Maddy Vallillo

Account Coordinator, John James Public Relations

UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellow

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Class of 2024
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Non-Profit Studies

Member Of: Fusion Magazine

Pronouns: She/Her

Maddy Vallillo is on a mission to make her community a better place. As a UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network fellow, she has spent the semester tackling food insecurity in Lower Manhattan—but she aims to make a bigger impact. With her BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications and minor in non-profit studies, Maddy plans to organize and implement initiatives that go beyond her neighborhood.

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

I chose Pace University because it allows me to major in advertising, not just marketing. Its location in New York City provides me with unique networking opportunities, and the Lubin School of Business has great professors who have experience in their industries.

You are a member of Fusion Magazine, Pace's on-campus publication highlighting fashion, art, and lifestyle. Why is it important for you, as a business student, to tap into your creative side through Fusion?

Having a creative outlet is extremely important to me. Fashion, art, and lifestyle are all personal interests of mine. Being able to explore these interests and learn about pop culture through Fusion benefits me as an advertising student because I always need to be up to date with news, especially pop culture. Advertising is also an extremely creative field, so I'm getting some great experience with Fusion before I start creating my own campaigns.

This semester, you were selected for the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellowship. As part of the Fellowship, you are working to tackle the issue of food insecurity in Lower Manhattan. Why was it important for you to pursue this opportunity and project?

I have been working with Denise Belen Santiago, PhD, at Pace's Provisions Food Pantry for the past two years. I have first-hand knowledge of food insecurity and, more specifically, how this issue is affecting the Pace University community. When I applied to become a Millennium Fellow, I knew I wanted to tackle an issue close to me and one I have knowledge and experience with.

How will this Fellowship and project impact your career path?

I chose to minor in non-profit studies because I wanted to do more with the advertising and marketing skills I have been learning. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and the way I wanted to do that was through organizing and implementing initiatives that benefit the communities I belong to. My fellowship project combines my passion for marketing and my desire to generate positive change in my community. I feel fulfilled by the work I am doing, and I hope to find a career that allows me to have more experiences like this.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace was an internship I had with the Trade Commission of Peru in New York City in the Fall 2022 semester. I was able to work on marketing an entire country, attend international trade shows, learn a lot about the culture of Peru, and work hands-on in international business for a government sector. It was an incredible experience, which I am so grateful for.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

College is more fun when you get involved and find your community. Pace and Lubin have great clubs and spaces where you can find your people and thrive socially and academically.

#LubinLife means having a great community of individuals I have been fortunate enough to collaborate, connect, and grow with during my past four years at Pace. Within Lubin, I have developed friendships with classmates, found mentorship in professors, and served as a leader and positive influence.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means having a great community of individuals I have been fortunate enough to collaborate, connect, and grow with during my past four years at Pace. Within Lubin, I have developed friendships with classmates, found mentorship in professors, and served as a leader and positive influence.

Connect with Maddy on LinkedIn

Renovation of One Pace Plaza in Lower Manhattan Was One Out of 15 Innovative Projects Selected Throughout New York State

Pace University was recently awarded $1,486,720 from New York State as part of the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge. This competitive program provides funding to large energy users such as manufacturers, universities, and health care facilities in New York State to implement clean energy projects that reduce carbon emissions.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that more than $29 million has been awarded through the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) throughout New York State. Pace’s renovation of One Pace Plaza was one out of 15 projects selected that will reduce carbon emissions and greenhouses gases.

“We know that historically underserved communities are often most impacted by climate change and pollution,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “In New York, we’re righting the wrongs of the past by investing in projects that will reduce carbon emissions in communities statewide, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods. This is how we build cleaner, more equitable communities for New Yorkers across the state.”

The announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050 and ensure 35% with a goal of 40% of clean energy investments directly benefit disadvantaged communities. The projects were selected by NYSERDA to participate in the Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development or C&I Carbon Challenge programs and will advance community and economic development across New York State.

“These innovative retrofit and new construction projects are at the forefront of lowering emissions from buildings while revitalizing communities, including those that have been historically marginalized,” said Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA. “These investments demonstrate how local, regional, and state resources can come together to meet a cross-section of climate, energy efficiency and economic development goals while providing for a greener future for residents and businesses alike.”

Pace University is reimagining One Pace Plaza in New York City via beneficial electrification and energy efficiency that will reduce total electricity consumption. It’s part of a campus transformation that will include new academic spaces, a modernized residence hall, and a new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center that will serve its performing and creative arts programs that are part of the Sands College of Performing Arts.

Ryan McEnany, director of energy & resiliency at Pace University where he oversees the University’s Energy Conservation Program, prepares and manages the energy budget, identifies and implements sustainability initiatives across each campus, and meets with students to help achieve their vision of sustainability for Pace University. These efforts have resulted in a 20% reduction in energy costs and a 26% reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. McEnany played an important role in Pace’s efforts to secure this funding opportunity.

“We are extremely grateful to be selected for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge award,” said McEnany. “It is our goal to showcase Pace University’s commitment to sustainability nationally and to continue to reduce our carbon emissions, especially through the implementation of this project that will utilize beneficial electrification of our heating system.”

In recent years, Pace has a long history of supporting programs to further sustainability throughout its campuses. In 2007, Pace became a charter member of the NYC Carbon Challenge, which supports urban-based climate resiliency programs and corporations. In addition, Pace University was the first University to sign the US Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within 10 years. To help achieve this goal, Pace partnered with Cenergistic, a national energy conservation company, to reduce emissions across facilities.

Since the beginning of the partnership, Pace has cut energy use 18 percent. Energy reductions from the program equate to the equivalent of planting 328,339 trees, avoiding carbon emissions produced by the average car driving approximately 36 million miles or the energy use of 7,663 houses in a year. In April, the US Department of Energy recognized this effort by awarding Pace University a Better Practice Award at their annual Better Buildings Summit.

“Thank you to NYSERDA for awarding Pace University with the Carbon Challenge grant,” said Ibi Yolas, vice president of facilities and capital projects. “This grant will enable the university to use industry best decarbonization practices to combat climate change and prepare for a carbon free future.”

The grant submission was led by Pace University’s Grants Strategy Group, formed earlier this year with participation from the Public Affairs team, The Office of Research and Graduate Education, Facilities and Capital Projects, Provost’s Office, and representatives from the colleges to set a strategic vision and identify state and federal funding opportunities for Pace.

"By bringing stakeholders from across the university together, we've been able to identify and apply for public grants that support the amazing work done here at Pace," said Jerry McKinstry, assistant vice president for Public Affairs and founder of the Grants Strategy Group. "I'm incredibly grateful for the time and effort that this group has dedicated so far, and eager for us to pursue other opportunities that support the university’s mission."

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit NYSERDA or follow NYSERDA on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.