For Pace University alum and proud native New Yorker Lolita Tiwari (’16, ’21), New York City represents more than a home—it was the foundation for a career built on curiosity, community, and innovation. “I always felt that whatever I wanted to learn or experience, I could start in one of the five boroughs around me. Since I went to elementary school in Brooklyn and high school in Queens, it only made sense for Manhattan to be my borough of choice for college.”

When considering which university was right for her, Pace stood out for both its academics and its integration with the city. Lolita earned her BA in Economics and Statistics from the Dyson School of Arts and Sciences in 2016, and later returned to complete her MS in Enterprise Analytics at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems in 2021 (now rebranded as the MS in Data Science). She said that “Pace stood out in the way where you couldn’t tell where the campus ended and where the city began; they are so beautifully integrated. I could step out of a 3-hour economics class and see City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. It felt as if the city was built around Pace, so I didn’t have to wait until after graduation to start building my career since some of the most exciting companies were a few blocks or train stops away from campus.”

At Pace I was exposed to an environment that opened doors to a world I didn't know existed.

Finding Her Community at Seidenberg

While completing her undergraduate degree at Dyson, Lolita worked as a student assistant at Seidenberg—an experience that ultimately inspired her to pursue her master’s degree there. “I was exposed to an environment that opened doors to a world I didn't know existed. At Seidenberg, students gathered to play video games, build apps, start their own companies, and solve real-world problems. All of that between classes. The spirit of innovation of 20-year-olds lit a spark in me that still lives on today.”

Seidenberg’s culture of collaboration continues to shape how Lolita approaches her career. “It was an environment where there was no ego—just passion, curiosity, and connection. Whoever you were, you were welcome and you were equal. Anyone could create, anyone could build, anyone could solve. The value of connection and relationships showed me that the return from investing into building community is priceless and time spent this way is the best investment we can make. I’ve taken this with me into my career: in every room I walk into, I know and expect everyone to treat others as equals. If there is a room or situation where this isn’t the case, I know with certainty that isn’t the right room for me.”

Both of my Pace degrees shaped me to have a lens of asking the right questions to build, fix, and innovate.

Leading at the Global Scale

Through her studies in economics, statistics, and enterprise analytics, Lolita developed a problem-solving mindset grounded in data and global awareness. “In both of my degrees, I learned that as a society, we can’t solve anything in a silo. In my economics program, I learned that to understand and solve societal problems we have to follow and understand many changes on both the federal and global level. In my enterprise analytics program, I learned the importance of inclusive and thorough data collection to understand and solve problems. Both degrees shaped me to have a lens of asking the right questions to build, fix, and innovate.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Lolita spent a decade working in advertising technology for media and entertainment companies including Fox Corporation and Hulu/Disney, before joining Google. She spent three years working on Partnerships for Google Ad Manager’s platform, helping News and Weather publishers monetize their site traffic. Today, she is on the Global Product Partnerships team at Google, leading partnerships for Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze across North America.

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Even though Lolita’s work supports global platforms used by millions, the mindset she developed at Pace remains central to her success: “In my career today, I still use the lens and skill of asking the right questions and collecting the right data to make informed decisions.”

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

Lolita remains deeply connected to Seidenberg since graduating, continuing to emphasize the importance of community and mentorship. “I am still very invested in the growth and longevity of the Seidenberg community and enjoy participating and giving back where I can. I have also been the Seidenberg Alumni Committee co-chair since 2023 and a Seidenberg Advisory Board Member since 2022.”

Her advice to current students and recent graduates is simple but powerful: “Take the time to learn about yourself and understand what brings you joy. There are things in life that are decided for us, but for the things we do have a say in, like our careers, it is important to remember that we get to make decisions and shape our own path.”

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Congratulations to Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s ADR Mediation Team on an outstanding performance at the Client Counseling Competition. This unique competition centered on legal challenges arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Ultimately, the Pace Haub Law team, Melanie Mahoney (3L), Lana Hubbs (3L), and Zella Ertl (2L), finished as Semi-Finalists.

The Law School’s team was coached by alumni coach Stephanie Desiato ’09, whose guidance helped prepare students to tackle emerging legal issues at the intersection of technology and dispute resolution. “We are proud of our students for demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and adaptability required in today’s evolving legal landscape,” shared Coach Desiato. Stephanie is also the Associate Director of Academic Success, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, and an Adjunct Professor at the Law School.

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During the Competition, participants navigated complex client scenarios involving unauthorized AI use in published materials and copyright concerns, deepfake AI evidence introduced in a child custody proceeding, corporate integration of AI into software systems, and more. Teams had the opportunity to conduct live client interviews before a judge, focusing on client-centered counseling, issue spotting, strategic thinking, and professionalism. Competitors were evaluated on their ability to communicate effectively, spot legal issues, demonstrate professionalism, and provide client-centered counseling.

Dafina Vukaj

Class of '27
Pronouns: She/Her
Currently Studying: BBA Business Analytics, minor in Marketing
Member (Clubs): Women in Lubin

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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 because of its strong academic reputation, diverse business programs, and outstanding post-graduate success rates. According to Pace Career Services, 93 percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education shortly after graduation, reflecting the University’s commitment to student success and career readiness.

Another major factor in my decision was Pace’s strategic location in New York City’s Financial District. Being surrounded by global companies, financial institutions, and innovative startups creates unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and hands-on learning. I believe there is no better place to study business than in an environment where business happens every day.

What truly stood out to me about the Lubin School of Business is its emphasis on real-world application. Lubin does not focus solely on academic theory; it prepares students to apply their knowledge immediately through internships, experiential learning, and industry engagement.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Clubs on campus have enriched my student experience by giving me opportunities to grow as both a leader and a collaborator. Co-founding Women in Lubin alongside like-minded, driven women has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Pace. It has provided an outlet to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, connect with students across different majors, and create events that inspire others to think intentionally about their futures after graduation.

Serving as vice president of Women in Lubin has further developed my creativity and leadership skills. I have used my marketing experience to build a cohesive brand and help grow the organization from the ground up alongside our executive board. Through collaboration, problem-solving, and shared leadership, I have developed skills that will guide me in team-oriented professional environments beyond Pace.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has benefited me by providing strong academic support and a meaningful sense of community. Through active and accessible advisors, I have received guidance that has helped me stay focused on my academic and professional goals—even when I was unsure which path to pursue within business.

Beyond academics, the Honors College provides a dedicated space on campus where I can connect with other motivated students. Being part of this community has made Pace feel more supportive while continuously encouraging me to strive for success.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

It is difficult to narrow my experience at Pace down to just one favorite opportunity. From deepening my understanding of finance through the Wall Street Acceleration Program to collaborating with organizations such as Women in Tech and Women in Econ, each experience has contributed to my growth. I have also had the opportunity to attend off-campus events, including the Women’s Spotlight event at Morgan Stanley and multiple office visits to Crédit Agricole.

These opportunities have allowed me to see firsthand how classroom concepts translate into different business environments.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice for other Lubin students is to take advantage of the wide variety of organizations and events that Lubin and Pace offer. Attending meetings, workshops, and networking events has helped me build professional confidence and form meaningful connections.

Clubs such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Undergraduate Finance Club, Women in Lubin, and INFORMS host valuable skill-building and networking opportunities that I have genuinely enjoyed. Getting involved not only strengthens your résumé but also helps you discover your interests, build your community, and make the most of your time at Lubin.

Getting involved not only strengthens your résumé but also helps you discover your interests, build your community, and make the most of your time at Lubin.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means thinking about the bigger picture. It represents a community where professors, advisors, and students are genuinely invested in helping you shape your journey at Pace and prepare to step confidently into the professional world.

If you are willing to ask questions, seek guidance, and put yourself out there, someone is always ready to help. #LubinLife means taking advantage of these resources, building connections, and striving to grow beyond the classroom.

Connect with Dafina

• Connect with Dafina on LinkedIn

Funding from New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will help prepare the next generation of nurses and clinicians

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins awarded Pace University $2.175 million in funding to support capital improvements and technology upgrades at its Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation in Pleasantville.

The Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation—part of Pace University’s College of Health Professions— expands hands-on training opportunities for students in high-demand health programs, helping prepare more nurses and clinicians.

“The need for healthcare professionals is surging, and the shortage we face is compounded by limited training facilities and lack of faculty. Pace is a regional and national leader in health education simulation, and this investment will enable it to increase its capacity and train more nurses. The better we prepare them, the better our healthcare will be for all New Yorkers. These simulation suites allow students to learn in spaces that are modeled after emergency departments, labor and delivery rooms and clinics. They are videoed to receive playback and debriefings by their professors. I was pleased to lead the Senate when we passed legislation to encourage simulation, and I am delighted to support such high-impact learning in Westchester,” said Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins.

In 2021 alone, U.S. nursing schools turned away more than 91,000 qualified applicants due to a lack of faculty, facilities, and clinical placement opportunities.

Recognizing the critical role simulation plays in addressing these challenges, New York State enacted legislation allowing nursing students to complete a portion of required clinical training through simulation-based experiences. Modernizing Pace’s simulation labs will allow the University to expand enrollment capacity and prepare more highly skilled, practice-ready nurses.

It is estimated that these labs will enable Pace to graduate and place more nurses at hospitals throughout the Hudson Valley; in fact, leading regional health systems, including New York-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai, have written letters of support underscoring strong employer demand for Pace nursing graduates as the University expands its training capacity.

The state investment at the Pleasantville Campus will fund simulation suite upgrades, enhanced equipment, and expanded digital infrastructure—ensuring students have access to immersive training technologies that closely mirror real-world clinical practice.

More than 20,000 hours of simulation are conducted each year to replicate a wide range of healthcare scenarios—including pediatrics, maternity, medical-surgical, and critical care settings.

“This investment reflects the Majority Leader’s extraordinary commitment to both education and public health,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “As part of our growth strategy and forward-looking transformation, we are investing in high-demand healthcare education that supports student success, strengthens our programs, and builds a pipeline of skilled professionals for the communities we serve.”

By expanding and modernizing its simulation facilities, Pace will be able to prepare even more practice-ready nurses, physician assistants, and allied health professionals to meet those demands.

Pace’s College of Health Professions ranks among the top in New York and the region, with several nationally ranked programs. The University’s nurse practitioner program is ranked among the top five in the state, by Nurse Journal, and its physician assistant program is ranked number three in New York City by BestValueSchools.org.

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.

Executives from Morgan Stanley, Google, and Heineken join industry partners to explore real-world AI strategy and responsible enterprise adoption

Pace University will host its Spring 2026 Actionable AI Conference on Friday, March 13, at its Lower Manhattan campus, convening executives and technology leaders focused on practical AI implementation.

Building on the success of its fall conference in Pleasantville that focused on AI in higher education, this spring gathering turns to the broader business landscape — examining how artificial intelligence is transforming operations, workforce strategy, governance, and risk management across industries.

This year’s program continues the overarching theme “Less Hype, More How,” featuring practical, real-world guidance on how to use AI responsibly, effectively, and immediately. Each panel will provide clear, actionable takeaways that attendees can implement within their own organizations.

“We are entering an era where AI is becoming embedded in the fabric of the global economy,” said Beth Gordon, PhD, vice president of Information Technology Services and chief information officer. “Pace is proud to create a space where leaders can have honest conversations about how to harness that power responsibly and strategically.”

Panels will explore navigating AI risk, how AI is transforming critical sectors, and strategies for adopting and scaling AI across an enterprise. The keynote address, From Tools to Teammates: Leading the Workforce in an Agentic AI Era, will be delivered by Kaitlin Elliott, executive director and head of firmwide generative AI solutions at Morgan Stanley. A featured Lunch and Learn session led by Craig King, AI Go-To-Market (GTM) for startups at Google, will examine the future of AI and help attendees separate hype from meaningful progress.

Speakers and panelists include leaders and experts from Google, Morgan Stanley, Heineken USA, INDATEL, New York University, Pace University, Zoom, and more. Sponsors include Google, Carahsoft, Zoom, and MicroTheory Engineering. A full list of speakers is available here.

The conference is open to professionals at all levels — whether implementing AI solutions, managing governance and risk, or exploring emerging opportunities.

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 Pace’s AI Committee

Launched in April 2024, Pace’s AI Committee is a cross-functional group spanning the University and including staff, faculty, and students. The committee leads institution-wide efforts to advance AI literacy, governance, and responsible adoption. In its first year, it established an academic AI policy, revised CIS 101 to ensure all students receive AI literacy instruction, and launched AI in the Workplace for the broader Pace community.

To date, more than 2,000 students and 140 faculty and staff have completed CIS 101, and AI in the Workplace has generated more than 1,000 registrations across students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The committee has also conducted AI tool pilots, hosted a Google Gemini Pop-Up, and produced the Fall Actionable AI Conference focused on AI in higher education.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Erin Gleason Alvarez, Director of the Law School’s Mediation Practicum and the Amelia A. Gould Representation in Mediation Clinic and Adjunct Professor, has been awarded the Outstanding Professional Article Award by the CPR Institute – International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution.

Her article, “The Gender Sidelining Trap in Mediator Selection,” outlines the ways in which many female mediators are systematically locked out of advancement opportunities and suggests steps that firms, in-house departments, institutions, and female mediators themselves should take to rectify the problem. “I hope that the article sparks the kind of honest conversation and concrete action that our field needs to ensure that talent drives opportunity,” said Professor Gleason Alvarez. The research for the award winning article was supported by recent Pace Haub Law graduate Jaylene Mejia ’24.

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“This award is deeply meaningful for me as I have been an active member of CPR for more than two decades,” Professor Gleason Alvarez shared. “To have my work celebrated at the annual meeting among so many colleagues and friends was a career highlight.” During her longstanding involvement with CPR, she has served as Mediation Committee chair, led task forces, and participated in the Executive Advisory Group. The award also follows an earlier CPR writing award she received nearly 19 years ago for her Straus Institute thesis, “International Arbitral Appeals: What Are We So Afraid Of?”

Nearly a decade ago, Professor Gleason Alvarez founded Gleason Alvarez ADR, where she serves as a commercial mediator and arbitrator, dispute system design consultant, and ADR trainer. She also serves as a Mediator on the Global Mediation Panel for the United Nations Funds & Programs and is an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University School of Law. A frequently published author and sought-after speaker, she was included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America for Arbitration. She is also the author of the book Holiday Stress Relief: 10 Quick Mindfulness Practices.

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Discovering a Passion for Psychology

Like many undergraduate students, Tinuade McClish ‘23 began her academic journey exploring different majors, but everything changed when she enrolled in a psychology of intimate relationships course on Pace University’s Pleasantville campus.

An engaging professor, the discussion-based format of the course, depth of inquiry, and real-world relevance of the material sparked something within her.

“That class made me change my major to psychology,” she said.

Research That Opens Doors

A second pivotal point for McClish came through Pace’s undergraduate research opportunities.

Under the mentorship of Associate Professor Courtney Gosnell, PhD, she participated in a research project (an extension of Gosnell’s existing research on this subject) examining the effects of political media in perceptions of cross-party political relationships, an especially timely topic.

It was through a combination of a mentored lab course and funded research through the Provost Office’s Undergraduate Research program that McClish gained hands-on experience in designing studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings.

“I learned so much about the research process, and that experience solidified that I wanted to pursue a PhD,” she said.

Mentorship That Makes the Difference

A culture of mentorship is a hallmark of the Psychology program, with faculty members deeply invested in student success—guiding research, offering career advice, and advocating for students as they take their next steps.

For McClish, support from faculty was especially transformative; her professors encouraged her ambitions, reviewed her personal statements, and reassured her that earning a PhD directly after her bachelor’s degree was within reach.

“I felt nothing but support from the Psychology department,” she said.

That encouragement gave her the confidence to apply broadly to doctoral programs—and ultimately enroll in the University of Connecticut’s Educational Psychology PhD program.

A Campus That Feels Like Home

When McClish first toured Pace University’s Pleasantville campus, she knew she had found the right place. Drawn to the beauty of the Hudson Valley and the welcoming, close-knit environment, she chose a campus that felt both academically inspiring and personal.

“I loved how campus-y it felt, but also that it wasn’t too big,” she recalled.

That sense of belonging would become a defining part of her experience—not just socially, but academically and professionally.

Building Community, Building Confidence

As a Pace student, McClish was also very active in campus life.

Whether as a resident assistant, Writing Center tutor, Student Government member, or member of Psi Chi, the international psychology honor society, each role strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her connection to the Pace community.

“I just felt like I had all these pillars of support wherever I went,” she reflected.

From Pace to a Purposeful Life

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Pace’s Psychology program, ranked in US News and World Report’s Best Colleges, provided McClish with more than learning theory.

Faculty mentorship, presentation experience, and research training prepared her not just to thrive in a demanding doctoral environment, but sparked interest in meaningful conversations on society, and a future career blending clinical practice and research with advocacy.

As McClish pursues her PhD, completing clinical placements in K–12 schools while conducting research and earning her master’s degree along the way, her goal is clear: to make education more accessible and support students’ social, emotional, and learning needs.

Passing on the Torch

When asked what her advice for current and prospective Pace undergraduate students may be, McClish encourages them to connect with faculty, explore research opportunities, and fully engage with the department’s offerings.

She said, “Don’t compromise on your goals. If you find a passion for something, don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.”

For those considering a degree in Psychology, her journey offers a powerful example of what’s possible. At Pace, students don’t just earn a degree—they gain the skills, mentorship, and confidence to pursue their highest ambitions.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, student scholars of the Land Use Law Center (LULC) at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University hosted a faculty and student showcase highlighting years of research and collaboration on Climate Resilient Development. The event underscored the vital role that Pace Haub Law students play in advancing innovative legal strategies to help communities respond to the growing challenges of climate change.

The evening opened with remarks and a keynote presentation by Maureen Hartwell, a recent Pace Haub Law alum whose work has been closely intertwined with the Center’s climate resilience initiatives. Hartwell traced the evolution of the Land Use Law Center’s efforts to develop a comprehensive Climate Resilient Development Framework—an ambitious project designed to equip local governments with practical, legally grounded tools to address climate mitigation and adaptation.

At the heart of the initiative is a “Framework Law,” a one-stop resource that compiles leading case studies and model approaches. The document highlights local legal strategies, including supplemental zoning codes and special plans, organized around twelve core mitigation and adaptation topics. These range from disaster mitigation and sea level rise to distributed energy and other forward-looking resilience measures. By synthesizing years of research into an accessible, practice-oriented guide, the Framework aims to bridge the gap between climate science, community planning, and municipal law.

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Following the keynote, Hartwell moderated a panel featuring Land Use Law Center scholars and 3L students Emily Petermann, Cassidy Yelincic, Alexandra Phillips, Evi Patterson, and Madison Bishop. The panelists offered insight into their research contributions to the Framework and reflected on the challenges and opportunities inherent in crafting legal tools responsive to diverse local contexts.

The discussion highlighted case studies addressing both adaptation and mitigation strategies, including approaches to sea level rise and land use planning in vulnerable communities. Panelists also explored how municipalities can deploy the Framework to strengthen resilience, as well as how the tools they studied might be applied in their own home communities. The conversation demonstrated not only the depth of the students’ doctrinal research but also their growing capacity to think strategically about implementation, equity, and long-term sustainability.

A lively Q&A session followed, with faculty and students engaging the panelists on practical applications of the Framework and the evolving role of land use law in the climate era. The event concluded with an interactive activity, led by Michael Reilly (2L student), in which small groups worked directly with the Framework to identify climate risks and the corresponding legal tools embedded in the case studies

The showcase reflected the Land Use Law Center’s longstanding commitment to training the next generation of land use and environmental lawyers through hands-on, policy-driven scholarship. By contributing to the Climate Resilient Development Framework, student scholars are not only deepening their legal expertise but also helping shape a body of work that communities can use to confront climate risks with concrete, locally grounded solutions.