GOLD Alumni Spotlights

Pace University GOLD Alumni are making their mark—in their organizations, in their industries, and in their communities. From building businesses to blazing trails in entertainment and beyond, GOLD alumni are using the lessons they learned at Pace to open new doors of possibility.

From Classroom to Career: Luke Ceccon '24 on Making Your Path

By GOLD Alumni Committee Co-Chair Jillian Lewandoski ’21

Graduating from college can feel like stepping into the unknown—but Luke Ceccon ’24 knows how to navigate that transition. After finishing his Business Management degree with a focus in Human Resources, Luke landed a position in UBS’s competitive Graduate Talent Program, where he rotates through multiple HR departments before moving into a permanent role.

But what really got him there wasn’t luck—it was strategy, persistence, and learning from every opportunity.

Start Early and Explore

Luke discovered human resources in a freshman business class, something he had never considered before. “I never really knew much about HR prior because I don’t have anyone in my family in corporate,” he says. “Once I realized I could do this and enjoy it, I started applying for internships and building experience right away.”

His advice for students: find a niche that excites you and pursue it early. Even if it’s not the most obvious or competitive field, building experience in a smaller, focused area can set you apart.

Internships Are Key

From a media company to LVMH, Luke’s internships gave him a leg up in the job market. He emphasizes making the most of every role, no matter how small it seems at first. “Even if balancing work and school is stressful, take every opportunity you can,” he says. “Those experiences give you skills, confidence, and connections that are invaluable.” He also recommends using resources like career services to polish resumes and prep for interviews—small steps that make a huge difference when competing for positions.

Get Involved Beyond the Classroom

Leadership and involvement outside the classroom were just as valuable. Luke was active in the HR Club, planning events and collaborating with peers. “The skills I learned running clubs at Pace transferred directly to my work now,” he says. “Planning events, coordinating teams—it all comes in handy.”

His takeaway: student leadership and extracurriculars aren’t just resume fillers—they build practical skills you’ll use in the workplace.

Show Your Personality

Luke stresses the importance of being yourself. “Don’t be a robot,” he advises. “Being charismatic and approachable goes a long way in making people want to work with you and trust you.”

Keep Your Eyes on the Bigger Picture

Even after landing competitive roles, Luke continues to think about growth and impact. “I love HR because you get to help people and make companies better places to work,” he says. His advice for students: look for opportunities where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.

Final Words for Students

Luke’s experience shows that the transition from college to career doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By exploring your interests, taking on internships, getting involved, and being authentic, you can position yourself for success, even in competitive fields.

To connect with Luke and follow his journey, you can find him on LinkedIn: Luke Ceccon.

Suzan "Semii" Gebreyonas ’17: Embracing the Journey from Pace University to Entrepreneurial Success

By GOLD Alumni Committee Co-Chair Jillian Lewandoski ’21

Suzan “Semii” Gebreyonas, class of 2017, is the epitome of success through passion, persistence, and trusting the process since her graduation from Pace. With Semii now leading two of her own businesses, Heir Aura, a creative agency, and Rare Ones, an artist management and event activation company—Semii exemplifies what’s possible when you embrace your talents and forge your own path.

The Early Days at Pace University

Semii graduated in 2017 with a degree in Marketing and Advertising, along with a minor in Arts and Entertainment Management. However, her story begins earlier, shaped by a passion for music and creativity. “I’ve always known I was going to be in music. Since I was a kid, I was always recording, writing, and bringing artists together,” she shared.

Her time at Pace was not just about academics but about cultivating relationships and laying the foundation for her future career. “I’m obsessed with the community I built at Pace,” she said, noting how the connections she made there have lasted over a decade. But beyond the friendships, Semii attributes much of her growth to key professors who helped shape her career trajectory, like Professor Kelly and Professor Nankin. “Professor Nankin taught me how to pitch an idea, and I use that skill every day now,” she explained. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re always pitching yourself.”

From College to Entrepreneurship

Semii’s entrepreneurial drive didn’t develop overnight, but rather that it was born out of her love for music and entertainment. "I always knew I wanted to be powerful in multiple verticals in entertainment. The business side came naturally because I had a strong business background from Pace,” she shared. Her desire to work for herself was less about entrepreneurship and more about the hustle that’s inherent in the entertainment world. “While it wasn’t intentional, it was just the way life was unfolding for me as an artist,” Semii reflected.

Through persistence and hard work, Semii built a successful career that led to the creation of her companies, Heir Aura and Rare Ones. Today, she manages a roster of artists and orchestrates events, all while maintaining the creative control that drives her passion. “As a multi-hyphenate artist, the world becomes your canvas, and you just start creating art throughout it,” she said.

Trusting the Process

One of the most important lessons Semii shares with college students entering the workforce is to trust the process. “It’s going to take time. Making something great is a process, and it’s important to believe that you’re going to get there,” she emphasized. That is advice that rings true whether you’re working for a corporation or building your own business.

“There were so many times when I thought something was my big break, only to find out that it wasn’t,” she added. But instead of letting these setbacks define her, Semii learned to view them as stepping stones. “Whatever happens in the process isn’t going to define you. Trust your vision and your journey. Stay true to it, and you'll get where you need to be,” she says.

Navigating Change in the Industry

In today’s fast-paced world, the entertainment and business landscape has shifted dramatically, and Semii has had to evolve with it. “When I started, you needed a big corporation behind you to make an impact. Now, it’s about taking control and using your hustle to create opportunities,” she explained. Thanks to the rise of social media, the decentralized nature of industries, and her commitment to building relationships, Semii has positioned herself as a key player in the industry.

“My work became a balance of being in the building and still pursuing my own passions,” she said. This duality, honed during her time at Pace when she balanced internships and a part-time job, helped prepare Semii for the realities of entrepreneurship and navigating the ever-changing music world.

Finding Fulfillment and Staying Grounded

Despite her success, Semii remains grounded in the advice of a mentor who once told her, “Always remember where you sleep at night.” She explained, “As you grow and meet new people, you can get caught up in the excitement. But it’s important to stay connected to your roots, to where you are right now.” This advice continues to guide her as she navigates through her career.

Semii's sense of gratitude is evident as she reflects on her journey. “Sometimes I don’t celebrate my accomplishments because I’m already onto the next thing. But I know it’s important to be present and to appreciate what’s in front of you,” she said.

Semii’s best piece of advice for graduating students is simple yet powerful: trust the process. “It’s going to take time, and there will be setbacks. But if you stay true to your vision and believe in your path, you’ll get there,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of resilience, noting that setbacks are often just opportunities in disguise.

The key is understanding that nothing and no one can interrupt your journey. Stay focused, trust yourself, and keep moving forward.

For students about to enter the workforce or embark on their own entrepreneurial endeavors, Semii’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s about perseverance, adaptability, and, most importantly, trusting the process.

Looking to the Future

As Semii looks ahead, she’s focused on expanding her creative empire. “I want to continue producing my own series, create new experiences, and get back to the forefront of my creativity,” she said. With her entrepreneurial mindset and a deep desire to continually grow, Semii is ready to take on even bigger challenges.

To connect with Semii and follow her journey, you can find her on Instagram at @hellosemii or on LinkedIn at Suzan "Semii" Gebreyonas.

Bre Taylor '20: Navigating Success and Resilience in the Media Industry

By GOLD Alumni Committee Members Truth Headlam ’19 and Jillian Lewandoski ’21

In an industry as dynamic and competitive as media, adaptability and perseverance are invaluable assets. Bre Taylor ’20, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences alumna, has exemplified these qualities throughout her journey from graduation to her current role as a senior social coordinator at MTV Music International, making the most of the challenges and triumphs she has encountered along the way.

After graduating from Pace University in 2020 with a major in communications studies, Taylor set her sights on the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her decision to attend Pace in the heart of NYC, Taylor recalls, "I knew for me I needed to go to school in New York...all of the entertainment companies that I wanted to work for were there, and if I could get my foot in the door as a young kid who doesn't have a lot of connections, that would definitely open up doors for me."

Taylor's career trajectory reflects her determination to carve out her path in the media landscape. Starting as an intern at Paramount during her time at Pace, she honed her skills and gradually climbed the ladder, navigating through roles in advertising and retail marketing before landing her current position at MTV. “Whether it was learning how to work in a corporate setting or learning how to do things in a timely manner, the skills that I learned as an intern and in my first job post-graduation were crucial in helping me to land the job I have now.”

Taylor acknowledges the challenges that come with post-grad life in the ever-evolving corporate landscape, particularly the impact of layoffs. She candidly shares her experience of being laid off and how she navigated through that period, emphasizing the importance of leaning on one's community for support.

I was not ashamed to tell people that I was looking for a job. I would go on LinkedIn, tell my peers, tell my family, etc. I would reach out to people and say ‘Hey, I'm looking for a job, this is my skill set, this is what I've done, this is what my degree is in.’ So, for me, I think it was an element of being honest about it.

Taylor found solace and purpose in starting her newsletter, titled "Bre’s Breakdown.” It was initially intended as a platform to discuss pop culture and music; however, it evolved into a candid exploration of her experiences, including the challenges of unemployment. Through her newsletter, Taylor not only found a sense of accomplishment but also connected with a community of readers, seeking guidance and inspiration.

When asked about her advice for current Pace students entering the job market, Taylor emphasizes the importance of resilience and building a brand for yourself. "You need to be making sure that you are building a public persona in some way so that people know who you are and what you do." Taylor highlighted the significance of platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram for networking and showcasing one's accomplishments.

Looking ahead, Taylor remains focused on her career growth and giving back to the community. As an ambassador for Envision, an organization empowering young girls of color in fashion and media, she is committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of talent, while also continuing to forge her path in the media industry and set new standards of success.

Subscribe to Bre's Breakdown or connect with her through LinkedIn and Instagram.