New York City Awards Ceremony 2026
Wellington Castro
MS Taxation Award
Wellington Castro is an Accounting student at Pace University and a recipient of the BGS MS Taxation Award, recognized for his academic achievement and growing professional experience within the accounting field. During his time at Pace, Wellington earned both the Ernst & Young Fund for Excellence in Accounting Education Scholarship and the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program Scholarship, reflecting his strong performance and dedication to the profession. He is currently pursuing a combined master’s program while preparing to sit for the CPA exam following graduation. Professionally, Wellington gained valuable hands-on experience as an Internal Audit Intern with Manfre CPA P.C. in Armonk, New York, where he worked from 2024 through 2025. On campus, he served as Secretary of The Robert S. Pace Accounting Society, helping support student engagement and professional development initiatives within the accounting community. As he begins his search for a full-time role in tax or general accounting, Wellington brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach shaped by both academic rigor and practical industry experience. Accounting students truly live in a permanent state of spreadsheets, caffeine, and existential reconciliation with Excel formulas.
Kelsie Clapp
MS Arts + Entertainment Management Award
Kelsie Clapp is a graduate student in Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University, where she has distinguished herself through academic excellence and extensive hands-on experience in New York’s live events and performing arts industries. Maintaining a 3.97 GPA, Kelsie has combined her graduate studies with internships at both New York City Ballet and Chelsea Piers, supporting donor relations, gala planning, event operations, client services, and large-scale event execution. At Chelsea Piers, she advanced into leadership responsibilities by independently managing select corporate events and coordinating logistics, vendors, and guest experience operations. Before Pace, Kelsie earned her BFA in Dance from the Joffrey Ballet School in partnership with New Jersey City University, graduating summa cum laude. Her background in performance, choreography, and arts education has shaped a collaborative and creative approach to event management, strengthened further through years of teaching dance and supporting studio productions. Beyond her professional work, Kelsie has also contributed to philanthropic arts initiatives, including performances benefitting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Maxelle Cohen
Scholastic Achievement Award + Human Resources Management Award
Maxelle Cohen is a Human Resource Management major at Pace University, graduating summa cum laude and serving as Valedictorian of the Lubin School of Business. A member of the Pforzheimer Honors College, her honors thesis explored how human resource practices can support athletes transitioning into corporate careers, reflecting her interest in bridging high-performance environments with people-centered strategy. She complemented her studies with a minor in Psychology and extensive hands-on experience in the sports industry, including roles with Legacy Philanthropy, MADE Hoops, LIU Men’s Hockey, and the New York Islanders, where she continues in a part-time HR role supporting onboarding, recruitment, and employee systems. A dedicated campus leader, Maxelle co-founded and serves as President of the Undergraduate Human Resources Club and has been actively involved in Beta Gamma Sigma, the American Marketing Association, and multiple honor societies. Following graduation, she will pursue an MBA in Management at Hofstra University and plans to earn her SHRM-CP certification, continuing to build a career at the intersection of human resources and high-performance organizations.
Haley DiPietro
Global Marketing Management Award
Haley DiPietro is a Global Marketing Management major at Pace University who will graduate magna cum laude, recognized for her strong academic performance and commitment to excellence. A member of the Pforzheimer Honors College, Haley explored international marketing strategies through her honors thesis, focusing on how Pace can better engage and attract international students. She further enriched her global perspective by studying abroad at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence, Italy. Haley gained hands-on industry experience as a Special Events Intern with Empire Event Group and will continue her international career with Smart Trip Europe in Florence, working in international sales and marketing. On campus, she was actively involved in the American Marketing Association, serving as Chief of Records, and contributed to the community through student panels and university events. With a minor in Literature and a passion for global brand storytelling, Haley brings a thoughtful, culturally aware approach to marketing.
Edwin-Elijah Fernandez
Graduate Leadership Award
Edwin-Elijah Fernandez is an MBA candidate in Marketing Management at Pace University, recognized for his dynamic leadership, community engagement, and commitment to student life. A Beta Gamma Sigma inductee, Elijah combined his academic studies with hands-on experience across marketing, entertainment, and nonprofit engagement. During his time at Pace, he worked with the Interactive Direct Marketing Lab as a Digital Marketing Associate supporting the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, served as Social Media Ambassador for the Hudson Valley Direct Marketing Association, and held roles with Playwrights Horizons and startup company Lybra Social. Elijah also played an active leadership role on campus as Vice President of the Lubin Graduate Student Council, Co-Lead and founding member of The Lubin Society, and Graduate Assistant to Dean Randi Priluck, supporting major university events and student engagement initiatives. His global perspective was further shaped through a study abroad experience focused on Scandinavian culture, international marketing, and social responsibility. Beyond academics, Elijah has demonstrated a deep commitment to service and advocacy, including organizing mental health fundraising efforts with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and supporting local food insecurity initiatives through community outreach programs.
Christina Kalb
MBA Arts + Entertainment Management Award
Cristina Kalb is an MBA candidate in Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University and a recipient of the MBA Arts & Entertainment Management Award, recognized for her creativity, leadership, and commitment to the arts and hospitality industries. Throughout her academic career, Cristina earned recognition, including Dean’s List honors, membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, and Beta Gamma Sigma. Professionally, she gained experience in both the creative and customer service sectors through her work with Artful Printers in Miami, where she supported fine art print production, photo editing, retouching, and design projects using Adobe Creative Suite, while also providing administrative and client support in a fast-paced studio environment. She additionally spent several years working seasonally with DoubleTree by Hilton, developing strong guest relations and customer service skills. Beyond academics and professional work, Cristina demonstrated leadership involvement through Phi Mu, where she served as both KROP Committee Chairwoman and Membership Director’s Assistant, supporting recruitment, event coordination, and member engagement initiatives.
Radhika Kaw
Outstanding Student of the Year + Graduate Career Services Award
Radhika Kaw is an MBA candidate in Marketing Analytics. During her time at Pace, Radhika built an impressive foundation in brand strategy and growth marketing through roles spanning both nonprofit and startup environments. She served as a Marketing Intern and is now an incoming Brand Marketing Coordinator at Kids in the Game, a New York-based youth sports and education organization, where she helped support community-focused marketing initiatives and brand development. She also contributed as Growth & Marketing Lead for Zumlo, an AI mental wellness startup, gaining experience in emerging technology and consumer engagement strategy. Following graduation, Radhika will continue her journey with Kids in the Game in a full-time marketing role secured through Pace Career Services, reflecting both her dedication and the strong impact she made throughout her graduate studies.
Elizabeth Koebley
Business Management Award
Elizabeth Koebley is a Business Management major at Pace University, recognized for her outstanding academic achievement, earning the Modern Languages Department Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Spanish and Dean’s List First Honors every semester during her time at Pace. A recipient of both the President’s Scholarship and the Philip and Marianne Bleser Semester Study Abroad Scholarship, Elizabeth expanded her global perspective while studying abroad at the ZHAW School of Management and Law in Winterthur, Switzerland. Alongside her business studies, she completed a minor in Law and held a seasonal internship within the human resources department of a mid-sized company, gaining valuable professional experience throughout her undergraduate career. On campus, Elizabeth served as Secretary of Pace’s Pre-Law Society and remained actively involved in organizations including Beta Gamma Sigma and Women in Lubin. Following graduation, she will attend the William & Mary School of Law, where she plans to continue building a career at the intersection of business and law. Between mastering Spanish, studying abroad in Switzerland, surviving pre-law culture, and maintaining first honors every semester, she somehow still found time to volunteer at Brooklyn Book Bodega.
Alexandra Krakowski
Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communication Award
Alexandra Krakowski is an Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communications major at Pace University, graduating summa cum laude and earning the BBA Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communications Award for her academic excellence, creativity, and leadership within the marketing field. During her time at Pace, Alexandra received both the Laura L. Smith Scholarship through the HVDMA and the Marianacci Scholarship for her work as IDM Lab Co-Manager. She built an impressive portfolio of professional experience through internships with Joyful Ya LLC Digital Marketing, Life Curious Women Social Media Strategy, and the Brandywine River Restoration Trust Research and Outreach team, while also contributing to the Interactive Direct Marketing Lab student-run marketing agency. Beyond Lubin, Alexandra played an active role in student media as Production Manager, Social Media Manager, and Executive Editor for The Pace Press, where she helped oversee the production of more than 20 physical newspaper editions. She also volunteered for PaceBound programming and remained involved with the Brand Marketing Team and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Alexandra plans to pursue a career in marketing and communications, with interests spanning media, growth strategy, and experiential work across a variety of industries.
Hyunju Lee
MS Marketing Analytics Award
Hyunju Lee is a Marketing Analytics graduate student at Pace University and a recipient of the MS Marketing Analytics Award, recognized for excellence in data-driven marketing and professional achievement. During her time at Pace, Hyunju gained hands-on industry experience as a Marketing Intern with Group K FNC, a New York-based hospitality group, where she supported marketing and brand communication initiatives for multiple restaurant and café brands. Her work included social media planning, promotional campaigns, event coordination, and partnership-related projects, helping strengthen customer engagement across the company’s portfolio. Following graduation, Hyunju will continue with Group K FNC in a full-time role, building on the experience she developed throughout her graduate studies.
Lydia Lutchman
Entrepreneurship Award
Lydia Lutchman is a combined BBA/MS student in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources Management at Pace University whose academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to student advocacy have made a lasting impact on the Pace community. During her time at Pace, Lydia expanded her global business perspective through an exchange semester at the ZHAW School of Management and Law in Zürich, Switzerland, while also building strong interdisciplinary experience in analytics, entrepreneurship, and human resources. She completed the Lubin Analytics Boot Camp, gaining hands-on experience with Python, SQL, Tableau, R, and business analytics tools, and participated in internship programs focused on branding, partnerships, and commercial real estate strategy. Beyond academics, Lydia has been deeply involved in campus leadership and student support initiatives, serving as Treasurer of both the Human Resources and Talent Management Club and The Pace Press, Vice President of the Pace Entrepreneurship Club, and a staff writer covering news, arts, and opinion pieces. As a Peer Educator with the Office of Interpersonal Health & Wellness, she completed specialized training through Mount Sinai’s SAVI Program and served as a resource for students impacted by sexual misconduct, while also leading outreach and wellness programming across campus.
Bianca Mazur
American Marketing Association Award
Bianca Mazur is a combined BBA in Sports Marketing and M.S. in Social Media and Mobile Marketing student at Pace University whose exceptional academic achievement and industry experience have distinguished her as an emerging leader in sports and entertainment marketing. A member of the Pforzheimer Honors College with a 3.99 GPA and consistent Dean’s List recognition, Bianca has built an impressive professional portfolio through internships with ESPN New York, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Madison Square Garden. Her work has spanned content creation, digital strategy, copywriting, analytics reporting, and social media management across globally recognized entertainment and sports brands, including campaigns supporting the Knicks, Rangers, and Warner Bros. Television properties. At Pace, Bianca also serves as President and CEO of the American Marketing Association chapter, leading recruitment, creative strategy, social media, and partnership development while helping organize more than 70 events and exclusive industry opportunities for students. With advanced creative and technical skills across Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, and digital marketing tools, Bianca brings a highly creative, data-driven approach to brand storytelling and audience engagement.
Naushad Mohammed
Doctor of Prossional Studies Award
Naushad Mohammed is a Doctor of Professional Studies candidate at Pace University whose research focuses on internal marketing, psychological contracts, and organizational commitment within the U.S. hospitality industry. A dedicated practitioner-scholar, Naushad brings more than a decade of executive hospitality leadership into the classroom through his role as Owner and General Manager of Harbor House Hotels, where he oversees operations, finance, staffing, and strategic growth initiatives. In addition to his professional work, he currently serves as a Substitute Lecturer at the College of Staten Island, teaching courses across management, marketing, organizational behavior, and business communications. His academic and professional interests center on employee engagement, leadership, and the intersection of organizational theory and hospitality management. Naushad has also presented his research internationally, sharing his work on internal marketing and organizational commitment at the Institute for Global Business Research Conference in New Orleans.
Bailey Mullen
Professional Management Award + Alumni Association Award
Bailey Mullen is a Finance major at Pace University, graduating cum laude. Bailey has distinguished himself through relentless drive and leadership, founding multiple student organizations, completing four internships, and working full-time throughout his academic career. He has held key roles across campus, including Founder of the Lubin Society, Founder and President of the Undergraduate Finance Club, Founder and Undergraduate Director of the Homer S. Pace AFM Society, Treasurer of Zeta Beta Tau, and an active contributor to Pace University’s Development & Alumni Relations departments. Bailey also dedicated his time as a peer mentor and frequent volunteer for university programs, consistently showing up for the Pace community. Following graduation, he will join PwC in Management Consulting within Financial Services Transformation. This spring, Bailey also celebrated a personal milestone, getting engaged to his college sweetheart, Lauren, marking an exciting new chapter both professionally and personally. In addition to the Professional Management Award, Bailey is also receiving the Undergraduate Alumni Association Award, reflecting his exceptional impact on the Lubin community.
Nick Nordby
MS Accounting Award
Nicholas Nordby is a graduate student in Pace University’s MS Accounting program and recipient of the MS Accounting Department Award, recognized for his academic achievement and dedication to the accounting profession. Already holding an MBA from Boston University, Nicholas chose to further deepen his expertise through advanced accounting studies at Pace while preparing to pursue the CPA examination. With a strong interest in auditing, he is focused on building a career grounded in analytical thinking, precision, and financial accountability. Nicholas’s academic journey reflects both ambition and commitment to lifelong learning, bringing together a broad business foundation with specialized accounting knowledge.
Courtney Tandazo
Business Studies Award
Courtney Tandazo is a Business Studies major at Pace University, graduating magna cum laude and being recognized for her strong academic achievement and commitment to professional growth. Throughout her time at Pace, Courtney developed a broad foundation in business with a particular interest in marketing, branding, digital communications, social media, and content creation. As she prepares to begin her professional career, she is seeking opportunities where she can continue building her skills in marketing and related business fields while gaining hands-on industry experience. Courtney’s academic success reflects both her dedication and adaptability, qualities that position her well for a future in creative and strategic business environments.
Kennedi Tichy
General Business Award
Kennedi Tichy is a General Business student at Pace University whose global perspective, professional ambition, and passion for fashion have shaped an impressive undergraduate experience. During her time at Pace, Kennedi studied abroad at CEFAM in Lyon, France, where she immersed herself in French culture, connected with students from around the world, and expanded her understanding of international business. Professionally, she completed a competitive buying internship with URBN in Philadelphia, working within Women’s Apparel for Urban Outfitters. Following the internship, Kennedi was offered a full-time position as an Assistant Buyer for National Brands and Jackets at Urban Outfitters, where she has successfully balanced the demands of launching her career while completing her senior year at Pace. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she remained involved in campus and community initiatives through the National Society of Leadership and by promoting study abroad opportunities for fellow students. Kennedi also dedicated time to volunteering with SAGE, supporting LGBTQ+ elders in Midtown Manhattan through dinner service and meaningful community engagement.
Edoardo Venir
MBA Corporate Finance Award
Edoardo Venir is a Corporate Finance graduate student at Pace University, recognized for outstanding achievement in MBA Corporate Finance. During his time at Pace, Edoardo earned a competitive Graduate Assistantship position for the Spring 2026 semester, working alongside Professor Burcin Col while continuing to build his expertise in finance and emerging technologies. He has remained actively involved in student organizations, including the Blockchain & Crypto Finance Club and the Homer S. Pace Accounting, Finance, and Management Society, reflecting his strong interest in both traditional financial analysis and the evolving digital finance landscape. As he prepares for the next stage of his career, Edoardo is pursuing opportunities in software engineering and financial analysis, bringing together technical skill and financial strategy in a uniquely interdisciplinary way.
Danielle Wu
New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Award
Danielle Wu is a BBA and MBA candidate in Public Accounting at Pace University, graduating magna cum laude and earning the NYS Society of CPAs Award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and leadership within the accounting profession. During her time at Pace, Danielle distinguished herself both in and outside the classroom, receiving the PCOAB Scholarship, placing first in Beta Alpha Psi’s Regional “Best Practice Competition” in Pittsburgh, and being named a Beta Alpha Psi Lifetime Member in 2022. She has held multiple leadership positions within Beta Alpha Psi, including Secretary, Vice President, and President, and currently serves as Chairman of Marketing. Professionally, Danielle gained hands-on experience in tax and audit through internships at CBIZ and Real Estate Audit Intern and PSG Engagement Quality Review Intern roles, and she currently works as a forensic accounting intern at Meaden & Moore. Following graduation, she will join Meaden & Moore full-time as a Forensic Accountant. In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Danielle has remained committed to community service through organizations including God’s Love We Deliver and the Bowery Mission.
Zunera Zamindar
Undergraduate Career Services Award
Zunera Zamindar is a Business Analytics major at Pace University and a recipient of the 2026 Career Services Award, recognized for her commitment to public service, community leadership, and professional achievement. A Dean’s Scholarship recipient and consistent Dean’s List student, Zunera combined her academic studies with impactful work across New York City communities. During her time at Pace, she interned with New York Road Runners, supporting event operations and volunteer engagement for one of the city’s most iconic organizations. She also demonstrated exceptional civic leadership through volunteer work with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Community Matters park cleanups across all five boroughs, and the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Course Beautification initiative, where she led a pilot program mobilizing more than 500 volunteers to clean the entire 26.2-mile marathon route. Following graduation, Zunera will join the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development as a Senior Field Supervisor for the Summer Youth Employment Program, a role secured through Career Services. She also plans to pursue a Master of Science in Public Policy Management while continuing her work in community advocacy and public impact.
Michael Zhinin
MS Financial Management Award
Michael Zhinin is a Public Accounting student in Pace University’s Pforzheimer Honors College whose dedication to accounting, analytical problem-solving, and professional growth has distinguished him throughout his academic career. Pursuing the 150-credit Public Accounting program and preparing to become a CPA candidate, Michael has already gained valuable experience through multiple internships with Ernst & Young and CohnReznick LLP in Stamford, Connecticut. His work has included supporting audit and assurance teams, preparing tax documents and extensions, assisting with client work papers, and collaborating with senior professionals across tax and consulting functions. Beyond the classroom, Michael has demonstrated leadership and community involvement through mentoring a special needs child in soccer, helping build confidence, communication skills, and sportsmanship through athletics. He has also remained active with the Pace University Accounting Society and community organizations, including the Asociación de Familias Hispanas de los Tarrytowns. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Michael brings persistence, attention to detail, and a strong collaborative mindset to every opportunity he pursues.
Oliver Zhu
Public Accounting Award
Oliver Zhu is a Public Accounting BBA/MBA student at Pace University, graduating with Latin Honors and recognized for his exceptional academic achievement and leadership in the accounting field. A recipient of both the PCOAB Scholarship and the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholarship, Oliver combined rigorous coursework with extensive professional experience throughout his time at Pace. He completed audit internships with EY in Stamford and tax and accounting internships with RL DePanfilis & Co., building a strong foundation across assurance, tax, and accounting services. Following graduation, Oliver will return to EY’s Stamford office full-time within the Assurance Audit practice while continuing his MBA studies at Pace. In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Oliver remained deeply involved on campus through Residential Life, Learning Commons, and Pace Perk Café, serving as a Resident Assistant for three years, a business and math tutor for over two years, and CFO of Student Run Business. He also credits Career Services with helping him refine his resume, strengthen his interview skills, and connect with recruiters throughout his professional journey.