Janet Nweke ’18, a once forensic science major, was able to combine her passion for information technology by switching her major to computer forensics—all so she could combat cybercrime. She got her start honing her skills while working at Pace’s Computer Lab and went on to land a coveted internship at Proskauer Rose LLP, an international law firm, working in IT security. Throughout her time on the NYC Campus, Nweke has fielded IT questions and assisted students with everything from Wi-Fi connectivity issues, to remote desktop installation, to malware removal, and so much more. And she’s only just getting started!

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
That's a really great question! I ended up choosing Pace because, initially, it was the only school in NYC that offered a bachelor's degree program in forensic science. Out of all the other colleges that I applied to, Pace also had the best financial aid package. The location of the school was also ideal, as I live in Staten Island and liked the option of an easy commute.

I believe what sets Pace apart from other universities lies in its diversity, various majors, and tools for success. Its diversity can be seen via the student body, faculty, and staff. Pace also offers a wide range of majors so if you are like me, you can easily switch out of one major into another one that better meets your passion. In fact, during UNV 101, this was stressed to us constantly. Going into Pace, I knew that if my major did not work out I could comfortably find something else without switching schools. The other colleges that I had applied to were not as versatile.

Lastly, the tools for success provided by Pace are simply outstanding. Tools for success come in the form of advisors, the Writing Center, the Tutoring Center, Career Services, and more. However, a student must actively reach out and inquire in order to receive them.

How did you hear about Career Services? Were you referred by a professor or a student?
I learned about Career Services through my coworkers at the Computer Resource Center (CRC). I remember it as though it happened yesterday. I arrived to work and was surprised to see a few of my coworkers rushing to print resumes. They were also dressed in business attire, so out of curiosity, I inquired as to the occasion. My coworkers excitedly told me that today was the semi-annual Career Fair hosted by Career Services. I remember wishing that I had participated in that event, yet I was informed that it was an event only for those with Handshake access, so I called Career Services and learned what the steps were to gain access.

Who worked with you?
I first worked with Orellana del Fierro who introduced me to Career Services and walked me through the initial Handshake process. These steps included an in-person group session where I was formally introduced to Career Services and Handshake. I also learned of my responsibilities when participating in the Career Services internship program. Next, I attended an interview workshop—again, led by Orellana—and I remember feeling very accomplished. I knew that I was forming the building blocks of my future. After the session, I met with Orellana one-on-one and after discussing my career goals, she refereed me to Svetlana Kotlyarenko. Through Svetlana, I was able to gain more insight on resume building for an IT professional.

What was the preparation process like?
The preparation process was tedious, yet rewarding. Looking back, I really appreciate my resume preparation process with Svetlana. Svetlana definitely did not make my resume building easy and I am grateful for that. When I first visited Svetlana, I was instructed to brainstorm my technical skills and come back with a reworked resume. I felt very anxious, as this was my first time working on an IT professional resume. However, the more I brainstormed, the more I was able to recognize and write down my technical skills; I also discovered IT skill areas that were weak. I decided the best course of action would be to strengthen them before meeting with Svetlana.

I would say that it took about three semesters to accomplish this goal. When I finally met with Svetlana again, she was impressed with my improvements, and my resume was approved. I then attended Pace's Career Fair and also spent my entire spring 2017 applying for internships for the summer. I will always be grateful for Svetlana's instructions! Without them, I would not have been able to perfect my resume and land internships.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like the best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
Wow, that's a question I've never really thought about. It is actually pretty hard to distinguish the one that I liked the best. However, if I had to choose, I would be stuck between Pace's CRC and my current IT security internship with Proskauer Rose LLP. Both have greatly enhanced my technical skills along with other job-related skills!

At the CRC, I learned the very basics of IT such as Wi-Fi connections, printer troubleshooting, remote desktop installation, malware removal, and various software downloads. I also replaced my first-ever keyboard! At the CRC, you really get exposed to a wide range of technical problems, which you can help students and faculty solve. One defining moment that I can think of would be the time that my IT technician manager entrusted me with assisting some software downloads specific to a club organization at Pace. It was really an honor because it spoke to the length of my technical growth at the CRC.

Concerning Proskauer Rose LLP, I have learned so much in the past six months from this amazing law firm. My IT security skills have advanced from textbook knowledge to actual hands-on experience. For example, I am now knowledgeable in security software such as Rapid7, Symantec, Varonis, and more. I have also gained a greater understanding of the business side of cybersecurity thanks to my awesome manger. Regarding defining moments, one that comes to mind would be my first-ever Windows PowerShell script. I implemented a script that outputted an excel spreadsheet of certain active directory groups. Although very small, I remember how excited I felt successfully running the script.

What initially got you into IT? Did someone or something inspire you, or were you always interested in the subject?
It's funny, my friends always ask this question because I used to be a forensic science major. Truthfully, I believe what got me interested in studying IT relies in my work environment, Dean Jonathan Hill, PhD; Assistant Dean Stephanie Elson; and Darren Hayes, PhD. When I first arrived at Pace, I began working for the CRC during my second semester as a freshman. It was during this time that I began to seek out potential computing classes to register for. I was lucky enough to take Introduction to Computing with Professor Hill and Olga Bova. I was able to grasp Hill's teachings on HTML quickly, and I also went to a few of his Seidenberg events. I remember one of those events being related to women in tech. I found this particular event so empowering that I later called the Seidenberg front desk and inquired about meeting with an advisor.

As luck would have it, I was paired with Stephanie Elson. I remember this moment as though it were yesterday. I was an upper sophomore, unhappy with my current major, and seeking guidance. After speaking with Stephanie, the following semester I began the process of switching my major. Then I registered for a few IT courses—one of which included computer forensics. This decision proved to be another phenomenal choice, as I got to meet Professor Hayes. Through his teachings, I was inspired to choose computer forensics as an IT focus. The rest, as they say, is history, and I fell in love with Pace's IT program and never looked back.

What motivates you?
Personally, I am motivated by my desire to protect others from cybercrime. The technology age is one that is quite marvelous. However, there are many who attempt to use technology for the purpose of heinous acts. These crimes can fall into various categories such as human trafficking, identity theft, corporate espionage, terrorism, and more. That is why I am so passionate about studying IT with a focus in computer forensics. It is this passion that also led to my interest in IT security because in order to fully understand computer forensics, one must acquire a basic knowledge of its parent: IT security.

You recently led a coding workshop for LKY Unity Tech Club. Can you tell us a little bit about that? How did you get involved and what was that experience like?
Yes, for sure! LKY Unity Tech Club was created by my good friend Laura Yancy, the founder and CEO. Her foundation works assiduously to expose digital technology and computer science to underrepresented African communities. It was established in Parkhill, Staten Island, a widely underrepresented African community, and also the childhood neighborhood of Yancy. The club offers various STEM programs, and Laura believed that I would be a perfect workshop leader. I jumped at the opportunity, because for a long time, I had always wanted to distribute my acquired Pace IT knowledge to our youth. As a Nigerian-American, I felt very connected to her efforts, as one of my long-term goals involves building an STEM school in my family's hometown.

As to my experience, I was a bit nervous leading, but as time went by, I found my teaching flow. I began with explaining a bit of basic math and dived into teaching HTML code and a bit of JavaScript. I was amazed at how quickly my students grasped my lesson. It was truly a wonderful experience, and I intend to continue working with Laura and her organization. Once the children have developed a stronger foundation of basic computing, I plan to introduce a simplified workshop relating to cybersecurity and computer forensics.

Communications major Tara Bernstein ’18 is an outfielder for Pace’s softball team on the Pleasantville Campus, and a big-time sports enthusiast. Her passion for reporting led her all the way to interning for the Mets, NBC Sports, and New York 1 News (NY1 News). She’s covered everything from human interest stories to play-by-plays, and she’s just getting started! We were lucky enough to catch up with Bernstein on her way to her next gig.

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
I was interested in going away to school in Florida, but I realized NYC had more opportunities. Now looking back, I see all my friends who went to school in Florida, and yeah, it seems like a lot of fun, but I know Pace was a better choice for me. I've already had six internships, so it was a definitely a good choice to be so close to the city with the ability to commute back and forth from home as well as play softball. For me, it was the best package to play softball for them with the scholarship that I got.

Have you worked with Career Services? If so, who referred you?
I met with Nicole Catalfamo my freshman year up until my junior year, and she helped me with my resume. I also attended two workshops there that were all very helpful. While Career Services didn't get me those internships, they really helped me prepare for them. I just applied online for a lot of the internships I received.

What has your preparation process been like when applying and interviewing for positions?
The first internship that I received was with the Mets. It was a part-time job that turned into a full-time one. I just applied on their website, so I wasn't expecting anything. Then I checked my email one day and realized they wrote back to me! I've been a diehard Met fan all my life, so getting that response was kind of a dream come true. After that, it made networking easier to open doors for other opportunities.

I reached out to the Major League Baseball organization, and got to work the all-star game down in Miami. I also worked with NBC Sports Radio. I got that internship because of a broadcasting camp I did in high school. I met one of the directors there, who actually has his own show now. So I interned with them and that really opened doors for me.

Last semester, I worked with NY1 News. I also worked the Power Showcase, which is a recruiting camp for collegiate athletes and younger athletes who get to show off their skills in front of pros and scouts. I was an on field reporter there in Miami. I kind of created my own little show and got to interview the players behind the scenes. Most recently, I was an intern with the transit reporter, José Martinez.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like the best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
I have to say I liked working for the Mets the most because I'm a diehard fan and I got to bring my friends and family to games. That's something I never got to do when I was at home. I like to make sure they're happy and getting to share that experience. Working there was so fun!

What motivates you?
My family. My dad is one of my biggest supporters and mentors, but also my parents and grandmother. I do everything for them. I'm pushing hard every day so that when they're older, I can take of care of them and they can take it easy. My dad used to take me to my softball practices. He's a musician, so it was a different lifestyle for him—traveling everywhere while he had his gigs.

My family means everything to me. They're a big reason why I wake up every day and strive to be better.

You've worked for the Athletics Department for a while now. How did you get involved? What's it like working there?
I've been commentating for basketball, which is interesting because I've always focused on baseball. In general, working with the Athletics Department has been cool. Working with all the athletes and hearing their stories has been a good experience, and I've been able to create my own content there.

What is it about sports that inspires you? How has it shaped your academic experience at Pace?
I've been playing since I was ten years old. I've always wanted to play baseball, but obviously had to pay softball. It helped me focus in school. I mean, you have to get good grades and be able to work well with others in sports, so that has helped me in school and life, and now everything that my coaches taught is coming together in college ball and interning with the Mets. I can use what I've learned from being on an actual team and transfer that to jobs and life in general. Softball has really taught be to be resilient and confident in myself.

You were a reporter for NY1 News in the fall. Tell us about that!
That was actually very interesting. It was so different! I had been so into covering sports that covering New York City transit news was a different beat for me. Traveling the city and going to the different trains was so interesting. The first story they sent me to cover was when a little boy had passed away and I had to go interview the family. It was so tough—it really reminded me of why I knew I didn't want to be in news, just strictly sports. But it definitely taught me that now I am able to cover news and it shows that I'm well-versed in other subjects, not just sports.

Shortly after arriving on the Pleasantville Campus, Jamie DelToro ’19 participated in StrengthsQuest—an assessment that pinpoints personality strengths—and found that her greatest strength, development, has truly defined her journey at Pace.

“I am passionate about making everyone and everything better—from helping students get involved, seeing a student you mentored blossom full speed, taking advantage of everything on campus, and learning as much as possible—and then using that to better yourself,” DelToro says.

During her first year, DelToro dove into her academics as a childhood education major while realizing the importance of getting involved in the dozens of clubs, activities, and organizations Pace has to offer. She started working at the Center for Student Development and Campus Activities (SDCA), which she says helped her grow and develop into the strong leader and mentor she is for other students each day.

“I learned the system of how organizations work without having to be on an executive board just yet, and everything the school has to offer,” DelToro says. “If I didn’t have that experience, I probably would have been a little lost or more to myself.”

Her job gave her the inside scoop on upcoming events, and she and her friends began finding their favorites such as Homecoming, Greek life galas, and Programming Happy Hours in the Boudreau Lounge, and she found several opportunities that sparked her interest.

She is active in Future Educators Association, and she became a mentee in the African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American (AALANA) program—a peer mentorship program designed to assist first-year students with their transition to college life. She now serves as a mentor in the program, helping students adjust to college life on the Pleasantville Campus.

“Mentoring is about being there for your peers and helping them with whatever issues they might be facing, and learning from them, too,” says DelToro. “It is a give and take relationship. You can learn from everyone because we all have different life experiences, which is something I learned my freshman year as a mentee in AALANA, and what I hope to teach my mentee as a mentor.”

Becoming an Orientation Leader is an experience that DelToro says will stay with her forever. Applying her passion for development, she helped students get acclimated to the Pleasantville Campus and enjoys seeing the impact she made as they grow into successful members of the Pace Community.

“I think the most eye-opening thing I learned through this experience is that you truly could make an impact on someone’s life without even knowing it,” DelToro says.

Outside of Pace, she helps first-generation Latino students achieve their goals and navigate FAFSA through Latino U College Access, an opportunity she discovered at the Pleasantville Campus Job and Internship Fair.

On her journey as a childhood education major in the five-year combined master’s program for special education in Pace’s School of Education, DelToro has developed through the Pace Path, which combines academic and real-world experiences through purposeful planning and mentoring.

“The Pace Path helps you think about and plan the next four years without completely setting it stone,” she says. “A lot of people don’t plan ahead, and it is a great way to make you sit down, picture yourself in the future, and then plan how to get there. It is helping me plan everything out and understand that this is one way—but not the only way—to get there.”

As an education major, DelToro has access to the Mursion avatar room, which is a computer program that simulates students in a classroom setting. She can teach the students coursework, ask them questions, and practice scenarios that can arise in real life so she is prepared when she student teaches during her junior year.

Through her journey on the Pace Path and her success in academic and extracurricular opportunities, DelToro is considering working in student affairs after she graduates, or she would like to teach second graders or students with special needs.

“I want to help students with special needs develop to their full potential, and become a teacher that makes an impact on students’ lives,” DelToro says.

Sasha Ariel Alston ’19, is an accomplished STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student on a mission. An information systems major, Alston is making quite the splash with the publication of her children’s book, Sasha Savvy Loves to Code. The book, which Alston wrote to encourage and empower girls—especially girls of color—to learn how to code, has already been featured in numerous publications, including the Huffington Post and The Renewal Project.

Sasha Savvy Loves to Code follows Sasha, a 10-year-old African American girl living in Washington, D.C., as she attends summer coding camp and solves various challenges through coding. The story is loosely based on Alston’s own experiences growing up in the nation’s capital.

“This book is based on a lot of things I’ve experienced, but through the eyes of a 10-year-old,” says Alston. “I hope the book will inspire girls to pursue opportunities in STEM because I see first-hand how underrepresented women and girls are in this area.”

Demand for Sasha’s story has been high. Having well exceeded her $5,000 Kickstarter goal (Alston raised $17,000), the book officially launched on June 2, 2017 and sold out on the very first day. It’s now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and more.

Alston’s success in the publishing world has led to a number of additional opportunities. She was recently featured in Disney’s Dream Big Princess photography campaign, and is working with Google and Snap Inc.’s Made with Code initiative, which aims to foster computer science and coding interest amongst girls through making Snapchat filters. Alston has also had the opportunity to inspire the next generation of coders through public speaking; she recently addressed elementary school students in Ohio, and has more speaking engagements planned in Los Angeles, the Silicon Valley area, and Chicago in the coming weeks and months.

While the general public is getting introduced to Sasha’s story for the first time, she’s busy figuring out the next chapter.

“Right now, I’m working on an outline for the next three books—I want it to be a series, with the ultimate hope for it to be a TV show—similar to Doc McStuffins, which shows young girls they can grow up to be doctors.”

As Alston’s work begins circulating around the world, she hopes to serve as a positive example to young women everywhere, particularly as STEM fields become more impactful both locally and globally.

“Combining STEM with social justice is what keeps me motivated,” says Alston. “I literally want to change the face of STEM.”

Thus far, Alston’s ambitions and Pace have been a natural fit. As a Lubin transfer student, she realized that the New York City Campus was the perfect place to merge her interests in business and technology, and put herself in a position to succeed.

“I really loved Pace because they had information systems in the business school as opposed to just in computer science,” says Alston. “I also appreciate Pace’s location in New York—a hub of business and technology innovations and its reputation in finding excellent internship opportunities for its students.”

Alston, who isn’t in the business of wasting time, has already taken advantage of the aforementioned internship opportunities. She’s had eight internships in all, including a social media intern role with ManyMentors, a nonprofit that supports K–12 students through mentorships and helps facilitate opportunities for students within STEM.

Through her experiences in and outside of the classroom, Alston has been able to hone her future outlook. In addition to expanding the reach and capacity of the book series, she ultimately hopes to develop an education technology startup that provides students with the skills needed to excel in school and life. As a self-proclaimed “STEM Queen,” her goal is to one day collaborate with the popular “InternQueen,” and cultivate opportunities for students—particularly those underrepresented in fields like STEM.

Alston’s passion for STEM, combined with her impressive extracurricular initiative, has helped set her apart from her peers. As she enters the second half of her undergraduate experience, she knows that her discipline, focus, and drive will help take her to the next level.

“If you are interested in STEM, you have to be very disciplined and determined. It requires a lot of focus, studying, and practice. Being clear on what your mission is and how you will use the skills is key,” says Alston.

Abby Fox ’19 is a Communications Studies major on the NYC Campus and current Consumer Products intern at Viacom. She’s interned for music and talent agencies, written for Beyond The Stage magazine, worked as an usher at the Schimmel Center, and volunteered for nonprofits like Abington Friends Meeting and Read Ahead. Back on campus, Fox earned positions like Member Relations Committee Vice-Chair of the Lambda Sigma National Honors Society and Programming Committee Co-Chair for the Honors Council. She’s even hosted on WPUB Radio!

Right now, Fox works with both the Brand Licensing and Live Entertainment teams at Viacom, which is where her opportunity to pitch to Amy Poehler came from. Exciting? You bet! We got the chance to chat with Fox about that experience as well as her love of all things New York.

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
As a junior now, I feel that I have really ended up where I belong. Living in New York is such an exciting experience; I love being able to see the Freedom Tower out my window or going for a casual stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge on the weekend. Pace—and the city in general—has provided me with an endless amount of opportunities from engaging classes, to leadership positions in extracurricular groups, to incredible internship opportunities pertaining perfectly to my area of study. Pace is a unique school because New York City is one of our campuses, and that was one of the major reasons why I chose to spend four years here.

How did you hear about Career Services?
I first heard about Career Services during an open house before I had even committed to Pace. I was definitely interested in the internship and networking possibilities, and the Pace Career Services office seemed to be very knowledgeable and helpful to students, especially in such a city like New York, which is rich with career opportunities.

During my first semester, a Career Services representative came to talk to my UNV 101 class about all the services they had to offer, and as a brand new freshman, I’ll admit it was slightly overwhelming. But one thing stood out to me: Handshake. I thought it was great that Pace gave students access to hundreds of internship listings from all different cities on one convenient website. So I went to Career Services during my sophomore year. They edited and approved my resume, which unlocked Handshake so that I could start applying for internships.

Who worked with you?
Orellana del Fierro worked with me to improve my resume.

We’re told that you conducted an enormous amount of research during the application and interview process. Could you walk us through that?
After my freshman year, I was lucky enough to land my first internship with a talent agency. The CEO of the company was actually the mother of a friend in my neighborhood back home, so I reached out to her on a whim to see if she had any opportunities for me to volunteer or intern in her company in order to gain some experience in the entertainment industry, and she offered me a summer position the very next day!

However, most internships don’t come that easily, so when I got an interview with Viacom (the company I’m at now), I wanted to make sure I was well-prepared. I had actually applied to about 50 internships with different companies to increase my chances; I keep a long list of media, communications, and entertainment companies I'm interested in, and I also browsed through general career websites like Glassdoor and Linkedin. I didn't hear back from most of the places I applied, but I did get interviews with six of them, and Viacom ended up being the best offer and most exciting company, so it worked out pretty well.

My past internships were all with start-up companies, so at first I was a little surprised that I stood out to Viacom without having any big names on my resume. I had two interviews (one with HR and one with the specific department) and both were really good, no-pressure conversations about my experiences and interests. I did a lot of research familiarizing myself with the company’s brands and department functions, and I made notes of relevant responsibilities from my past positions, so I felt very prepared. They actually offered me the internship the next morning!

Just recently, I found out that I got a spring internship for next semester with Viacom, again in the Spike TV Communications department, so I’m pretty excited.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
I am loving my current position as a Consumer Products intern with the Brand Licensing and Live Entertainment teams at Viacom. I work on researching festival news and helping with the initial planning stages for a comedy/music festival in addition to organizing merchandise samples, products, and art assets for review from our licensees.

One defining moment that happened recently was that the Vice President of my department actually asked me to draft a pitch that would be seen by Amy Poehler and her manager. I was so excited because I’ve been a huge fan of hers for years, and it means a lot knowing that my superiors trust me to do actual, important work. It’s something that I can be proud to talk about during future interviews and to have on my resume.

When did you decide to pursue Communications as a major? Why?
I decided to pursue Communications before I even began my college career, and luckily it has proven to be a great choice. It incorporates many of my interests and passions—media studies, cultural studies, public relations, broadcast media, and journalism. My classes also touch on themes of history, language, sociology, and psychology. With a degree in Communication Studies—especially in the ever-changing media and information economy—I can feasibly take many different career paths, but I chose to specialize in the entertainment industry, specifically by minoring in Arts and Entertainment Management.

Could you tell us a little bit about your work with Abington Friends Meeting?
I was in junior high school when I overheard my mother talking about a situation at our Quaker Meeting. They had received an urgent request from Face to Face, a nonprofit agency serving hot meals to the needy in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. In the past, various religious communities provided casseroles to be frozen and then prepared for meals, but the program was beginning to fizzle in many communities due to scheduling difficulties for the volunteer cooks. Without the casseroles, Face to Face would sometimes have to close their doors to people still waiting in line for a meal, so I volunteered to initiate a new approach to make the timing more convenient.

I spoke with the staff at Face to Face, then put together foil pans with instructions for participation and recipes taped inside each pan. The pans were given out at our Meeting so the cooks could take them home to make casseroles at their own convenience. I oversaw the delivery, added the option for people to donate money for ingredients, and communicated regularly with the community so that members would stay informed. People seemed to pay attention because I was passionate about the project, and it continues to be successful to this day as other young members take the lead as coordinators.

What motivates you?
My motivation is New York City. There are so many opportunities here, especially in my field. If I didn’t take advantage of all the possibilities, I know I would regret it.

Tell us surprising fact about you! What’s something most people don’t know?
Although I am often busy with balancing classes, my internship, and my other job, I really just love to take naps whenever I have the chance. There is nothing better than curling up with my blankets and forgetting about everything happening in the world around me for just a few minutes.

The Pforzheimer Honors College was a big reason why Noelle Howard ’19 was initially drawn to Pace. It was a unique environment that acted as “a home away from home,” she said, which makes sense. She grew up quite a distance from the NYC Campus—all the way up in Northern New York at the border of Canada along the St. Lawrence River.

Howard’s had her eye on moving to the Big Apple for a while, though, and the Honors College provided just what she was looking for. “Their individualized advising provides such a great support system,” Howard said. “You’re paired with someone who knows you and the things you are interested in and will recommend programs based on those interests.”

Originally, she chose to major in finance—and people made a ton of incorrect assumptions when they heard. “I would always get asked if I wanted to work in investment banking. My response was: definitely not!” It took signing up for Mathematical Economics (taught by Lecturer Sam Baruch) to get Howard thinking about what major she might like to switch to. “I really enjoyed getting a more well-rounded understanding of how the economy works. I have been able to use this in my finance courses to deepen my understanding of the topics we are taught.”

Beyond the classroom, Howard has been an active member of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Kappa Delta, and Beta Alpha Psi, whose completion team won second place in the nation last year. “Those experiences made me realize how much I enjoyed learning outside of the classroom, so I began looking at what other opportunities Pace offered. That’s when I found the Model United Nations.”

There, she nabbed an Outstanding Position Paper award for her research at the 2017 Conference. “The experience changed me in multiple ways,” she told us. “I learned a lot about different countries, I honed my writing and presentation skills, and I learned a lot about the different functions of the UN.” In particular, Howard said that meeting fellow students from other universities helped make the conference enjoyable.

Her desire to make the world a better place doesn’t stop there. She also interned for an immigration law firm last year, which was a job that left a huge impact on her. “When families would come into the office and they [were] told their paperwork for citizenship was accepted, their reactions were truly amazing. I felt very fortunate to be able to witness it.”

It’s that empathy and desire for human connection that has woven its way throughout Howard’s life, beginning, perhaps, with her competitive ballet dancing. (Yes, really.) “I’ve greatly missed ballet while I’ve been at school,” she told us. “It had a very large impact on my life. I loved dance because it was an escape; during rehearsals, you would be so focused on what you were doing that you couldn’t possibly think of anything else [in that] moment.”

She went on to explain that ballet became a way for her to relieve stress, and that moving an audience through dance was why she continued coming back to it again and again. “The impact performances [can] have is truly amazing. Some people are brought to tears because of the story [being] conveyed. That’s what inspires me most about dance.”

Mason Murray ’19 is no stranger to competition. He’s a finance major on the NYC Campus with a bevy of internships under his belt: SmartAsset, HIS Markit, SEC, Highland Capital Management, Blue Wolf Capital, and even JPMorgan. Murray was even selected as one of 90 applicants to the 2017 Goldman Sachs Pride Summit, a multi-day opportunity for undergraduate freshman and sophomores to participate in career workshops and meet with members of the firm’s LGBTQ network.

Back at Pace, Murray is a Chairperson for Beta Alpha Psi’s Investment Group, works as a teaching assistant for the entry-level Business Honors Course, and is a student representative for the Business Honors program. He also takes time out of his busy schedule to volunteer for Read Ahead, a nonprofit that promotes childhood literacy, and a subject he’s extremely passionate about. Join us for a rundown of all the incredible things he’s been up to lately!

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
I’m from Dallas, Texas, so when I began looking at colleges in high school, I looked everywhere—east coast, west coast, close to home, far away. I narrowed it down to NYC because I knew I would be pursuing finance and I loved the city. I remember when I visited other schools in the same area, the tours were really impersonal and I couldn’t picture myself there. Then I visited Pace and they had a personalized little bag with information about the business school and other things that interested me. It was a small gesture, but it really stuck with me and helped me realize that Pace would be a good fit.

How did you hear about Career Services? Were you referred by a professor or a student?
I first heard about Career Services in UNV101, but didn’t actively engage with the department until I was a part of the Wall Street Careers Workshop headed by Susan Glendon. This was a really pivotal experience for me in terms of helping me zero in on what I wanted to do with my degree and how to make that happen. From then on, Career Services—and specifically Susan—have been an incredible resource for me.

What was the preparation process like?
The Wall Street Careers Workshop really helped to prepare me in terms of getting a better idea of what the finance industry looks like as a whole. It also helped me fine tune my resume and networking skills. When I finally landed an interview, Susan helped to prep me by mock interviewing me as well as letting me how I could better prepare for that specific interview, like being well-read on the company and available position.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like the best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
All of my internships have been pretty different, so they’re hard to compare. I guess I enjoyed my time at IHS Markit the best. They had a super robust intern program with about 25 other interns in the New York office, so it was fun to meet and hang out with other college students from all over the country—and even the world. My work there also helped me understand what I like to do and what I want and need from a career.

A defining moment during my time at IHS Markit was probably the intern group project that I participated in. IHS Markit is an extremely global company, and there are probably about 20 groups of five to six interns who participated in that project competition all over the world. We were tasked with coming up with a new product or process and pitching it to the C-suite and board of directors at the end of the internship. Working with other super smart and motivated interns really pushed me and helped me to grow a lot as a team player. I learned so much and my team ended up coming in second globally, so that was awesome.

What motivates you?
I’m a really motivated person, but it’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly where that comes from. I guess I like to surround myself with people like me who are successful and motivated as well. That helps me to stay on top of my game and keeps a little pressure on me to achieve my goals. I also am pretty competitive, so the idea of competition really motivates me.

You’re a Student Mentor for the non-profit Read Ahead, which promotes children’s literacy in New York. What drew you to volunteer for them? Why is it important to you?
Honestly, I first signed up for Read Ahead because I thought it would look good on my resume. I knew that employers value volunteer experience, and I like kids, so I thought it was a good match—and I was right! It’s probably one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in the city, and it helped me to learn a lot about the public school system in NYC.

This is important to me because from a political standpoint, education is the policy issue that I’m most passionate about. I think it can fix a lot of other problems in our country. In the NYC public school system, there are a lot of underprivileged children who don’t get very much one-on-one time in the classroom, and this is a great solution to help young students catch up to their classmates’ reading level.

You were selected as one of 90 applicants to the 2017 Goldman Sachs Pride Summit. That’s incredible! What was that experience like?
This was an amazing experience that opened up so many doors for me and introduced me to so many awesome people. It was there that I really became motivated and passionate about a career in financial services. It was also so cool to see that a company like Goldman not only cared about diversity, but celebrated it. The experiences I had there and the people I met have stuck with me to the present, and has ultimately been the reason why I fulfilled my goal of landing a front office internship at a bulge bracket bank here in NYC. I’ll be at JPMorgan next summer in the Private Bank doing wealth management.

There are no cold cases for Christina Stewart ’19. She's a junior criminal justice major with a psychology minor, and she's been busy on the Pleasantville Campus! Stewart conducted research alongside the Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Education, Susan Maxam, PhD, on human trafficking in the US. She interviewed legal professionals and collected incident reports in order to create crime maps used to demonstrate where human trafficking occurs. And all that hard work paid off—Stewart was selected to present her final research findings at the International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference in Freiburg, Germany!

She's served as the Secretary for Alumni Hall Council and as the Secretary for Elm Hall Council, and now, she's the President of the Criminal Justice Society. Stewart has also interned for law offices, a probation office, and most recently, the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County. What's she up to now? We caught up with her recently to find out!

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
I ended up choosing Pace because of its location and the opportunities it offers. It's close to home, but not too close. I still get that college experience of being away from home without being too far. In addition to its ideal location, Pace makes it easier to get a job or internship. They offer numerous resources, such as Career Services, which prepare students for success outside of the classroom.

How did you hear about Career Services? Were you referred by a professor or a student?
I first learned about Career Services during my freshman year in my UNIV 101 class. From there, my professors reiterated that it was a great resource, and in particular, they suggested that I go to Career Services for help with resume writing. I took their advice, and have been going ever since. I've found it to be extremely helpful.

Who worked with you?
I originally worked with Nicole Catalfamo, who was incredibly attentive. She assisted with updating my resume and helping me find an internship. I would always brag about how efficient and on top of things she was—I could email her a copy of my resume with some changes that I wanted her to make, and she would email me a revised copy within an hour. She even went out of her way to personally call all the law firms in my town to ensure that I would have at least one internship for the summer (and ultimately, she was the reason I actually got one).

Since then, I have been working with Victoria Quaranta. She has been very helpful as well! I would also like to mention my professor, Maryellen Martirano, as someone who has been a tremendous help. Professor Martirano is the internship coordinator for the Criminal Justice Department on the Pleasantville campus. She helped me get my internship at the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, and at the United States Department of Probation for the Southern District of New York.

What was the preparation process like?
I've mainly gone to Career Services for help with resume building, so any time I went, I made sure I had a list of key notes that I wanted to include. All I had to do was set up an appointment and email a copy of my current resume to whichever career counselor I made an appointment with. Each counselor I've met with has been very professional, offering helpful tips for how to build a standout resume.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like the best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
It can be said that experiential learning can leave a long-lasting impression on you, and can teach you more than simply learning inside a classroom. In my case, this could not be more accurate. Each employment position I've had has presented me with a different experience. For this reason, I value each experience equally.

During my time at Pace, I have had three internships. Last summer, I completed two internships simultaneously. I was an intern at the United States Department of Probation for the Southern District of New York in White Plains, and I was also an intern at the Law Offices of Cecilia Buck-Taylor in my hometown of New Milford, CT. Last fall, I interned at the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County in White Plains, NY.

It is safe to say that I have had quite the exposure to different aspects of the criminal justice system. I can honestly say that I have been able to see the criminal justice system through several different lenses. From the perspective of a prosecutor and defense attorney, to a probation officer, and even to judges and witnesses while sitting in on court hearings was such an enriching experience. I witnessed the criminal justice system come full circle, which was certainly the defining moment for me throughout all of these opportunities.

What motivates you?
Doing a good job and making myself proud is my primary motivation. I always strive to put in my best effort whenever I'm faced with a task because I want to achieve the best result possible. I believe my work and work ethic is a representation of myself, so I strive to do well.

On top of being the Secretary for the Elm Hall and Alumni Hall councils, you're also the President of the Criminal Justice Society. How have these roles shaped you as a professional?
Freshman year, I was the Secretary for Alumni Hall Council, and my sophomore year, the Secretary for Elm Hall Council. Throughout both of these positions, I worked with E-Board members to plan and host events for residents, I recorded minutes at weekly meetings and events to relay information to residence hall members, and I inputted student attendance to calculate student engagement efforts. I learned how to communicate effectively with members of the E-Board, and I learned to work collaboratively. I also learned the importance of delegating tasks so that everyone is held responsible, ensuring that no one is left with all the work.

I have been the President of the Criminal Justice Society since April 2017. As President, I have been molded into a more confident, comfortable public speaker. I've learned the importance of planning ahead, organizing, and making sure people are on the same page. Having open communication with your club members is especially important. When there's effective communication, less problems ensue. I've also learned to be a more effective listener by taking into account the suggestions and recommendations of club members.

You were selected to present your research on human trafficking at the International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference in Germany. What an incredible achievement! What was that experience like?
Over the summer, I participated in the Provost's Undergraduate Student-Faculty Research Program alongside Sue Maxam, PhD, who has served as a mentor since my freshman year. As one of the most vile crimes committed against humanity, human trafficking is a dilemma that is extremely common across the globe—even in the US. Simply put, human trafficking is the unjustified trade and exploitation of individuals for sex or for labor through force, fraud, or coercion. It erodes human dignity and is an incredible ethical challenge facing the world today. Through our research project, "Using Crime-Mapping to Understand and Identify Hot Spots for Human Trafficking in the US," we brought awareness to the issue of human trafficking, while also helping to dispel the myth that it's an overseas problem by mapping out hotspots in NYC where this inhumane crime is most prevalent. Maxam submitted our research to the International Journal of Arts and Sciences for a chance to present our findings at a conference in Germany, and we were chosen from thousands of international applicants. It was truly a shock to the both of us that we were accepted, and we immediately started planning for it. That would be my first time out of the country.

The conference ran from November 28, 2017 to December 1, 2017, and was held at the University of Freiburg in Freiburg, Germany. Researchers presented on the first and last day of the conference on a range of topics relating to business, education, science and technology, and social sciences and humanities. I presented on the last day of the conference in a poster presentation. I was concerned that since it was the last day of the conference, there wouldn't be many people in attendance, but this was certainly not the case. Much to my relief, there was a great turnout for my presentation, so much so that I ended up going over my presentation time limit and remained presenting for around 45 minutes. It was a surreal experience to be presenting research that I had been collecting since May, and an even more rewarding experience to see people so engaged with what I was saying. People were extremely receptive to the information and asked a lot of questions. I truly felt like I achieved my original purpose behind the project, which was to raise awareness about this modern-day slavery.

As part of the conference's program, we spent a full day in France and Switzerland as sponsored by the EU's Directorate General for Education and Culture. The main purpose was to provide experiential learning and to promote common values and closer understanding between different peoples and cultures. It was incredible to be able to see three countries in one week. Every location we went to was decorated for Christmas. There were places that I went to that were so picturesque, so quaint, I couldn't even believe they were real. Whether we were in Bern, Switzerland, or Strasbourg, France, each location was a feast for the eyes. Without a doubt, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. I met people from all over the world including Nigeria, Iraq, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was certainly the highlight of my educational career, and a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Tell us fun and/or surprising fact about you! What's something most people don't know?
I have spent quite a bit of time around inmates and in correctional facilities. This past semester, I took a course called "Strategies in Corrections Administration," taught by Kimberly Collica-Cox, PhD. Through this course, my class and I engaged in a service-learning project at the Westchester County Jail. Our objective was to co-teach a parenting program to women inmates at the jail. We were able to directly interact with the inmates and work one-on-one with them during group activities and discussions. There is a definite need to implement and maintain prison-based programming, which has been shown to reduce maladaptive behavior and recidivism, and this parenting program was the perfect curriculum to bring to the women there.

As an economics major, Argenys Morban ’19 knows his stuff. Since he came to the NYC Campus, he’s been an active member of Pace’s award-winning Federal Reserve Team as well as the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. Morban even got involved in the opening of a new nonprofit, Special Ops NYC, which provides those experiencing homelessness with much-needed resources. In 2018, he interned at the Battery Park City Authority assisting in the research, tracking, and enhancing of accounts receivable data for 30 residential buildings, six commercial buildings (including the Goldman Sachs office at 200 West), and two hotels in Battery Park City. Currently, he is an equity research seasonal analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Morban isn’t all business, though. He’s been an avid Guns N’ Roses fan for a while now, and not only did he learn how to play the drums and bass, but he’s also working on his proficiency with a third instrument. What’s this rocker up to now? We tracked him down on his tour through Pace for all the details!

Why did you end up choosing Pace? What set Pace apart from other universities?
I went to a very small high school where everyone knew each other and treated one another like family. I cherished every moment I spent there and wanted to find a university that embodied some of those values, as well as one that had a reputation built on opportunity. After countless hours of looking for and applying to different colleges, I remembered an old travel baseball coach of mine—who is probably one of the nicest, all-around coolest people you'll ever meet—telling me about his experience at Pace and how much he loved it there as an undergrad student. I told myself, "If these are the kinds of people that the culture at Pace produces, then that is where I want to be for the next four years of my life."

Another key factor that played a role in my decision to come to Pace was its large population of international students. I've always enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world because it allows me to learn more about different cultures and it broadens my perspective in life. Having the opportunity to interact with those students on a daily basis was definitely a big plus for me.

How did you hear about Career Services? Were you referred by a professor or a student?
I remember hearing about Career Services during my UNV 101 class. My professor at the time, Carolyn Endick, informed the class about Career Services through a presentation conducted by one of the Career Services advisors. It was really helpful and pushed me to start prepping for my future early on in college, which was vital in helping me land my first internship.

Who worked with you?
I worked with Rachel Josephson at Career Services.

What was the preparation process like?
Career Services truly did a great job ensuring I was well-equipped for the real world when it came time to make the transition from student to professional. Specifically, Rachel Josephson was amazing! She revised my resume with me on multiple occasions and made sure I presented my candidacy as an employee eloquently on paper. Additionally, she showed me how to prepare for life in the workplace by providing me with all the resources that would go on to make me a valuable asset for my current and future employer.

Of all your employment positions, which did you like the best? What was a defining moment for you while working there?
I would have to say I enjoyed my time working as an assistant baseball coach for New York Empire Baseball the most. I grew up playing for their travel team all the way through the end of high school, so it became like a second family for me over the years. As for defining moments, I always got an inexplicably great feeling when I saw one of the kids I trained go on to hit their first homerun. The huge smile on their faces while they enthusiastically ran around the bases to then go on and see their entire team waiting to celebrate with them at home plate was just an incredible experience as a coach. It's also something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

What motivates you?
I genuinely love helping people. One of the reasons I work so hard today is so that I can reach a position that enables me to meet and inspire as many people as possible through philanthropy. It's astonishing how much uncharted potential there is out there because many people just can't afford to go to college. My end goal is to start a foundation that provides full scholarships to first-generation minority students seeking to attend any four year university of their choosing. I hope to provide them with the key to unlock that potential through this foundation. It's a huge motivation for me—making that happen.

You're the COO of a nonprofit working to aid those who experience homelessness. That's an incredible achievement! What drew you to that work? How did it all start?
Growing up in the city, I saw firsthand how omnipresent the issue of homelessness was at a very young age. It progressively worsened as the years went by, and I wanted to find a direct solution that ensured the homeless would receive the necessary resources they lacked in their daily lives. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity came when my good friend from high school, Jake Hulsh, asked if I would be part of a nonprofit organization he had just founded called Special Ops NYC. I didn't hesitate to say yes.

It was very tough work at first. None of us had any experience running an organization, but we learned from our mistakes early on and made the proper adjustments to enhance our strategy. As a result, our team of six was able to provide over 500 homeless people with prepackaged food and clothing when we first launched in the summer of 2016. Additionally, we collaborated with Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving to help feed over 250 homeless people as part of our first annual Thanksgiving food drive this year! We are still growing and have even expanded to New Orleans and Boston to spread our mission to other cities in an effort to help as many homeless people as possible.

We see you've participated on the Federal Reserve Team! What was that experience like? How has it shaped you as a professional?
Being a Presenter on the Federal Reserve Team is definitely no walk in the park. It is perhaps the most arduous challenge I have ever experienced thus far, but it is so worth it. It was a very rewarding and awesome feeling winning Nationals after all of the hard work we put in this year, which taught me that staying determined and resolute really does pay off in the end. Additionally, with Professor Weinstock and Professor Colman as our advisors, we developed a deep understanding of how the Federal Reserve System functions, as well as an ability to comprehend and analyze movements in the financial markets and global economy.

Moreover, all of the skills I have acquired through the Fed Team have been and will continue to be so valuable in the workplace, especially as I prepare to begin my internship as an Equity Research Analyst for Goldman Sachs.

Tell us fun fact about you! What's something most people don't know?
I am a pretty huge Guns N' Roses fan. In fact, Slash, the lead guitarist, was the reason why I decided to pick up a guitar in the first place. I heard his solo in "Sweet Child O' Mine" and thought, "Whoa—that was awesome. How can I play that?" I quickly developed a love for music and went on to learn how to play the drums, bass, and have recently started practicing the piano.

Alyssa Ortega ’20 is a Childhood Education major and enthusiastic teacher-to-be on the Pleasantville Campus. She lent her talents to Bedford Road School just last year as a student teacher, dedicating her time outside of the Pace classroom to instruct in another classroom. And that’s in addition to her duties as the Student Director of Programming for the Student Government Association, as well as her membership to the Black Student Union and Pace FIRE. Ortega juggles an incredible amount of responsibilities, and yet, she still found time to maintain a 3.71 GPA.

So what drew this high achiever to Pace? “In all honesty, it was mostly to follow what my friends were doing,” she explained. “The reason I stayed was the feeling of actually coming into my own and forming relationships with those who later became my family.” It was that sense of comradery that started to become obvious in every aspect of the University the more time went on. “There are a number of clubs and organizations [available] where one can feel at home and make connections with others,” she told us.

With dedicated faculty and strong academic program on her side, Ortega felt fully prepared when she started working as a student teacher at Bedford Road School. However, she quickly discovered that there was one aspect of teaching she couldn’t have anticipated. “Children say the most unexpected and insightful things at the most random times,” Ortega told us. It must make the job well worthwhile!

One student in particular—Jonn, a second grader who wanted to be called Batman—made a big impact on her. “I had been working with him one-on-one for a couple of weeks, and he was slowly improving,” Ortega explained. One day, he came into class and pulled her aside to show off his achievement: a 91% on his math test. “It was the highest score he had ever gotten,” she told us. While Batman’s success was thanks, in part, to her dedication, Ortega was still humbled by the experience. “My students teach me, and I teach them.”

She’s mentored not only second graders, but her peers at Pace as well. Ortega focuses her efforts on assisting “[anyone] seeking a little bit of guidance,” particularly first-year students. When running for the SGA position, she opened up about her own experiences during her first year at Pace. “My freshman year was nothing but staying in my dorm and running back home every other weekend. Without someone [encouraging] me to come with them to an event, I would still be closed-off on campus.” That’s why it’s so important to her to give back.

We’re so excited to hear about Ortega’s next teaching position, and all the wonderful, interesting, and surprising experiences she’s bound to have.