Three Emmys and Counting

Jessika Pietryka ’20 came to Pace University with a creative streak and left with a skill set that could take her just about anywhere. As a Lubin School of Business information systems major, she built a foundation in business and technology while exploring programming, design, media, and hands-on IT experience across the University. Today, she brings all of those skills together as a graphics integrator and developer at NBC Sports, where her work has already earned her three Sports Emmy Awards.

You are a graphics integrator and developer at NBC Sports. How have your experiences as a Pace student helped you in the journey to your current role?

Studying at Pace helped me become a well-rounded professional. The information systems program was amazing because I got to take a wide range of classes that covered all aspects of, not only business, but IT as well. Through this program, I was able to build a strong foundation of business ideals and concepts that are applicable in all professional settings. I also took a wide range of technological classes (Seidenberg) where I was regularly challenged and encouraged to think deeply, particularly when it came to solving programming and systems problems. I also credit the Computer Resource Center in Wilcox where I worked all four years, for providing me with a real experience in a functional IT office. What I also liked about Pace is that I was able to feed my creative side by taking a couple of Media, Communication, and Visual Arts (MCVA) classes (Dyson) and I worked as a graphic designer for the Office of Residential Life. All of these helped me get to where I am now and set me up for success in my current role.

Why did you choose to enroll at Pace?

I originally decided to enroll at Pace to pursue a degree in digital cinema and filmmaking, for its proximity to New York City, and the small class sizes. I had many mentors at Pace that encouraged me to try out different classes (it was easy for me to do and there were lots of options), and so, I ultimately selected a program that felt right for me.

What were your experiences like as a student? Were certain faculty instrumental in your academic journey?

What I liked most about my classes was how hands-on they were. In one of my business classes, we operated a small business through a stimulation. In my IT classes, I worked with Raspberry Pi and robots, built databases, and programmed a lot. One of my favorite classes was with professor Pauline Mosley, DPS, through which we worked with local elementary school kids and taught them how to use a robot. Taking a couple of classes with professor Lou Guarneri helped keep my creative spark alive and that’s needed in my work today, and Professor Johanna Sterbin continuously encouraged me all my four years at Pace.

Congratulations again on your Emmy win! Please tell us more about that.

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I’ve won three Emmy’s to date and they are as follows:

2024–2025 Sports Emmy ® Awards
Outstanding Graphic Design - Event/Show
Games of the XXXIII Olympiad
The Networks of NBC
Jessika Pietryka, Graphic Designer

2024–2025 Sports Emmy ® Awards
Outstanding Technical Team Studio
Games of the XXXIII Olympiad
NBC | Peacock
Jessika Pietryka, Graphics Operator

2026 Sports Emmy ® Awards
Outstanding Graphic Design: Event/Show
NBA on NBC & Peacock
NBC | Peacock
Jessika Pietryka, Graphic Designer

How have your Emmy wins been meaningful to you?

Working for NBC Sports has been surreal and I never imagined I’d be working here, let alone with three Emmy wins (so far!). I feel very lucky to have landed a position like this so early in my career and I owe much gratitude to everyone who has helped me get this far. My work ethic and passion are the direct result of everyone I’ve crossed paths with.

Any words of wisdom for current Pace students?

Extracurriculars at Pace helped me get to where I am today. Some of my closest friends are ones I made at Pace, and I feel their support to this day. A big shoutout to Rachel Skopp-Cardillo '20, my colleague at NBC Sports, who helped me obtain my current role and was in my Week of Welcome group my first year at Pace, and to coworker Nicole Manning ‘23, who I hadn’t known at Pace yet it feels like fate to work together with someone who is now a very close friend.

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