Edwin-Elijah Fernandez

Class of 2026
Pronouns: He/Him
Currently Studying: MBA in Marketing Management
Member (Clubs): Vice President, Lubin Graduate Student Council; Co-Lead, Lubin Society

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

I chose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business for their strong focus on experiential learning and direct exposure to industry professionals. As I explored the program, the opportunity to apply what I was learning in real-world settings stood out.

One of my most impactful experiences was participating in a marketing study abroad course during my second semester with Professors Sandler and Long in Denmark and Sweden, alongside 14 other students. There, I gained global perspectives on marketing, supply chain, and social responsibility by engaging directly with international companies. The experience also pushed me outside my comfort zone and contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Additionally, researching the faculty reinforced my decision. Their thought leadership and industry insight—shared on platforms like LinkedIn—reflected an environment focused on relevance and real-world application. I wanted a program that would challenge me and prepare me to operate at a high level, and Lubin aligned with that goal.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Clubs at Lubin have played a key role in shaping my professional and personal development. Through the American Marketing Association, I was introduced to opportunities that ultimately defined my path on campus.

One of my most impactful experiences was attending the AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans, where I competed in a national digital marketing simulation for JBL. I led the social media strategy, contributed to campaign execution over multiple days, and helped select a brand ambassador. Our team placed second out of 331 chapters, marking a major milestone in my development.

That experience strengthened my ability to perform in high-pressure, team-based environments while reinforcing the importance of initiative and stepping into leadership roles.

You've been on the founding team of a few clubs, what inspired you to do this?

My involvement in building student organizations was driven by the impact I saw within the Pace Community.

I started on the marketing team for the Lubin Society, where we focused on strengthening connections between student organizations. Briana Noriega and I worked closely to expand our reach—she grew our Instagram audience to more than 600 followers, and I built our LinkedIn presence to more than 1,000.

Through these platforms, we increased visibility for student organizations, promoted events, and highlighted student leaders. We also led recruitment efforts through Lubin Fest and organized philanthropy initiatives, including a masquerade gala supporting St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where we raised $1,584.

What stood out most was the ability to build relationships and see the direct impact of our work on the community. That experience led me to step into a co-lead role and later co-found the Lubin Graduate Student Council.

As vice president, I focused on strengthening engagement within the graduate community. We hosted town halls to gather student feedback and built events around those insights, including networking opportunities, social events, and professional development initiatives. Seeing students connect and engage with what we created has been the most rewarding part of the experience.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

One of my favorite opportunities at Pace has been working with the IDM Lab. Through this experience, I supported the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, where I managed their Instagram and Facebook accounts, developed content, and helped promote their annual event, ShadFest.

This experience also connected me with the Hudson Valley Direct Marketing Association, where I later served as a social media ambassador, managing digital content through Wix. These roles strengthened my ability to execute marketing strategies in real-world settings while building both technical and creative skills. This hands-on experience is exactly what I was looking for when I chose Pace.

When I first came to Pace, I was shy and introverted. I had potential, but I lacked the confidence to fully express it. Over time, by putting myself in new environments, building relationships, and staying consistent, I developed both personally and professionally.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

Stay authentic in your approach, be driven in pursuing opportunities, and stay consistent in the effort you put in. Growth at Lubin comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking initiative.

When I first came to Pace, I was shy and introverted. I had potential, but I lacked the confidence to fully express it. Over time, by putting myself in new environments, building relationships, and staying consistent, I developed both personally and professionally. That growth came from showing up, putting myself in the right rooms, and building the confidence to speak up and ask questions.

Lean on the faculty and be open to working with others. The more you engage, the more you will get out of your experience.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife represents the core philosophy of Opportunitas — the opportunity to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourself. More importantly, it’s about taking action on those opportunities.

It reflects a culture of showing up, getting involved, and pushing yourself to grow both personally and professionally through real-world experiences.

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The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems hosted its annual Seidenberg Innovation Awards (SIA) on April 16, 2026, welcoming leaders in technology, education, and business to Pace University’s New York City campus. The event recognized leaders who support the continued advancement of education, raising critical funds to enhance access and elevate students of diverse backgrounds to be appropriately prepared for meaningful careers in tech.

During this year’s edition of SIA, co-chaired by Jaime Mantilla '94 and Vipul Nagrath '94, MS '96, three distinguished honorees were celebrated for their impact across innovation, leadership, and community engagement.

Al Bunshaft, former Senior Vice President of Academia and Education at Dassault Systèmes and President of the Dassault Systèmes US Foundation, was honored for his contributions to advancing STEM education. Throughout his career, including leadership roles at Dassault Systèmes and IBM, he has helped expand how emerging technologies such as 3D visualization and simulation are used to prepare students for evolving workforce demands.

Gale Epstein, co-founder and creative force behind Hanky Panky, has built a globally influential brand grounded in thoughtful design and craftsmanship. In addition to her achievements in the fashion industry, she was recognized for playing a key role in supporting environmental, social, and arts initiatives, including interdisciplinary innovation through the Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy and the Environment at Pace.

Chris Iervolino ’87, MS ’96, DPS ’02, Managing Vice President at Gartner leading Artificial Intelligence and Analytics insights, was honored for his leadership in navigating major waves of technological change. From early enterprise systems to today’s AI-driven landscape, his career reflects the growing role of technology in shaping business strategy. Prior to Gartner, he held leadership roles at KPMG, ITEC, Oracle, and Deloitte. A three-time Pace alumnus and former adjunct professor, he has maintained a strong connection to Seidenberg while preparing the next generation of tech leaders.

The program included a formal awards presentation alongside opportunities for connection and collaboration among attendees. Students played an active role in the evening, including introducing honorees and engaging with industry leaders and mentors. This was a powerful reminder of Seidenberg’s overall mission: preparing our students to be innovators by giving them opportunities for experiential hands-on learning, applied research, and real-world engagement.

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While the evening highlighted the accomplishments of this year’s honorees, it also reinforced the broader purpose behind SIA. As Seidenberg’s largest annual event, it provides critical support for initiatives that enhance the academic experience—funding scholarships, graduate assistantships, student programming, lab resources, and opportunities for research and professional development.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit student scholarships and strategic initiatives within the Seidenberg School, supporting hands-on education for students who will shape the future of technology. The Seidenberg team extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

View photos from the event

The PaceDocs team explores the legacy, connection, and storytelling behind the documentary course through alumni and faculty voices

Pace University’s award-winning student documentary team, PaceDocs, will premiere their latest film, Stories Come Together, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

The film explores the lasting impact of the PaceDocs program through interviews with more than 30 alumni and faculty. Created over the course of a single semester, the documentary highlights how the program has shaped generations of storytellers through immersive, hands-on filmmaking experiences.

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Stories Come Together also serves as a tribute to the legacy of Professor Emeritus Maria Luskay, EdD, whose leadership helped shape the PaceDocs program for more than two decades.

“Over the years, this course has always been about more than filmmaking. It is about building a community of storytellers who learn from each other and carry those experiences forward,” said Luskay, former professor of the Producing the Documentary course and past director of the graduate program in Communications and Digital Media. “Seeing this new generation reflect on that legacy is incredibly meaningful.”

As part of the production process, the 2026 PaceDocs team traveled throughout the Northeast during spring break, conducting interviews with key figures including Dr. Luskay and Andy Revkin, an environmental journalist, musician, former New York Times writer, and former Pace University professor who co-instructed the course. From managing equipment and coordinating travel logistics to logging footage and shaping the film under a tight deadline, students experienced the full scope of documentary production.

“This film captures the spirit of PaceDocs through collaboration,” said Lou Guarneri, clinical associate professor of media and communication arts in Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and head of the Producing the Documentary course. “Alumni who took Producing the Documentary not only helped us tell the story but also mentored current students. It all comes back to the heart of PaceDocs: the human connection. Our students honor what came before them while continuing to push the work forward in new and exciting ways.”

The documentary is the focus of the popular class, “Producing the Documentary”, which is part of the. Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University’s highly regarded film program The course requires students to complete a full-length documentary within 14 weeks while developing skills in research, storytelling, cinematography, sound, and editing.

Over its 24-year history, PaceDocs has produced 23 documentaries across 14 countries, earning more than 30 awards. Stories Come Together continues this proud tradition of producing high-quality, meaningful, and award-winning films.By immersing themselves in every aspect of the filmmaking process, from idea to screen, students emerge as storytellers, reflecting the connection, legacy, and storytelling that define the program.

In recent years, Pace filmmakers have created documentaries around the globe, exploring topics such as the musical traditions of the Azores and the cultural legacy of the Viola da Terra (Viola da Terra: Harmony of the Azores, 2025), the craft of barrel making in Spain (The Cooper, 2024), which received multiple international awards; the farm-to-table food movement in France (2023); how oysters depend on the ebb and flow of tides (2022); the importance of bees as pollinators in our food supply (2021); the eruption of Kīlauea in Hawaii (2019); the endurance of the people of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2018); Cuba at a cultural crossroads (2016); reviving Curacao’s coral reefs (2015); as well as many other poignant films.

“Once again, Dyson College’s student filmmakers have produced another compelling documentary,” said Tresmaine R. Grimes, PhD, dean of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education. “This year’s film highlights the lasting legacy of the program and the connections it has fostered, demonstrating how storytelling can bring communities together and preserve meaningful experiences.”

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A session with the student filmmakers. Tickets for the reception and screening are available, though space is limited. (Use code PACEDOCS26 for free tickets.)

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the 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 Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

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After transferring to Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Gabrielle Seebold found a program that aligned with her global ambitions—immersing herself in international law, securing a United Nations internship, and building a path toward a career as an international business attorney.

Gabrielle Seebold began her legal education elsewhere before transferring to Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She describes this as a purposeful step toward aligning her legal education with her global ambitions.

“I saw the opportunities that Pace Haub law offered,” said Gabrielle. “I was drawn by its strong international law program, the opportunity to earn a specialized certificate, and its unique United Nations internship offerings. The campus environment and accessibility also played a role in my decision, but it was the academic and professional opportunities that ultimately stood out.” Today, Gabrielle is a full-time JD candidate in the Class of 2027, Gabrielle is also pursuing an Advanced Certificate in International Law.

Gabrielle’s desire to pursue international law was shaped in part by her multicultural background. With family roots in Barbados through her mother and German and Polish heritage from her father—a practicing attorney—she developed an early appreciation for both the legal profession and global connections. Frequent visits to Barbados have further deepened her interest in international issues.

Since transferring, Gabrielle has fully immersed herself in the Pace Haub Law community. She credits the school with opening doors that have shaped her legal path, from securing internships to building meaningful friendships. Since starting at the Law School, she obtained a highly competitive internship with the United Nations, where she works with the Mission of Costa Rica on the Fourth Committee, focusing on peacekeeping and peace operations. She describes the experience as both unique and invaluable, providing hands-on exposure that aligns directly with her career goals. She also has secured a summer position with a class action data breach firm—an opportunity she obtained through a connection made at a Pace Haub Law alumni networking event.

Gabrielle highlights the support of Pace Haub Law faculty as instrumental in her successful transition. Professor McDonnell, in particular, has played a key role in guiding her international law studies and inspiring her through his passion for the subject. “Professor McDonnell has helped me learn so much about international law,” shared Gabrielle. “I hope to take all of his courses.” Beyond academics and internships, Gabrielle is actively involved in the International Law Society and Corporate Law Society.

For prospective law students, especially those considering transferring, Gabrielle offers simple but powerful advice: “Go for it, even if you are scared. Believing in yourself until you get into the swing of law school is all you need. The feeling of doing what you wanted to do and being proud of yourself is amazing.” She also notes the importance of prioritizing self-care and wellness, finding that regular exercise helps her manage the demands of law school and maintain balance.

Looking ahead, Gabrielle aims to become an international business attorney, working on cross-border transactions and legal aspects of global deals—ideally in a role that allows her to travel and engage with international clients.

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Professor Amelia Wilson has been named the recipient of Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes that outstanding pedagogy occurs in a variety of settings at the Law School—it can be found in courses of all sizes and types, in teachers with diverse styles, and across subject matters. Each spring, the Faculty Development Committee, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, selects as a recipient of the award a member of the tenured or tenure-track faculty or a visiting professor with a contract longer than one year in duration. The award typically is based on the faculty member’s teaching during the current academic year.

Professor Margot Pollans, chair of the Faculty Development Committee, remarked: “The selection committee wanted to recognize the extraordinary work that Professor Wilson has done in stepping into the Immigration Justice Clinic (IJC) and ensuring a seamless transition in taking over as Director of the IJC during an especially hard time for this work. She has brought remarkable energy and dedication to the clinic, and her students have consistently described their experiences working with her as meaningful and impactful. Her commitment to her students and to this community is truly exceptional.”

“I am truly honored to be selected for The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching,” said Professor Wilson. “This is a challenging time to be doing immigration related work, but the resilience of our clients, the dedication of our students, and the support I’ve received from this community make it possible. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Pace Haub Law community, to teach immigration law, engage in scholarship, and work alongside such committed colleagues.”

Professor Amelia Wilson joined the Elisabeth Haub School of Law faculty in 2024 as Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic. In this role, she leads the clinic and also has clinical teaching responsibilities, working closely with students representing clients in complex and high-stakes immigration matters. Professor Wilson also teaches a non-clinical course on the intersections of criminal law and immigration law.

Prior to joining Pace Haub Law, Professor Wilson was an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at Seton Hall School of Law. Before that, she spent four years at Columbia Law School as a Supervising Attorney, Research Scholar, and Lecturer-in-Law, where she co-taught the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. She has been practicing immigration law since 2005 and has represented hundreds of individuals navigating the detention and deportation system.

Professor Wilson’s work focuses in particular on representing noncitizens with mental health disabilities, and her scholarship centers on safeguarding the due process rights of this especially vulnerable population. In addition to her teaching, scholarship, and direct legal services, she played a key role in helping the Department of Justice build the first—and to date, only—government-funded appointed counsel system for any immigrant group.

She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.

For more than three decades, Professor Kathryn Winsted, PhD, has helped shape what it means to learn by doing at Pace University. At the Lubin School of Business, her work centers on one idea: meaningful education happens when students apply their knowledge in real, tangible ways. In recognition of her lasting impact across teaching, service, and scholarship, she has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Long before experiential learning became widely emphasized in business education, Professor Winsted was already integrating it into her classrooms. Her courses mirror the realities students will face in their careers, challenging them to collaborate, analyze data, and make decisions in fast-paced, team-based environments. In her digital marketing classes, students partner with small businesses to develop strategic recommendations, where they gain client-facing experience and build skills in search engine optimization, digital advertising, and emerging technologies.

Under Dr. Winsted’s guidance, students are not just learning about entrepreneurship. They are living it.

That same philosophy extends beyond the classroom through her leadership of the Center for Student Enterprise. The initiative began with a conversation between Dr. Winsted and two first-year students and has grown into a network of student-run businesses that evolve year after year. From campus staples like Pace Perk and Pace Mart to newer ventures like Pace Cleans, these businesses give students the opportunity to operate and scale real organizations while still in school. Under Dr. Winsted’s guidance, students are not just learning about entrepreneurship. They are living it.

Her ability to create these opportunities is rooted in her professional experience. Before joining Pace, she founded and managed multiple businesses, worked in government roles, including at the White House, and led a consulting practice serving more than 100 clients. These experiences shape her teaching and allow her to connect theory to practice while offering students a clear and honest view of the professional world.

Believe in your ability, take initiative, and trust that effort leads to opportunity.

Throughout her career, she has modeled the resilience she encourages in her students. From balancing the demands of raising a family while completing her PhD to standing firm in moments that tested her professional integrity, Dr. Winsted has demonstrated a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Her message to students remains consistent: believe in your ability, take initiative, and trust that effort leads to opportunity.

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes more than a career. It reflects a legacy of impact across the Pace Community. Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Professor Winsted has created an environment where students are empowered to take risks, build confidence, and step into their futures with purpose.

RAPTORS Act, introduced following three years of student-led research and advocacy, targets rodenticides harming wildlife and pets

Pace University students in the Animal Advocacy Clinic met with lawmakers in Albany today to advocate for legislation aimed at restricting the use of rodenticides linked to the deaths of wildlife and companion animals.

The bill, known as the RAPTORS Act, was introduced by Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick following three years of student-led research and advocacy.

“The prevalence of anticoagulant rodenticides in the environment threatens to make these poisons another DDT, unless we act now,” said Michelle D. Land, clinical professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Science and director of the Animal Policy Project. “DDT, a pesticide, was banned only after its harm to birds of prey and other wildlife was undeniable. With anticoagulant rodenticides, that harm is already clear. We are grateful to Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Burdick for their leadership on this urgent issue.”

According to research, second-generation rodenticides have been linked to the deaths of predatory birds and other animals that consume rodents, including wolves, foxes, skunks and coyotes. A Cornell University study found 68% of red-tailed hawks tested in New York had detectable rodenticides in their systems. Data from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation show nearly 90% of tested hawks in New York City showed exposure to rodenticides.

The risks extend beyond wildlife. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Animal Poison Control Center receives thousands of calls each year related to rodenticide exposure in pets, and national poison control data indicate that young children are also at risk of accidental ingestion.

“My legislation to severely limit the use of anticoagulant rodenticides is in response to the alarming toxicity of these chemicals, how they unintentionally end up poisoning non-targeted wildlife, including birds of prey, other mammals and even humans, and the lasting accumulation of these super poisons in our ecosystems,” said Sen. Harckham. “The availability of effective alternatives and continued innovation in pest management further underscore the need to advance and enact this bill. Thank you to Pace University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Science and its Animal Advocacy Clinic for their partnership and science-based advocacy.”

The proposed legislation would prohibit both second-generation and first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs and FGARs), while allowing limited exceptions for significant threats to public health, critical infrastructure and certain agricultural uses. In those cases, nonchemical methods must be attempted first, with safeguards to reduce unintended exposure.

"It is incumbent on us to protect our wildlife and maintain balance in our ecosystems,” said Assemblymember Chris Burdick. "I’m grateful for the collaboration with Pace University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Science and its Animal Advocacy Clinic and with Senator Harckham in creating this piece of legislation. As we learn more about the consequences of some of the toxic chemicals we use and as we develop safer and more environmentally friendly ways to achieve the same goals, we must pass legislation to keep up with the science."

The Animal Advocacy Clinic builds on a strong track record of student-driven policy success at Pace. Founded in 2016 as the Environmental Policy Clinic, the program has helped advance legislation to protect animals and wildlife, including the Elephant Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2017 and banned the use of elephants in entertainment in New York.

The clinic has also supported successful efforts to pass legislation banning wildlife killing contests in New York, following years of research, advocacy and lobbying by Pace students.

These efforts laid the foundation for the Animal Advocacy Clinic, where undergraduate and graduate students, including first-year students, collaborate across all majors to research, draft and advocate for legislation.

“Through my research for the Animal Advocacy Clinic, I learned how widespread these poisons are and how often they affect animals who were never the target,” said Gertrude Phiri, a graduate assistant with the Animal Policy Project and a master’s student in environmental science and policy. “It became clear to me this is an ecosystem-wide issue that calls for a legislative response.”

Wildlife rehabilitators across New York have been a critical part of the effort to ban anti-coagulant rodenticides, documenting suspected poisoning cases and providing frontline insight into the frequency and severity of exposure in non-target species.

If enacted, the RAPTORS Act would position New York among a growing number of jurisdictions moving away from widespread reliance on anticoagulant rodenticides in favor of more targeted, preventative approaches.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the 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 Animal Policy Project at Pace University

The Animal Policy Project at Pace University advances legal and policy solutions to improve the treatment of animals and protect biodiversity. Through research, advocacy, and experiential learning opportunities such as the Animal Advocacy Clinic, the Project works with students, policymakers, and partner organizations to address complex issues at the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and environmental protection.

About the Department of Environmental Studies and Science

The Department of Environmental Studies and Science at Pace University prepares students to address pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary study, applied research, and hands-on learning. The department is home to initiatives such as the Suburban Biodiversity Conservation Center, which focuses on protecting and restoring biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes.