Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship Leads Community-Engaged Research Initiatives in Westchester County, the NY Metro Area, and Beyond
The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University leads and supports Community-Engaged Research across its many partnerships with local communities and organizations. Community-engaged research is a collaborative process that incorporates the input of individuals and organizations affected by research outcomes as equal partners in the research process.
The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University leads and supports Community-Engaged Research across its many partnerships with local communities and organizations. Community-engaged research is a collaborative process that incorporates the input of individuals and organizations affected by research outcomes as equal partners in the research process. This collaborative research approach encompasses co-designing research questions, dialoguing on methods, influencing policy, and ultimately creating programs and interventions to address issues identified by the community, reflected in the research outcomes. The community remains a true partner in these decisions, ensuring that the appropriate actions are taken and solutions are relevant and beneficial to their lives.
Most recently, Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced a crucial new initiative led by the Westchester Hispanic Advisory Board and Pace University faculty researchers, Wilson Center Executive Director and Chair of the Public Administration department Professor Rebecca Tekula PhD & Public Administration Professor, Gina Scutelnicu Todoran PhD. This initiative, the first comprehensive needs assessment of the Latino community in Westchester County in over two decades, will provide valuable insights on key areas such as education, healthcare, employment, housing, and social services. Our team of Pace faculty researchers brings academic rigor and expertise to the project, ensuring the collection of high-quality, actionable data, and will support the County in interpreting the findings toward policy implementation. Professor Tekula emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, "Collaborating on this survey underscores our commitment to community-engaged research in Westchester County. We are proud to partner on this effort to capture the voices and experiences of Latino residents, toward the goal of informing and improving the delivery of services and supports." The data from this study will provide essential information to enhance county programs and services, ensuring they align with the current needs of the Latino community. The Hispanic Advisory Board, led by Chair Dr. Carmen Martinez Lopez, encourages all Latino residents to participate, as their collective input will be instrumental in shaping future policies and improving the quality of life in Westchester County.
Earlier this year, recent Wilson Center Faculty Fellow and Public Administration Professor Gina Scutelnicu Todoran, PhD and Wilson Center Executive Director and Chair of the Public Administration department Professor Rebecca Tekula, PhD secured a nearly $30,000 grant from the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) to evaluate the financial health of approximately 75 New York State agencies that provide child welfare services, including foster care, preventive services, and juvenile justice services. Working alongside two Pace University graduate students, Scutelnicu-Todoran and Tekula conducted a comprehensive financial analysis encompassing cumulative organizational revenues, expenditures, endowments, and other investments. The project, set for completion this fall, will culminate in a detailed report and presentations to executive and legislative leaders at both the New York State and New York City levels. Individual agency reports will also be provided for all COFCCA members. The primary aim of this research is to inform stakeholders of the financial health and needs of these agencies, and support advocacy toward informed and strategic budgetary decisions that will enhance child welfare and juvenile justice services across the state.
In another significant project, the Wilson Center partnered with Nonprofit Westchester and Dyson College’s Department of Public Administration to conduct a comprehensive study which led to the publication of Westchester County’s Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report. This study, funded by the Westchester Community Foundation, aimed to provide Nonprofit Westchester members, the broader sector, and government partners with data and insights to ensure equitable compensation and benefits for sector employees. Given the size and importance of the nonprofit sector in the county, the research shed light on the state of compensation and benefits for individuals delivering critical programs and services. The resulting report has empowered nonprofits with resources to advocate for investments in human capital, supporting the well-being and sustainability of their employees and organizations.
Previously, in 2022 a partnership with the Wilson Center, Pace University’s Department of Public Administration in Dyson College, and the Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe, conducted a comprehensive community needs assessment to identify available services and resources for residents and uncover potential gaps in human services, healthcare, housing, public safety, daycare, and recreation. This year-long project was led by Pace faculty with the support of students, staff, Community Fund leadership, and local agencies. The outcomes of the assessment were shared disseminated among stakeholders and Pace faculty led several community conversations to help the Community Fund of BET, local agencies and nonprofits leverage the findings, prioritize programs, and develop impactful initiatives to better serve the residents of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe.
The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship commitment to community-engaged research highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and community partners. By involving the community in every step of the research process, the Wilson Center faculty, staff and student partners ensures that outcomes are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant and beneficial to those who need them most. This approach not only advances academic research but also fosters meaningful partnerships that drive positive social change.
Sands College Stars Shine Bright at the VMAs
Svetha Nallapaneni, Elsa Stallings, and Mckenzie Landis aren’t just Pace grads—they’re go-getters who took their talents to the 2024 VMAs, performing alongside rock legend Lenny Kravitz on one of the most iconic stages in the world.
Under the bright lights of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), recent graduates of Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts—Svetha Nallapaneni, Elsa Stallings, and Mckenzie Landis—found themselves on one of the world’s most iconic stages. They were not just spectators but integral parts of a high-profile performance with none other than rock legend Lenny Kravitz, whose electrifying act left the audience of millions in awe. For Svetha, Elsa, and Mckenzie, this was not only the culmination of years of training but also the realization of dreams.
“While I was performing, I looked up for a split second, and Paris Hilton was just dancing in front of me so nonchalantly,” says Svetha. “All I could think was, ‘Oh my God, that’s Paris Hilton!’ and then I went right back to the dance!”
“Getting to experience this dream with so many friends I made through my years at Pace was just the cherry on top! This was definitely a dream job of mine, and I’m looking forward to doing it again in the future.”
For Svetha, the journey to the VMAs started with a single phone call. “I was direct-booked for this project by Fatima Robinson and her creative team,” she recalls. Svetha, a 2023 graduate with a BFA in Commercial Dance, had worked with Robinson during her time as a Knicks City Dancer. Mckenzie, who graduated with Svetha and is also currently in her third season as a Knicks City Dancer, also made her VMA connection through her prior work. When the opportunity arose to dance at the VMAs, Robinson knew who to call. “This was the first awards show I’ve danced at, and getting to dance with Lenny Kravitz of all people was so surreal,” Svetha says. “Getting to experience this dream with so many friends I made through my years at Pace was just the cherry on top! This was definitely a dream job of mine, and I’m looking forward to doing it again in the future.”
Elsa’s path to the VMAs was equally exciting but rooted in her ongoing professional relationship with Robinson. Since graduating in 2020, Elsa had worked closely with the renowned choreographer as her assistant and had been a part of Kravitz’s Blue Electric Light Tour. “I've had the honor of working closely with her for the past year or so, and we just wrapped up our work as the creative team for Lenny's Blue Electric Light Tour and his kick-off show for UEFA at Wembley Stadium in London in June,” Elsa explains. “His performance at the VMAs was somewhat of an extension of the work we’ve done with him this summer.”
The VMAs have always been known for their ability to pull in massive viewership, and this year was no different. The show attracted over 4 million viewers, making it the most-watched VMAs in years. Performing alongside Kravitz, the Pace performers weren’t just dancing—they were contributing to a performance that would be talked about for months. “The moment I walked on stage with my fellow dancers during the real show is something I'll never forget,” recalls Elsa. “The entire process leading up to the show was very intense, but right when I got on stage and heard the crowd cheering, I felt a wave of ease and confidence that I only get when performing.”
Mckenzie agrees, adding, “The feeling when we walked onto the stage and saw the crowd and all the fans in the pit was crazy!”
The preparation, of course, was no easy feat. Elsa had the added challenge of juggling multiple roles, from creative assistant to production assistant, while still fulfilling her duties as a performer. “Along with being hired as a dancer, I was also the creative assistant and production assistant... so balancing these three roles was pretty time-consuming,” she says. “The choreography for the performance constantly evolved, with changes being made right up until the day of the show.” For Svetha, this was all part of the challenge. “We had to make changes on the spot every single day, so being adaptable and smart while in rehearsal and during the performance was crucial.”
“My training before Pace was mainly in ballet, so I really wouldn’t have been able to perform this commercial choreography if it weren’t for my eclectic training at Pace."
So, what was it like performing with Lenny Kravitz?
“Given his unmatchable star power and icon status, Lenny is an incredibly humble, kind, and overall wonderful person to be around,” Elsa says. “He has a very hands-on collaborative approach while still giving his team the space they need to create. He's a true master at his craft, both as a performer and musician, so you can imagine how inspiring it is to be around someone of his caliber.” Mckenzie echoes Elsa’s sentiment about the rock legend, “Lenny was so nice and super involved in the process and vision, which was very cool!”
“Lenny Kravitz is everything you imagine a rockstar to be!” adds Svetha.
Both graduates credit their time at Pace’s Sands College of Performing Arts for preparing them for the high-pressure environment of the VMAs. “My training before Pace was mainly in ballet, so I really wouldn’t have been able to perform this commercial choreography if it weren’t for my eclectic training at Pace,” says Elsa. “For this, I’m very grateful for the curriculum and faculty that nurtured me into a well-rounded artist.” Svetha echoes this sentiment: “During the LA Semester, we took both Choreography for the Camera and Dance on Camera, which allowed me to see dance in a different way. I learned how to position myself in formation according to camera, how to perform to the camera, and what movements looked right for camera if I ever had to improvise! I don’t feel like I would’ve been as prepared if I didn’t have that training.”
As part of a larger contingent of Pace alumni performing at this year’s VMAs, Svetha, Elsa, and Mckenzie were joined by Maddie Obregon, who also performed with Kravitz, as well as Andrew Mulet, who danced for Chappell Roan, Valeria Yamin with Katy Perry, and Hunter Tayman with Eminem. Their collective presence was a testament to the world-class training offered at Sands College.
For Elsa, Svetha, and Mckenzie, the VMAs were not just another gig—it was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to stand beside music legends and showcase the talent and discipline that Pace had instilled in them. “Nothing will ever beat the feeling of performing for me, and this was an extra special moment in my career,” Svetha says. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget rocking it out on stage with the legendary Lenny Kravitz!”
“Performing at the VMAs was definitely one of my big goals,” says Mckenzie. “And I’m blessed to say I can check it off the list!”
For these go-getters, the future is wide open, but one thing is clear: they are more than ready for whatever comes next.
Economics Professor Explains Impact of Port Workers Strike on WPIX-TV
Clinical Associate Professor of Economics Mark Weinstock, MA, appeared on WPIX-TV (Channel 11), to weigh in on the possible economic impact of the port workers strike affecting 36 US ports from Maine to Texas.
“If the strike lasts less than two weeks, I don’t think the impact on the economy is going to be too significant,” he said.
According to Weinstock, the goods will still ship through the western ports and reach the New York City area by rail or truck with a slight increase in prices.
“I would be surprised if it were higher than 5-10%,” Weinstock said.
16th Summer of Wilson Funded Internships Kicks off with Orientation Event
On Thursday, May 30, the Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University hosted the Wilson Center Summer Intern Orientation, marking the beginning of a summer filled with meaningful work and professional growth for our 2024 summer cohort of Wilson-funded interns. The internship program is now in its 16th year and has funded 205 Pace interns since inception in 2008.
On Thursday, May 30, the Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University hosted the Wilson Center Summer Intern Orientation, marking the beginning of a summer filled with meaningful work and professional growth for our 2024 summer cohort of Wilson-funded interns. The internship program is now in its 16th year and has funded 205 Pace interns since inception in 2008.
Each year, the Helene and Grant Wilson Center's Funded Summer Internship Program funds up to ten students to work full-time summer internships at social enterprises and nonprofit organizations throughout the New York metro-area. The program is designed with a dual mission: to offer experiential learning and income for students with a passion for social innovation, social impact and the nonprofit sectors, and to supply those sectors with bright, highly motivated, and mentored students who can contribute significantly to their work. These internship experiences are to provide hands-on, substantive opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions.
The orientation program began with a welcome breakfast and coffee, where interns had the opportunity to meet Wilson Center staff and connect with their peers working across various nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social enterprises in the NYC metro area. This initial meet-and-greet set the tone for a day filled with exploration and inspiration. Following breakfast, we headed outside for a walk to the historic South Street Seaport. The interns explored the local neighborhood, visited Pier 17, and captured photos while discussing Pace’s unique location in Lower Manhattan, its proximity and accessibility to our waterways, Governor’s Island and the New York Harbor.
A highlight of the day was the visit to the rooftop at Pier 17, where the interns were greeted by Stephanie a staff member from Assembly Person Grace Lee's office, representing New York's 65th Assembly District. Stephanie introduced herself and shared her motivations and goals, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, the strength of local government and its ability to influence change. Her call to action served as a significant source of inspiration for the Wilson Center funded interns, encouraging them as they embark on their summer internships.
After an energizing visit to the South Street Seaport, the group returned to campus for lunch and a detailed onboarding discussion covering a number of logistical items, including timecard management and addressing any frequently asked questions. This session ensured that the interns were well-prepared and equipped with the necessary information for a seamless onboarding at their respective summer employer.
The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship is proud to support our interns as they engage in transformative work this summer, contributing to the vibrant nonprofit and social enterprise sector in New York. This orientation event not only provided essential information but also inspired and motivated our Pace interns, underscoring the importance of their contributions to the community.
Lubin students named United Nations Millennium Fellows
Several Lubin students were selected for the prestigious and highly competitive United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Fellowships.
Twenty-five Pace University students were selected for the prestigious and highly competitive United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Fellowships. Over the next few months, selected students will be part of this global leadership development program as they launch their own individual or group projects related to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will have the opportunity to connect with peers and leaders from all over the world while engaging in world-class professional development sessions.
Meet the Lubin Fellows
Abdulla AlSuwaidi
Class of 2025
Major: Finance
Minor: Political Science
UN Project Focus: SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Abdulla is excited to work with like-minded people to try to make the world a better place. He is also the current United Arab Emirates Youth delegate and is excited to include the voices of youth in important conversations.
Madison Everlith
Class of 2027
Major: Women's and Gender Studies
Minor: Fashion Marketing
UN Project Focus: Gender Equality
In her project, Madison Everlith plans to address the marginalization of Black women in healthcare. She believes this is an important topic that more people should be aware of and educated about, and she hopes to boost awareness on the New York City Campus. Madison plans to represent the Dyson Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) as she takes on her project to continue the fight for the future of gender and race equality.
Akithma Moraes
Class of 2027
Major: Political Science, BA
Minor: Business
UN Project Focus: Gender Equality
About her experience with the UN Fellowship, Akithma says, "I am excited to spend the fall semester working on the "Sovereign Empowerment Initiative," which aims to address gender-based violence by creating an accessible online platform for survivors. This initiative will provide crucial resources, peer support, and expert-led workshops, fostering a safe virtual community." She hopes to empower survivors to connect, share their experiences, and challenge societal norms surrounding gender-based violence.
Mikaela Regan
Class of 2026
Major: Global Marketing Management
Double Minors: Environmental Studies and Sustainability
UN Project Focus: Sustainability
Mikaela has been reading National Geographic publications and watching movies about nature and animals since she was a small child. Giving back has always been a passion of hers, but she never understood why. She made the decision to apply her love for the natural world to finding a means of preserving its splendor. She is thrilled to start this adventure; the United Nations Fellowship provides her with the opportunity to collaborate with peers who share her passion to help make a difference in the world.
Williams Quoted in NY Times on Kamala Harris Outpacing Depictions of Women of Color as Presidential Candidates by Hollywood
Associate Professor of Communication and Media Studies Melvin Williams, PhD, was quoted in the New York Times in an article examining Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic run for US president, and specifically how it has outpaced Hollywood depictions of women of color as presidents in fictional film and television programming.
Williams referred to the lack of women of color playing commander in chief roles in the entertainment industry as an example of “symbolic annihilation,” an academic term describing the exclusion of groups in popular culture and mass media.
“We don’t put it on-screen, so you don’t see it as a possibility, and large audiences don’t even begin to fathom it as a possibility,” he said.
Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts and The Broadway League Launch Career Pathway Program
Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts and The Broadway League launched the first-ever Career Pathway pilot program, offering an exceptional opportunity for aspiring theatre professionals.
On September 14, 2024, Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts and The Broadway League introduced the Career Pathway pilot program—an exciting new initiative aimed at providing aspiring theatre professionals with invaluable industry insights and connections. The event, held on Pace’s New York City Campus, brought together forty students and six distinguished Broadway professionals in casting, marketing, and producing.
Sands College's Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance Department Chair Jesse Carlo, PhD, opened the event with a warm welcome. A panel discussion followed, featuring industry leaders Kristian Charbonier, Toni Isreal, Sammy Lopez, Xavier Rubiano, Aaliytha Stevens, and George Strus, who shared their personal career journeys and advice on navigating behind-the-scenes roles in the theatre industry. Moderated by The Broadway League’s Darrelle Johnson (Director of Inclusion and Diversity) and Tré Dukes (EDI Associate), the panel provided students with an inside look at Broadway’s diverse career pathways.
Students then participated in breakout sessions focused on casting, marketing, and producing, where they received practical, firsthand advice from the panelists. The day concluded with a networking session that allowed students to connect directly with industry leaders and foster valuable relationships.
This landmark partnership exemplifies Pace University’s commitment to connecting academics with real-world experience. It gives students direct access to influential voices, empowering them to pursue their passions and build successful, impactful careers in the performing arts. "We are so thrilled about this new partnership with The Broadway League," Jesse Carlo said. "At Sands, we are aware of the importance of introducing our students to the full breadth of the industry and the extraordinary opportunities that exposure provides. We are looking forward to many more collaborations with The League."
Kennedi Tichy ’26 Discovers a World of Opportunity Studying Abroad in Lyon, France
Kennedi Tichy, a business management student at Pace, shares her transformative experience studying abroad in Lyon, France. From the vibrant culture to newfound friendships across the globe, Kennedi reflects on how this unique opportunity broadened her horizons.
For Kennedi Tichy ’26, a business management major at Pace’s Lubin School of Business, studying abroad in Lyon, France, was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. From the moment she started at Pace in 2022, Kennedi knew she wanted to explore the world through education. Her decision to choose Lyon—the culinary capital of France—was driven by curiosity and a desire to challenge herself.
"I didn't speak a lick of French or even know anything about Lyon, but as I put in more research, learning that it is the culinary capital of France, the third largest city in the country, and more, I was determined to study there," Kennedi shared. What started as a leap into the unknown quickly became a life-changing journey.
As the only student from Pace in her Spring 2024 cohort at the Centre d'Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM), Kennedi’s experience was as challenging as it was rewarding. “It was a little overwhelming going to a new country all on my own, but the second I arrived, I was so eager to see what the city had to offer.”
“I traveled on the weekends to different countries...I am forever grateful for all of the experiences and memories I gained studying abroad.”
At CEFAM, Kennedi found a welcoming academic environment. “The university was small but had excellent staff and students, making the transition into a new school very easy. I was very social and ended up meeting and befriending people from all over the world,” she recalls.
Kennedi’s weekends were filled with adventures across Europe, from Barcelona to Copenhagen and Switzerland. “I traveled on the weekends to different countries...I am forever grateful for all of the experiences and memories I gained studying abroad.”
One of her most memorable moments was navigating Lyon’s renowned culinary scene. Dining at bouchons, family-owned restaurants offering traditional Lyonnaise dishes, gave her a deeper appreciation for French culture. “I adapted to French dining customs, which emphasize leisurely meals and savoring each course,” she explained. This cultural immersion helped Kennedi connect on a deeper level with her surroundings.
While language barriers presented challenges, Kennedi embraced the discomfort. “My biggest challenge was not speaking French...but I tried my best to learn by practicing with friends and using common greetings.” Whether taking a Bachata class in French or navigating daily life, Kennedi’s resilience and openness transformed obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Beyond the academic and cultural experiences, Kennedi’s time in Lyon left a lasting impact on her future goals. “I built relationships with local students and professionals that created a network I can tap into for future career opportunities. These connections helped me understand the importance of networking in a global context.”
Kennedi encourages fellow students to take advantage of Pace’s study abroad opportunities. “I know it may seem overwhelming and scary, but it is absolutely WORTH IT to go. Life is so short, and an opportunity like this is too good to pass on. Approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity rather than apprehension.”
For students interested in exploring similar life-changing experiences, visit Pace’s Study Abroad Office and attend a Study Abroad Fair. You never know what adventures await you!
More from Pace
Why not earn credits for your degree while exploring the world? At Pace, you can take in-depth courses or save open electives for amazing international experiences. Did you know a semester abroad can cost the same—or even less—than a semester at Pace?
From City Hall to Albany, your vote shapes New York’s future. Local and state elections are happening just around the corner. From registering to vote, casting your ballot on campus, to attending fun voter engagement events, Pace University has you covered. Check out our guide to all things voting, powered by the Center for Community Action and Research and the Andrew Goodman Foundation.
Meet Deniz Ilgaz Sen '21, an international student from Turkey and an Arts and Entertainment Management major who quickly made New York City and Pace University her new home. She credits her great experiences at Pace to faculty and friends. To take a little break from the city that never sleeps, Deniz decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, where she was able to adapt to yet another different culture.
Bracing for Impact in the AI Revolution
As artificial intelligence started reshaping industries, software engineer Ross Carvalho ’25 knew it was time to evolve. He came to Pace to master the AI foundations, a decision which has opened doors to mentorship, hands-on experiences, and even an internship with Apple.
Ross Carvalho ’25 built a successful career as a software engineer in India, but with the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, he knew it was time to take his skills to the next level and future-proof his career. “By 2022, I saw a trend,” Ross explains. “Companies weren’t just looking for software engineers; they wanted AI software engineers.”
Ross knew that to compete, he needed to build a greater basis of AI knowledge and began researching universities that offered strong programs with an AI-focus. He was drawn to graduate programs at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, which integrates AI fundamentals throughout its curriculum. “At Pace, I’ve taken courses in deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing,” he shares. “These are the fundamental blocks of AI, and Pace provides a solid foundation in these areas.”
Companies weren’t just looking for software engineers; they wanted AI software engineers.
As Ross prepared to begin his studies in New York City, he came across an opportunity that felt almost too perfect—a lab assistant position in Pace’s Computational Intelligence Lab. It was the ideal complement to the AI-focused curriculum he was pursuing—allowing him to not only learn, but actively contribute to AI projects.
He worked with fellow student, now adjunct professor Darsh Joshi ’24 who became a mentor to him, creating the infrastructure that would give students both the technology and the collaborative space to create AI models and predictive systems. They both envisioned the lab as a place to offer education ranging from data science concepts to practical industry experience. “We decided we wanted to bridge this gap from university to corporate by providing them these courses,” says Ross. “So, the lab performs those two functions right now. First is providing a platform that gives students access to computing services, and the second is providing educational content and mentoring sessions.”
It’s not just about learning in the classroom—it’s about applying those skills to solve real-world problems.
With his growing experience at Pace, Ross applied for internships during his first year, eventually landing a competitive six-week summer internship at Apple. Ross worked in one of Apple’s Bay Area campuses as a DevOps (development and operations) intern, helping manage the platform responsible for building applications like iMovie. “I worked on improving the platform, building a framework to test its various components, and even doing some production deployments, which was rare for interns,” said Ross.
Ross credits Pace’s Career Services with helping him secure the internship. “Career Services was incredibly helpful, especially with my resume. They taught me how to tailor my resume to specific job descriptions,” he says. “They provided personalized advice through multiple sessions, helping me tune my resume for each application.”
As Ross continues to build his expertise in AI, he remains grateful for the opportunities Pace has provided. “Pace has given me a platform to grow and explore,” he reflects. “It’s not just about learning in the classroom—it’s about applying those skills to solve real-world problems.”
Pace students have huge potential to create a big impact.
Since leaving India to continue his education, Ross has gone beyond basics with AI, finding mentorship and hands-on experiences to deepen his skills along the way. “Pace has given me a lot,” he says. “They have given me an on-campus job. They have provided me with guidance wherever required, especially from my mentors like Darsh Joshi, and all my friends here, my Pace family.”
For others looking to expand their AI expertise, Ross recommends students find problems where AI could have an impact and start there. ”Students should venture out. Focus, solve, participate in hackathons and competitions where these organizations work with us to actually solve a problem,” he says. “Pace students have huge potential to create a big impact.”
Learn more about AI and machine learning at Pace’s Computational Intelligence Lab.
Press Release: Pace University Partners with Sixth Street and Goldman Sachs to Host Inaugural Fintech Conference
Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems partnered with leading global investment firms Sixth Street and Goldman Sachs to host the University’s inaugural fintech conference, Pace of Fintech: Accelerating Innovation Conference.
Discussions focused on Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence
Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems partnered with leading global investment firms Sixth Street and Goldman Sachs to host the University’s inaugural fintech conference, Pace of Fintech: Accelerating Innovation Conference.
The conference held last week included a conversation on cutting-edge technology shaping the future of finance. Industry leaders and esteemed Pace faculty provided experts insights on automating analog markets, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, quants in finance, and generative AI. A discussion of early career networking, led by Sixth Street and Pace’s Career Services, provided valuable career-building advice to upcoming and new graduates.
“Pace University’s first-ever fintech conference brought together the top experts in the fields of finance, artificial intelligence and internet security to share their industry knowledge,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace. “We see ourselves at the forefront of these sectors and look forward to continuing our work in them alongside our corporate partners.”
The University launched its own artificial intelligence (AI) lab earlier this year. The space serves as the central hub for the Pace community, offering training and opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems currently offers AI degrees in a Bachelor of Science in computer science, computation economics and data science. The school is planning to launch two new artificial intelligence master’s programs, with a Master of Science in artificial intelligence and a Master of Science in applied artificial intelligence.
Pace University and Lubin School of Business student Vidhi Kothari offered the following: “The discussion was fascinating, especially the fireside chat. It struck me that we’re on the brink of a technological revolution akin to the internet boom. This could redefine our future in profound ways.”
Pace speakers and participants included:
- Marvin Krislov, President
- Phyllis Mooney, Assistant Vice President, Career Services and Employer Relations
Other featured speakers included:
- Adam Korn, Chief Information Officer, Sixth Street
- R. Martin Chavez, Partner and Vice Chairman, Sixth Street
- Marco Argenti, Chief Information Officer, Goldman Sachs
- John Madsen, Head of Core Engineering, Goldman Sachs
- Armen A.A. Avanessians, Chair, Columbia Universities Data Science Council, and Member, Columbia Engineering's Visitors Board, Columbia World Projects President's Council, Columbia University (former Head and Chief Investment Officer, Goldman Sachs)
- Stephanie Cohen, Chief Strategy Officer, Cloudflare
- David Stone, Head of North American Financial Services, Office of the CISO, Google Cloud"
The day’s events included panel discussions on Automating Analog Markets; Quants in Finance; Cybersecurity; Cloud Infrastructure; Early Career and Generative AI Applications.
Mooney, in the Career Networking Workshop, told the audience: “Be open minded before you begin your job search. Spend a lot of time reading job descriptions and researching the websites of the companies you are interested in. What are the skills and experiences they are looking for and then look to acquire those skills inside and outside the classroom.”
To close out the conference, a 45-minute fireside chat included President Krislov, R. Martin Chavez, Partner and Vice Chairman, Sixth Street; Adam Korn, Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Sixth Street; and John Madsen, Chief Technology Officer & Head of Core Engineering, Goldman Sachs.
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, 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, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.
About Sixth Street
Sixth Street is a global investment firm with over $75 billion in assets under management and committed capital. Sixth Street uses its long-term flexible capital, data-enabled capabilities, and One Team culture to develop themes and offer solutions to companies across all stages of growth. Founded in 2009, Sixth Street has more than 600 team members including over 250 investment professionals operating around the world.
About Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.