Name: Madelyn Garcia
Pronouns: She/They
Anticipated Year of Graduation: 2024
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Degree/Major: Environmental Science and Conservation, BS + Environmental Science and Policy, MS (Combined Degree)

Internship role and employer: Landscape Conservation Intern with Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Conservation Innovation Team

Tell us a bit about what you did during your internship. Walk us through what an average day looks like for you.

During my internship, I was under the guidance of Aimee Delach, a Senior Policy Analyst with a specialization in Climate Adaptation. Beyond team meetings, my role revolved around extensive research, particularly centered on reviewing documentation related to imperiled species. A significant part of my responsibilities also involved navigating the USFWS Service Catalog to delve into Comprehensive Conservation Plans. These comprehensive plans serve as crucial long-term documents ensuring the effective management of each refuge in alignment with their intended purpose.

The nature of my projects demanded keen attention to detail, and they were presented during a symposium held at the conclusion of the internship period. Additionally, interns had the opportunity to attend virtual and in-person events that engaged and educated wildlife lovers across the nation.

I'm truly thankful to both the Pritchard Foundation and Defenders for such a great opportunity!

What made you gravitate to this role? Was it the organization, the responsibilities, or something else?

I've been incredibly fortunate to work with Defenders of Wildlife, an organization that embraces an intersectional approach to conservation. Beyond its reputation, my attraction to this role was amplified by the presence of The Center for Conservation Innovation, a dynamic team at the forefront of pioneering strategies to create the next generation of wildlife policies and practices.

Moreover, my decision to pursue this position was significantly influenced by my participation in the Animal Advocacy Clinic during the Spring of 2023.

Did you work on any projects or complete any special tasks that brought you a sense of self-satisfaction?

Working alongside the climate team, I helped update and develop reports on species affected by climate change for the Defenders Climate Change guide. Crafting these informative fact sheets allowed me to offer precise and easily understandable insights into the subject. Furthermore, I actively participated in the evaluation of how Comprehensive Conservation Plans for National Wildlife Refuges were integrating climate change considerations into their strategic frameworks.

Have you interned anywhere else prior to this?

Prior to this, I had the privilege of interning in various roles that have greatly contributed to my skill set and research exposure. The opportunities afforded by the ESS Department have been particularly instrumental in honing my abilities. Apart from my current position, I've also held other notable roles, including:

• Arc Map Story Assistant for the Town of Ridgefield, CT
• Social Media Intern with the National Parks Conservation Association
• Environmental Campaign Engagement with the Environmental Advocates of New York
• Recipient of the Julia and Carroll Fellowship, working as a forestry Intern with Teatown Lake Reservation
• This fall, I'm a Climate Action and Policy Intern with Bedford2030!

Did you get this internship with assistance from Career Services or did you snag this one independently?

Although my resume has been crafted with the assistance of Career Services, I actually discovered this through both Handshake and the Green Jobs Board. These platforms have proven to be valuable resources in my job search journey.

Do you have any advice for people who are considering taking on their first internship?

Apply! My advice is to take the leap and apply, even if you feel your qualifications or skill-set might be lacking, or if self-confidence is holding you back. Oftentimes, your unique experiences beyond the stated requirements can actually position you as an excellent candidate. Additionally, you might possess strengths in areas that the company hasn't even identified as crucial until they engage with you during the interview process. Embracing a growth-oriented mindset is key to unlocking potential opportunities that you might otherwise miss. Remember, the worst outcome is simply hearing a 'no' at the end of the day.

You can also see these two articles that were posted for National Intern Day/Week:

• Defenders Intern Diaries: Center for Conservation Innovation

Haub Law’s team for the National Trial League Competition broke a record this year as they were the only school to ever remain undefeated in the National Trial League’s regular season, with a solid finish of seven wins and zero losses. The regular season of the competition ran every two weeks beginning in August and commencing in November. Haub Law is one of four teams that will now move on to playoffs in spring 2024. In addition to Haub Law’s undefeated record, this is the first year since Haub Law started participating in the competition that they have made the playoffs. The Haub Law team was coached by Samantha Tighe ’20 and Hilary Quinn. Haub Law students Joseph Demonte, Liam Rattigan, Chloe Devanny, Matthew Mattesi, Stephanie Areford, Victoria Buzzanca, Alexandra Stata, Arianna Cruickshank, Sabrina Rehfeld, and Katerine Balukas were amongst the students who participated over the course of the seven competitions.

Throughout the Competition, Haub Law students Joseph Demonte, Chloe Devanny, and Alexandra Stata were awarded best advocate awards as well. Student competitor Joe Demonte notes that, “Every time I compete, I feel like I get better, and I really enjoy the competitive aspect of mock trials. This specific competition was really enjoyable because of the short turnaround time. Every two weeks there's a competition so you do not have much time to get ready. I enjoy this challenge because it really tests your ability to think on your feet. This competition is also really a team effort, we would not be as successful as we have been without everyone’s efforts and our coaches.”

During the playoffs this upcoming spring, Joseph Demonte, Liam Rattigan, and Chloe Devanny will compete on behalf of Haub Law. Student competitor Chloe Devanny also notes that hard work that went into the seven rounds of the competition. “If it wasn’t for every single student advocate working their hardest, we would not have the amazing opportunity to compete in the upcoming finals,” said Chloe. Professor Lou Fasulo, Director of Haub Law’s Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy, added, “I have had the opportunity to work with dozens of great law student advocates, this group of advocates rose to the highest level of expectation and defeated some of the top Trial schools in the country,” said Professor Fasulo. “Their dedication, work ethic, and talent was outstanding and the results prove it. The team’s undefeated status caps a terrific fall competition schedule. Haub Law is proud and our reputation is enhanced by their success.”

Sands College of Performing Arts students learn to navigate the industry from day one. In addition to designing, choreographing, stage managing, directing, and forming theater ensembles around the world, here’s where you’ve recently seen us.

• Broadway
• Selected Television
• Selected Film

Broadway

• & Juliet
• A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
• After Midnight
• Ain’t Too Proud
• Aladdin
• Almost Famous
• American Psycho
• Back to the Future The Musical
• Be More Chill
• Bridges of Madison County
• Bring It On
• Bye Bye Birdie
• Caroline, Or Change
• Carousel
• Cats
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
• Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour
• Dear Evan Hanson
• Diana
• Disney’s Frozen on Broadway
• Escape to Margaritaville
• Gettin’ the Band Back Together
• Hadestown
• Hair
• Hamilton
• Head Over Heels
• Hello, Dolly!
• Here Lies Love
• How To Dance In Ohio
• Ink
• Jagged Little Pill
• Kimberly Akimbo
• Merrily We Roll Along
• Miss Saigon
• MJ The Musical
• Motown the Musical
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
• Newsies
• On the Town
• Once On This Island
• Once Upon a One More Time
• Parade
• Pretty Woman
• Shuffle Along
• Some Like It Hot
• Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
• The Book of Mormon
• The Ferryman
• The Prom
• The Tina Turner Musical
• Waitress
• West Side Story
• Wicked

Selected TV

• 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox)
• Big Sky (ABC)
• Blue Bloods (CBS)
• Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
• Bull (CBS)
• Chicago Fire (NBC)
• Chicago Justice (NBC)
• Combat Hospital (ABC)
• Criminal Minds (CBS)
• Daisy Jones & The Six (Amazon Prime)
• Deadbeat (Hulu)
• Difficult People (Hulu)
• Gossip Girl (MAX)
• Gotham (FOX)
• Grease LIVE (Fox)
• Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
• Homeland (Showtime)
• Instinct (CBS)
• Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
• Less Than Zero (Hulu)
• Madam Secretary (CBS)
• Mildred Pierce (HBO)
• Modern Love (Amazon Prime)
• Mr. Robot (USA)
• Murder in the First (TNT)
• NOS4A2 (AMC)
• Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
• Pose (FX)
• Royal Pains (USA)
• Saturday Night Live (NBC)
• Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX)
• Shameless (Showtime)
• Show Me a Hero (HBO)
• Swarm (Amazon Prime)
• The Americans (FX)
• The Blacklist (NBC)
• The Deuce (HBO)
• The Get Down (Netflix)
• The Good Fight (CBS)
• The Knick (Cinemax)
• The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey (Amazon Prime)
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
• The Mayor (ABC)
• The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
• The Path (Hulu)
• The Sound of Music LIVE (NBC)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime)
• The Voice (NBC)
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
• Younger (TV Land)

Selected Film

• Adam
• Black Panther
• Judas and the Black Messiah
• Life Itself
• Love is Love (short)
• Mapplethorpe
• Miller & Son
• Moonrise Kingdom
• My Friend Dahmer
• Night Comes On
• Rebel in the Rye
• Ruta Vita
• Satanic Panic
• Swallowed
• Tangerine
• The Hate U Give
• The Immigrant
• The Subject
• They/Them
• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Valentina Rojas Abreu ’24 knows the experience of a first generation student better than most. Not only is she one herself, but she’s been helping cultivate a supportive network as President of the First Generation Program.

Read on to hear her perspective on the distinct challenges and triumphs that define the first generation student experience.

Why did you choose Pace?

I’d heard great things all through high school about how many connections Pace has to different companies and programs. I liked that I could commute and that there was a New York City Campus I could take advantage of if I wanted to.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

A lot of us first generation students are so independent because we don't have that safety net. Not that we don't have people to depend on, but at least on an academic standpoint, you are on your own.

What are some of the hidden ‘super powers’ of being a first generation student?

As a first generation student, I ended up being very independent. I'm the firstborn in my family. So I don't have an older sibling to ask ‘how did you do this’ or ‘what is FASFA?’ I feel like a lot of our students, including myself, feel like school is a bit easier now because I've been doing everything by myself. Having to figure things out on your own can help students reach for the stars. They know how to opportunities or have higher aspirations because they know they’ve always had to.

What do you want fellow first generation students to know?

Some people don’t even realize they’re a first generation student. Even if your parents received an associate degree rather than a four-year degree, or your siblings have gone to college, you're still considered a first generation student.

I try to encourage students in the First Generation Program in the same way I was encouraged.

Danielle Shoulders ’24 has embraced her journey as a first generation student with resilience and enthusiasm. She’s transferred from a small college in Ohio and is now thriving at Pace, not only pursuing a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies but also actively engaging in student clubs like the Black Student Union and working in various internships to ensure she’s career-ready.

Danielle's story may feel familiar to many other first-gen students. Fortunately, Pace’s first generation student community has helped her forge lasting connections of like-minded people who understand both the ambitions and hurdles that come along with navigating college as a first-gen student.

She shared her unique experience as a first generation student and how Pace's supportive environment has been instrumental along the way.

What does it mean to you to be a first generation student?

To me, being first generation acknowledges that my college experience is different because of my parents’ degree status. I fully understand that not only am I striving to finish college, but to also make my parents proud by completing my degree and experiencing the full college experience they didn’t get to have.

As a first generation student I carry a lot of responsibility. It can be tempting to procrastinate on my homework or to sleep in instead of going to events, but I want to always take full advantage of being in college and not waste a second. I also try to prepare myself for my career while I’m in college by participating in a variety of opportunities, like internships and club positions.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

A unique challenge of being a first generation student is not being able to ask about the college experience from my parents. I have overcome this by making my own support system of reliable college resources, other students, and supporting faculty. Pace has a wide range of resources and events that college students can attend to learn more about the ins-and-outs of college.

Why is it important to be part of a first generation student community?

Finding community with other first generation students helps me go into a place where people understand the same struggles. It can be hard when you see other students always a step ahead while you grasp to understand the college system. Some first generation students don’t even know they are first generation, let alone where to go for financial help. College is an expected challenge when you have parents who have already experienced it, but for a first generation student it’s a surprise at every turn. Having a community where you don’t have to explain what you go through is a genuinely important safe space.

Why did you choose Pace?

I transferred to Pace from a small college on the outskirts of Ohio. During my first year I realized that it wasn’t the place for me and during a hard time I just sent in an application. I was so excited to see my acceptance letter from Pace that I burst out crying. Pace was my opportunity to explore my passions, find a diverse community, and live my true college experience.

What’s been the best part of your Pace experience?

The best part of my Pace experience has been creating community. I’ve met people that will be in my life forever. My first week I made so many friends that now, two years later, we are still as close as ever. I also have created connections with professors to deepen my academic understanding and network with other professionals in my field. Finding my people has been the most impactful part of my Pace experience.

Pace is my home, and it holds memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

D'Andrè Butler ’25 is charting a remarkable path as a first generation student at Pace, ambitiously striving towards a sense of independence he has long craved. He’s thrown himself into the collegiate experience, not just in his academics as a writing and rhetoric major, but in student worker positions and club leadership.

D'Andrè juggles these roles and opportunities in the hopes of making the most of his time in school, a testament to the drive and ambitions so characteristic of his fellow first generation peers.

What does it mean to you to be a first generation student?

It means the world to me that I am someone in my family who made it to college and will not stop until I get my well-earned degree.

What are some of the challenges of being a first generation student?

As a first generation student I feel like I have to work harder than most people to make sure my spot at this school, as well as my future, is secured.

Budgeting my money is a unique challenge as a first-generation student. I have taken on the role of paying most of my tuition on my own, so knowing what to spend money on and what to sacrifice as a 20-year-old college student has been hard, but beneficial. Taking that into account, I have to work multiple jobs in order to finance my education while juggling student leadership roles.

Why is it important to be part of a first generation student community?

Connecting with other first-generation students is important because they are the only people who can relate to and understand my work ethic and my need for independence.

Why did you choose Pace?

I chose Pace because they offered more financial support and helped with my goal of independence. I knew moving to New York and making something of myself was something I always aspired to academically.

What’s been the best part of your Pace experience?

Networking has been the best part of my Pace experience. Since freshman year I have grown so much by creating opportunities for myself and making connections with pretty important people. I’ve worked as a resident advisor, a writing tutor, and a student assistant, while still staying involved in clubs. I’m the vice president and a choreographer in the hip-hop dance club and performance team, and vice president for a brand new fashion club called The House of Style.

Lower Manhattan based Pace University Small Business Development Center to form a larger regional team serving New York City.

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been tapped by the New York State SBDC network to expand the center’s service area to include Brooklyn as part of a pilot program.

Based out of the university’s lower Manhattan campus and as part of its Lubin School of Business, the Pace University SBDC provides in-depth and confidential one-on-one business advisement, training, and research to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business venture. All Pace SBDC services are offered at no cost to its clients through funding support by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and Pace University.

The Pace SBDC is​ part of a statewide network of 20 centers, and combines the resources of Pace University, and the public and private sectors to enable small businesses to reach their full potential. ​Since the center’s launch in 1986, the Center's experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have worked directly with more than 19,400 small businesses, helping them to invest over $245 million in the area's economy, and create or save over 8,800 jobs.

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Starting on January 2, 2024, the Pace University SBDC will launch its programming for Brooklyn-based small businesses, including in-person and virtual one-to-one business advisement in access to financing, marketing and sales strategies, government procurement, business planning and more. The expansion of services will be led by Pace University SBDC Regional Director Andrew Flamm.

“I am excited to launch Pace SBDC’s high-impact counseling services and training programming in Brooklyn, my home borough,” said Flamm. “Our team of business advisors has tremendous experience helping small businesses build and grow in their communities, and we look forward to deepening connections in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods to help generate new jobs and business investment.”

“Andrew Flamm and his high-performing team at the Pace SBDC offer an invaluable resource to countless New York City small businesses and exemplify Pace University’s commitment to advancing opportunities for our community,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “We’re pleased they’ll be expanding their work into Brooklyn, and we’re excited to see them build on their successes—and the long tradition of success at the Lubin School of Business.”

“Pace University’s Lubin School of Business is committed to community partnerships and entrepreneurial growth,” said Lawrence Singleton, dean of the Lubin School of Business. “As a longstanding host to the SBDC, we are delighted that the center will expand its service area to support Brooklyn-based small business owners and build economic opportunity. We thank NYSBDC State Director Sonya Smith and her leadership team for this opportunity for Pace University’s SBDC to extend business counseling and training to Brooklyn small businesses.”

"At the SBDC, we believe that shared resources and team-wide collaboration form an ecosystem of expertise to provide more small business services and offerings,” said Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York Small Business Development Center. “We are excited about this effort to better serve Brooklyn based small businesses. We always strive to improve our clients' experience and services and build bridges between communities. We see this as that opportunity."

“As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am deeply passionate about supporting small firms in New York and across the country,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, whose district includes a number of Brooklyn neighborhoods. “SBDCs play a vital role in supplying entrepreneurs with the skills needed to turn their dreams of owning a successful business into a reality. The Pace SBDC’s expansion of services into Brooklyn will help ensure more New Yorkers have access to these critical services. I look forward to continuing to work with Pace SBDC to support small businesses in my district and provide the resources necessary to grow and thrive.”

SBDCs are U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partners, and the Pace SBDC received an SBDC of Excellence & Innovation award from the SBA in 2022.

“The Pace SBDC has been a valuable partner, from helping small businesses access SBA pandemic recovery loan programs to co-hosting successful in-person small business financing programs and will be an effective resource for Brooklyn small businesses,” said John Mallano, District Director of SBA’s New York District Office.

Pace SBDC’s in-person one-to-one business advisory sessions will kick off from the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library.

“We are delighted to partner with Pace SBDC and provide space for their advisors to conduct one-to-one counseling sessions,” said Natalie Cannestra, Manager, Business & Career Services at the Brooklyn Public Library. “Pace SBDC’s support of Brooklyn small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs aligns with the BPL’s Business & Career Services’ focus on providing skills and knowledge to generate economic opportunity for our patrons.”

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 Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network created to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business ventures. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State of New York and Pace University, the Pace SBDC combines the resources of Pace University and the public and private sectors to enable small businesses to reach their full potential. ​Since our start in 1986, the Center's experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have worked directly with more than 19,400 small businesses, helping them to invest over $245 million in the area's economy, and create or save over 8,800 jobs.