Show Up, Get Involved, and Make an Impact

Edwin-Elijah Fernandez

Class of 2026
Pronouns: He/Him
Currently Studying: MBA in Marketing Management
Member (Clubs): Vice President, Lubin Graduate Student Council; Co-Lead, Lubin Society

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

I chose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business for their strong focus on experiential learning and direct exposure to industry professionals. As I explored the program, the opportunity to apply what I was learning in real-world settings stood out.

One of my most impactful experiences was participating in a marketing study abroad course during my second semester with Professors Sandler and Long in Denmark and Sweden, alongside 14 other students. There, I gained global perspectives on marketing, supply chain, and social responsibility by engaging directly with international companies. The experience also pushed me outside my comfort zone and contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Additionally, researching the faculty reinforced my decision. Their thought leadership and industry insight—shared on platforms like LinkedIn—reflected an environment focused on relevance and real-world application. I wanted a program that would challenge me and prepare me to operate at a high level, and Lubin aligned with that goal.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Clubs at Lubin have played a key role in shaping my professional and personal development. Through the American Marketing Association, I was introduced to opportunities that ultimately defined my path on campus.

One of my most impactful experiences was attending the AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans, where I competed in a national digital marketing simulation for JBL. I led the social media strategy, contributed to campaign execution over multiple days, and helped select a brand ambassador. Our team placed second out of 331 chapters, marking a major milestone in my development.

That experience strengthened my ability to perform in high-pressure, team-based environments while reinforcing the importance of initiative and stepping into leadership roles.

You've been on the founding team of a few clubs, what inspired you to do this?

My involvement in building student organizations was driven by the impact I saw within the Pace Community.

I started on the marketing team for the Lubin Society, where we focused on strengthening connections between student organizations. Briana Noriega and I worked closely to expand our reach—she grew our Instagram audience to more than 600 followers, and I built our LinkedIn presence to more than 1,000.

Through these platforms, we increased visibility for student organizations, promoted events, and highlighted student leaders. We also led recruitment efforts through Lubin Fest and organized philanthropy initiatives, including a masquerade gala supporting St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where we raised $1,584.

What stood out most was the ability to build relationships and see the direct impact of our work on the community. That experience led me to step into a co-lead role and later co-found the Lubin Graduate Student Council.

As vice president, I focused on strengthening engagement within the graduate community. We hosted town halls to gather student feedback and built events around those insights, including networking opportunities, social events, and professional development initiatives. Seeing students connect and engage with what we created has been the most rewarding part of the experience.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

One of my favorite opportunities at Pace has been working with the IDM Lab. Through this experience, I supported the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, where I managed their Instagram and Facebook accounts, developed content, and helped promote their annual event, ShadFest.

This experience also connected me with the Hudson Valley Direct Marketing Association, where I later served as a social media ambassador, managing digital content through Wix. These roles strengthened my ability to execute marketing strategies in real-world settings while building both technical and creative skills. This hands-on experience is exactly what I was looking for when I chose Pace.

When I first came to Pace, I was shy and introverted. I had potential, but I lacked the confidence to fully express it. Over time, by putting myself in new environments, building relationships, and staying consistent, I developed both personally and professionally.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

Stay authentic in your approach, be driven in pursuing opportunities, and stay consistent in the effort you put in. Growth at Lubin comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking initiative.

When I first came to Pace, I was shy and introverted. I had potential, but I lacked the confidence to fully express it. Over time, by putting myself in new environments, building relationships, and staying consistent, I developed both personally and professionally. That growth came from showing up, putting myself in the right rooms, and building the confidence to speak up and ask questions.

Lean on the faculty and be open to working with others. The more you engage, the more you will get out of your experience.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife represents the core philosophy of Opportunitas — the opportunity to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourself. More importantly, it’s about taking action on those opportunities.

It reflects a culture of showing up, getting involved, and pushing yourself to grow both personally and professionally through real-world experiences.

Connect with Edwin Online:

• Connect with Edwin on LinkedIn
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• Connect with Edwin on Facebook