve had the opportunity to learn directly from real working professionals in publishing—you can’t get that kind of industry education from anywhere else. My mentors have all been editors from Big Five imprints—LBYR, Crown, Viking—who have given me invaluable advice for starting a career in editing. I was even invited inside the offices of Penguin Random House!

What is one piece of advice that you have for future MS in Publishing students?

Be involved! Each semester there are several events offered, including Speed Mentoring, guest lectures, and even donut parties before class. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you and keep in touch where you can—especially with your classmates, because you never know which connection might be the one to get you a job.

In what ways has the program inspired you to reach higher in regard to your future career goals?

I went into the program knowing very little about the publishing industry, or where I fit into it, but I loved stories and wanted to work within the world of books. Now, I have my sights set on becoming an acquisitions editor someday, making a career out of discovering and creating dream books for readers and dream publications for authors. I would do Pace’s publishing program again in a heartbeat.

Learn more about the MS in Publishing program.

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Chris Rizzo is a Partner with Carter Ledyard and Milburn LLP and Director of the Environmental Practice at the firm. From the moment he decided he wanted to attend law school, Chris knew that he was specifically going to focus on environmental law. From participating in the environmental litigation clinic, to environmental law review, and ultimately graduating with an environmental law certificate, Pace provided the environmental legal education he sought out.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a lawyer?

That was probably in my sophomore year of college. I was studying political science and biology. I had a biology professor, and I expressed to him my deep interest in biology, particularly environmental biology. And he said to me something like “no, no, no, no, Chris, do not become a scientist or biologist. You should become a lawyer, an environmental lawyer. Lawyers get everything done.” He didn't say this with kindness. He said it with resentment. But he was very clear with me that he thought I should go towards law school. I took it to heart, and I never looked back.

And from there, how did you choose Haub Law?

Well, I knew that I specifically was going to law school to focus on environmental law. So I sought out a law school where I could specifically focus on that area with the intention of practicing in that area.

I received a full academic scholarship to come to Haub Law, which was a huge motivation for me. I was very leery about taking on any student debt, and worried about what that would do to my professional flexibility in the future. I was admitted to a number of other law schools and while the full scholarship was a motivating factor, it was not the only one. At the time, a few other schools I looked at did not have the robust environmental law program that I was seeking and I thought they were not of any use to me. I wanted to be an environmental lawyer. Why would I go to a law school with two course offerings and an underdeveloped environmental law program? Haub Law had the environmental law program that I was looking for and combined with the scholarship it was an easy choice.

What were some of the more impactful experiences you had while at Haub Law?

The environmental litigation clinic is a very transfor­mative program. Part of that was the oversight of Karl Coplan. When I had him, Professor Coplan was a very demanding and very good professor. The envi­ronmental litigation clinic really, really helped refine my legal skills. I also made a number of connections outside of Pace as well working on those matters, and I still find them valuable today.

You were an articles editor on the Pace Environmental Law review, and you graduated with the environmental law certificate. Would you recommend those experiences?

Yes. I had to write a note for the law review and that was a very useful process. It wasn’t so much what I wrote, but the process of writing such a complex law journal is incredibly helpful. I think anybody that participates in a law review winds up being a better lawyer because you're forced to learn how to write, research and edit.

I also think the certificate program is useful. I think exposing law students to topics, concepts, and legal acronyms is helpful and gives you a running start in your career as an environmental lawyer. I think it's really invaluable and that's one of the reasons I came to Haub Law. All of the robust environmental course offerings really gave me a foundation in various areas of law, which was helpful later.

You are a partner with Carter Ledyard and Milburn LLP and director of the Environmental Practice—how did your career start out and how has it evolved?

My career definitely morphed over time. When I first started practicing law, I did a lot more traditional environmental work than I'm doing these days. I worked with RCRA and CERCLA, which are two federal hazardous waste laws. I worked heavily with NEPA and SEQRA. I worked on a lot of historic pres­ervation matters involving federal, state, and city preservation laws. I also worked on some brownfield matters, the Clean Water Act, and more. The past few years I've started doing a lot more real estate related work. That’s because my practice is very fo­cused on New York City and this is a real estate town. Helping clients resolve their land use, construction, and real estate problems has become a big driver of my work.

What advice do you have for law students who want to work in the field of environmental law at a law firm upon graduating?

I find that Haub Law students are pretty good about aggressively seeking out internships and experiences and opportunities in the areas that are meaningful to them. Whenever I see a Haub Law resume I'm always impressed, there are intern­ships at the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Environmental Litigation Clinic, and all sorts of things. It is important to fill your resume with meaningful experiences in the area you want to practice in, but also networking in those areas. And this is true, not just for environmental law, it's true for any subject matter you want to practice. It is really about networking, meeting as many people as you possibly can who might become future employers. To that end, you should become a student member of the New York State Bar Association or the New York City Bar Association. You can sit on committees as students, and I would do that aggressively and participate. You must prioritize making connections outside the law school even more than making con­nections inside the law school.

That is very good advice. Outside of the law, tell us a bit about yourself and your hobbies.

Well, I have 3 young kids, so that takes up a lot of time. So aside from my family, I also love exploring New York City and New York State. My family and I love national, state and city parks—we travel all over the place to visit them. I am also a big fitness enthusiast—I run 5ks and bike to work and do whatever I can to stay fit. I think prioritizing your personal life, physical fitness and mental health is very important. There is no ques­tion that I am a better lawyer because I dedicate time to these things. You need to have a healthy balance and if you don’t have that balance you wind up being less of a professional.