The Lubin Link Podcast

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BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management alumnus Sean Gray '19 joins The Lubin Link to share how the pandemic led him to a successful career in real estate, the importance of taking risks, and how he still finds time to tap into his creative side.

This episode was recorded on March 14, 2023.

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Tune into the Lubin Link podcast to hear how guests went from go-getting Lubin students to successful entrepreneurs, social media mavens, directors, CEOs, and beyond. They offer their best tips to students and share how you can make the most out of your #LubinLife.

Kelsey Tulley

Class of 2025

Currently Studying: BBA in Human Resources Management with a minor in Spanish

Member Of: Study Abroad Club, Black Student Union

Pronouns: She/Her

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After jumping into an exciting exchange program in Spain during the Fall 2022 semester, Kelsey Tulley now encourages other Lubin School of Business students to do the same—not only to see the world, but to generate a new mindset. She credits a study abroad scholarship designed exclusively for Lubin students abroad and the knowledge she gained in her business courses for a successful semester in Europe.

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

I chose Pace University, and more specifically, the Lubin School of Business because of how renowned the school is, and the amazing opportunities afforded to its students. I found Pace during my junior year of high school when I was looking for a place to take summer courses. I took Introduction to Sociology (SOC 102), and I fell in love with the school. As soon as college applications opened, I knew Pace would be my first choice.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has benefitted me by providing incredible counseling, hands-on guidance, and a strong community. My advisor is always available to help me work through any academic problems I have, whether that be in person, online, or through email. Additionally, by being in the honors college, I benefit from making relationships with fellow students and professors. It is great to have the opportunity to converse with professors who have worked, and continue to work, in the human resources field.

During the Fall 2022 semester, you were a part of an exchange program to Madrid, Spain. What motivated you to participate in the exchange?

I travelled to Madrid, Spain in the Fall of 2022 as a business student at Comillas Pontifical University. One of the reasons that I chose Pace University was because of the vast study abroad programs. In high school, learning Spanish had become one of my goals, as I wanted to use these skills in a professional setting, as well as bridge the language barrier gap with people in my hometown. I was also motivated by my former Spanish teachers who had studied abroad and encouraged me to take the leap.

How did your Lubin business courses help you succeed in your business classes abroad?

Many Lubin business courses helped me succeed while in Spain, such as Managerial & Organizational Concepts (MGT 150) and Business Law (LAW 150). In MGT 150, I learned about sociological, psychological, and organizational theories that were more than essential for a course I took in Spain called Leadership & Change. In this course, I analyzed the views of leadership and determined what the most effective styles would be for myself. This was an amazing course because it allowed me to evaluate the management styles that I have experienced both academically and in my former places of work. It also allowed me to learn more about and develop into the kind of leader I am diligently working to become. Another course that I took in Spain was Negotiation Techniques, where I practiced negotiations that related to international and professional conflicts. The professor who taught this class is one of the top negotiators in Spain—he worked for Iberia Airlines and is the founder of a renowned consulting firm. I used the principles I learned from LAW 150 to properly formulate my arguments and research precedents prior to negotiating. My Lubin School of Business education gave me the upper hand to succeed in my classes abroad.

Now that you have completed a semester abroad, how will the skills and knowledge you picked up in Madrid help your career post-graduation?

The skills and knowledge that I picked up while in Madrid will stay with me for the rest of my life. When you study abroad, not only do you gain independence and courage, but you also lose the fear of risks and the fear of failure. I believe that it is a given to become more independent abroad, since you are travelling thousands of miles away from home all by yourself. You also become more courageous by stepping into the unknown—a new country or continent that you have never been to before—and making it your home for a semester or longer. With that being said, I feel as though my fear or anxiety towards making mistakes or being wrong has significantly decreased. I have this new perspective where seeing, going, or being somewhere or becoming someone new is something that I welcome with open arms. I am much more open to learning new ideas and understanding concepts and people in ways that I had never been able to before. I want to keep this fresh mindset with me for as long as I can.

The skills and knowledge that I picked up while in Madrid will stay with me for the rest of my life. When you study abroad, not only do you gain independence and courage, but you also lose the fear of risks and the fear of failure ... I am much more open to learning new ideas and understanding concepts and people in ways that I had never been able to before.

You were also a recipient of the Figueroa Semester Abroad scholarship. How did this positively impact your time abroad?

I am so thankful to have received the Figueroa Semester Study Abroad Scholarship from the Center of Global Business Programs and the Figueroa family. The financial support that this scholarship afforded me was beyond helpful, and it also reminded me that the Lubin School of Business and Pace University support me, even if I am all the way in Europe. The generosity of the Figueroa family is overwhelming, and I would love to express my gratitude.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

Other than the incredible opportunity of studying abroad, my favorite opportunity has been helping the New York City community through service work. During my freshman year, I volunteered at a Bronx community garden where I met so many caring and dedicated people. It was so rewarding to volunteer in a garden, but much more humbling to take the subway back to campus covered in dirt and sweat!

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice for other Lubin students would be to erase whatever box you have put yourself in. I often find that my friends and I feel as though we need to stay on one specific track to accomplish our goals, whether that be graduating, finding a job we like, or so be it. Once we let go of that narrow vision, we open ourselves up to a world of new beginnings, opportunities, and experiences. I am currently working for a realty team, and I never had any interest in real estate. Now, I love learning about the housing market and how sales relationships form. Free yourself from your reservations and open yourself to what the world has to offer.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

When I see #LubinLife, I think of community and excellence. When I go to class and hear what my fellow business students are doing with their Pace Path, I feel inspired. I love that I can make friendships solely on the basis that we are both students at the Lubin School of Business. With the excellent guidance and influence from the Lubin staff and professors, I can see that the students here are making opportunities for themselves and for their fellow classmates. I am very proud to be a part of this great community.

Connect with Kelsey:

• Connect with Kelsey Tulley on LinkedIn
• Follow Kelsey Tulley on Instagram
• Follow Kelsey Tulley on Twitter

MS in Publishing alumna Dena Mekawi ’15, a 40 Under 40 awardee from the Arab America Foundation, uses her business consultancy to elevate underrepresented communities in media and advertising.

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You were recently named a 40 Under 40 awardee from the Arab America Foundation and are the founder of Mekawi Impact, a consultancy that works with brands on business development and strategic partnerships, with the goal of social impact.

What motivated you to start your own business and in what ways do you wish to affect change?

I started Mekawi Impact because I wanted to use my expertise to make a positive impact in the world. As a consultant, I realized that I could have a greater impact by working with businesses that shared my values and vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future. My motivation came from a belief that businesses could do more than just make a profit; they can be a force for good, and I wanted to help companies create positive change in their communities and in society at large. As part of this, I help them to better include Arab and other communities of color in their media and advertising. This can involve everything from casting diverse models and actors, to incorporating cultural elements and themes that resonate with different communities. There is no question that representation matters, and it's crucial that all communities see themselves reflected in the media they consume.

As a first-generation Egyptian Muslim American, tell us about how you have struggled with your identity and how this has informed your personal and professional journey.

Growing up, I often felt caught between two worlds, not quite fitting in with my American peers, and yet not fully accepted by Egyptians. This sense of feeling "othered" was compounded by the fact that my Muslim faith was often misunderstood or even demonized in the media and broader society. Over time, I came to realize that my experiences were not unique, and that many people from underrepresented communities face similar challenges when it comes to identity and belonging. This realization fueled my desire to create space for cultural diversity and access to resources for others. Overall, my experiences have inspired me to work towards creating a world where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that diversity is a strength, and I am committed to advocating for greater representation and inclusivity in all aspects of society.

You graduated with a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace. What attracted you to pursue this course of study and how did you get started in your career?

I've always had a passion for storytelling and a love for the written word. I believe that books and other forms of publishing have the power to inform, inspire, and change people's lives. Specifically, the publishing industry offers a unique opportunity to help bring important stories and voices to the world. Whether it was working with established authors or discovering new talent, I was excited about the prospect of playing a role in shaping the literary landscape.

After completing my Master of Science in Publishing, I began my career in the media industry, working at publications such as O, Oprah Magazine, and Nylon Magazine. While I loved working in media, I felt a calling to do more to support underrepresented communities, particularly in the areas of business development and social impact. In 2016, I founded my own business advisory consultancy, Mekawi Innovations, and since then, my company has evolved and expanded to become Mekawi Impact. Through it, I have had the opportunity to work with a range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them to develop inclusive and impactful business strategies.

My career path has been driven by a desire to make a positive impact and create opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized or excluded.

Why did you choose to enroll at Pace University?

I chose to enroll at Pace University for a few reasons. First, Pace has an excellent reputation as a school of communications, with a strong focus on the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the media industry. Second, the Master of Science in Publishing offered a good balance of coursework in both traditional print publishing and emerging digital publishing, which I felt was important given the rapidly changing media landscape. Perhaps most importantly, because of its location in New York City, I knew that studying at Pace would give me access to a wealth of industry connections and opportunities, and my degree has been a crucial foundation for all my work since then.

Were certain Dyson or other faculty instrumental in your personal and/or professional journey?

One of the most impactful was Professor Jane Kinney-Denning, an incredibly supportive and inspiring mentor who provided valuable guidance and encouragement throughout my time at Pace. She was always willing to go above and beyond to help her students succeed, and I'm grateful for what she helped me to access. As a result of my participation in the graduate program, I had the opportunity to represent a women's organization at the United Nations, which proved to be a transformative experience for me. This led to further opportunities to co-chair high-level events and speak at the United Nations, alongside distinguished guests such as actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Douglas. These experiences were incredibly meaningful and helped shape both my career and personal growth.

As you look back at your time as a student, how did it influence you to become who you are today?

My time as a Dyson student had a profound impact on the person I am today. It provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that I continue to draw on in my personal and professional life. It also introduced me to a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and perspectives, which helped to broaden my understanding of the world and develop my empathy and compassion. Through my coursework, I was exposed to a range of topics and ideas that challenged me to think critically and creatively. In addition, the faculty at Dyson were supportive and encouraged me to pursue my interests and passions, which helped to build my confidence and sense of purpose. Overall, my experience as a student taught me the importance of lifelong learning, community engagement, and social responsibility, values that continue to guide me in my work and personal life.

What advice would you give to our students, as they navigate their academic life?

Overall, my advice would be to embrace your academic journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn, grow, and challenge yourself, and lastly, if you're not given a seat at the table, don't wait for an invitation – build your own table and invite others to join you.

As part of its recently launched Sustainable Business Law Hub, a new initiative through which Haub Law students will be trained to become the first generation of “sustainable business lawyers,” the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has collaborated with prestigious firms and companies to offer students paid internship opportunities in their ESG practice. The law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP continues to offer paid internships in their ESG advisory practice. Qualified Haub Law students have had the opportunity to intern with Paul, Weiss every semester since Spring 2021. Additionally, Gibson Dunn and Nestlé have collaborated with Haub Law to launch an innovative ESG Fellowship program to allow a student to participate in a 10-week summer experience program.

“The creation of the Hub has been absolutely transformational in terms of student interest and student placement. Many of our top students are interested in ESG, sustainable business, and the Sustainable Business Law Hub, along with these collaborative firm partnerships will allow students to pursue these interests in a meaningful way,” said Jason Czarnezki, Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law and Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives. “The Hub has had the effect of making our students more competitive for ESG and environmental law jobs at these and other major law firms, companies, non-profits, and more.”

Since spring 2021, Paul, Weiss has hosted four Haub Law students and another two will participate throughout the upcoming spring semester. “Students who are selected for internship opportunities at Paul, Weiss are fortunate enough to be supervised by Hub Advisory Board Member, Madhuri Pavamani, who is the Sustainability & ESG Advisory Practice Director at Paul, Weiss,” said Czarnezki. “The opportunity to be supervised and mentored by a leader in the field of sustainability is tremendous. Our students walk away from this experience having learned from innovators and prepared to lead the next generation of ESG lawyers.”

The competitive Gibson Dunn and Nestlé ESG Fellowship program launches in summer 2023. One Hub student per year is chosen to participate in a 10-week paid summer experience that has them start work in Gibson Dunn's Los Angeles office and then be ”seconded” to Nestlé to work with their in-house legal team. “We are fortunate to have great partners who are willing to provide Haub Law students with real experience in an ESG legal practice,” said Achinthi Vithanage, Associate Director of Environmental Law Programs. “Interns work with leading attorneys in the space, gaining insight into the work of both corporate ESG counsel as well as in-house sustainability counsel, while developing the necessary skills to prepare them for a career in sustainable business law.” Anna Marciano Romanella, Vice President, Sustainability, Zone North America Nestlé, and General Counsel & Head of Sustainability, Nespresso USA, is a member of the Hub’s Advisory Board and has been extremely influential in the continued development of the Sustainable Business Law Hub.

Haub Law student, Sam Perlmutter, Class of 2023, served as an intern with Paul, Weiss in spring 2022 as part of the Haub Law Sustainable Business Law Hub, working with the firm’s Sustainability & Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Advisory Practice. She said the experience provided her with very useful practical training in applying the law to promote sustainable business practices in the private sector. “As an ESG intern, I worked with the team and helped conduct a human rights impact assessment for a U.S.-based technology company. I also researched and built out a playbook for the ESG team to use on the intersection of current-day, pressing ESG and executive compensation concerns,” she said. “Additionally, I helped the ESG team address the myriad questions from clients regarding the recently proposed SEC rule on climate change disclosures, including comments on the rule and GHG emissions reporting concerns. I am grateful for the opportunity to work towards a new standard of corporate responsibility that includes a focus on economic, social and environmental welfare,” Perlmutter said.

Haub Law is also proud to announce the launch of the Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars Program ("Hub Scholars Program"). The Hub Scholars Program is a key component of the Sustainable Business Law Hub in creating the next generation of sustainable business lawyers. Six students have been selected to serve as the inaugural Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholars (“Hub Scholars”) and will benefit from ESG internships at prestigious law firms.

The Sustainable Business Law Hub Scholars Program is a curricular, scholarship, and mentorship program for students pursuing careers in sustainable business law and as ESG lawyers. The highly-selective program is designed for students with outstanding entrance credentials and a well-articulated passion for pursuing a career at the intersection of sustainability, business law, and environmental law. Hub Scholars will have the opportunity to receive practical training and experience in using the law to foster sustainable business practices through an internship/externship experience with an ESG practice group in a law firm, under the guidance of in-house counsel within a corporate entity, or within an NGO/government body working in the ESG space.

Hub Scholars can also take advantage of targeted training workshops and programs that will prepare them for these externship experiences while working closely with a faculty supervisor and a professional mentor in the field to develop their interests and to identify networking and job opportunities. “Our Hub Scholar Program is an important part of our larger vision for the Sustainable Business Law Hub,” said Horace Anderson, Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. “The students selected for this highly competitive program will have the opportunity to hone their expertise in sustainable business law and have opportunities to participate in prestigious ESG internship and externship opportunities with leaders in the field.”

During the course of their studies, students receive curricular guidance that will allow them to receive the Advanced Environmental Law Certificate while pursuing courses relevant to sustainable business law, including the Business Law Path to Practice and the option to pursue an MBA with the Lubin School of Business as part of the joint JD/MBA program. Haub Law also offers new courses on sustainable business law which include topics such as the definition of ESG, corporate responsibility and the triple bottom line; the role of the corporate board in achieving sustainability; social impact investing and ESG ratings; and ESG and climate disclosures, voluntary ESG reporting and risk management. Importantly, Hub Scholars will also have access to a wide network of Haub Law alumni, Lubin alumni, the Hub’s Advisory Board, and subsequent Hub Scholar alumni, who may serve as mentors to new Hub Scholars.

Biographies of Inaugural Class of Hub Student Scholars

Brianna Grimes is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She graduated in 2019 from Syracuse University with a BA in Biology. During law school, Brianna has joined many organizations and is currently a Junior Associate on the Pace Environmental Law Review; President of the Environmental Law Society; Vice Chair, Grading and Scoring, for the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition; and Environmental Law Society Network Student Liaison for the ABA Section of Energy, Environment and Resources’ Marine Resources Committee. This past summer, she worked as a Maritime & International Law Extern at the United States Coast Guard Judge Advocate General in Washington, DC. Next summer, she will be a Summer Associate at Baker Botts in their Washington, DC office.

Brooke Mercaldi is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. In August 2022, Brooke also began her Master’s degree at Yale where she is a Research Assistant at the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and a participant in the Environmental Protection Clinic at Yale Law School; she is pursuing a Business and the Environment specialization. Brooke earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems and Sustainability Studies from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020 where she completed her Honors Thesis on the coastal dynamics of the Connecticut shoreline. During her time at Haub Law thus far, Brooke has completed legal internships at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States District Court in the Southern District of New York, and ACT Commodities Inc. Brooke has also worked in Haub Law’s Land Use Law Center and Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies and is a Research & Writing Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review.

Maggie Pahl is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law. She has experience working as a legal intern at the John Jay Legal Services Food and Beverage Law Clinic, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. She served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. After graduation, she will take the New York State Bar Examination before beginning a one-year clerkship under the Honorable Judge Gary Potters in the New Jersey Superior Court Family Division. After her clerkship term elapses in August 2024, she is interested in entering the ESG field. She is looking forward to being a part of the inaugural class of Hub Student Scholars and further exploring her career options in sustainable business law.

Aric Prazeres is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Aric has interned for the Investor Rights Clinic, Judge Halpern at the SDNY, and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance and Enforcement. Before starting law school, he received his MBA and worked for a company that specialized in corporate bartering. Aric is a Senior Associate for Pace Law Review, and recently participated in the St. John’s FINRA 2022 Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon where his team won first place in the arbitration round. Last year he served as the law school’s Environmental Law Society Energy and Climate Director, and spends much of his time thinking about the role of blockchain and other technologies in creating sustainable business strategies.

Kasama Star is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. Prior to law school, Kasama had a career in web development and project management. During her time at law school, she has interned for judges at the Southern District of New York and the Third Circuit, presented on Asian American discrimination, and contributed to pro bono work. She is a productions editor of the Pace Environmental Law Review and has served as president of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Law Student Association and the Immigration Law Society. Last summer, she was a litigation associate at Fenwick & West and an intern for Second Circuit Staff Attorney’s office. This semester she interned at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Corporation Finance.

Christopher Sudol is a JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Christopher received his bachelor's degree in history from Montclair State University, where he also minored in business. As an undergraduate, Christopher focused his studies on the intersection of business and the environment in twentieth-century American business practices. Christopher also has a master's degree in history from the University of Wyoming, where his research focused on the environmental impacts of American colonialism. Throughout law school, Christopher has participated in the Haub Law Food and Farm Business Clinic supporting local and sustainable farmers in various matters, in private law firms forming corporations and drafting organizational documents, and with non-profit organizations contributing to developing their diversity programs and efforts. Christopher is interested in a career that supports sustainable environment, social, and governance business practices to solve important issues of the present and the future. This spring, he will be an intern with Paul, Weiss and gain experience in the areas of sustainability and ESG.