On Wednesday, May 22, the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) hosted its annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser at the waterfront Barley Beach House, gathering community leaders, advocates, and supporters to help raise vital funds for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.

The event, which came at a critical moment as domestic violence cases continue to rise across Westchester County and nationwide federal funding for domestic violence services remains under scrutiny, served as both a celebration of resilience and a call to action. Guests enjoyed an evening of signature cocktails, raffles and auction items, and heartfelt stories that underscored the importance of PWJC’s mission and legal advocacy.

“Our work is more urgent than ever,” said Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of PWJC. “Survivors in our region are still facing rising rates of violence and abuse, and it is essential that we remain equipped to meet them with legal tools, advocacy, and unwavering support. With the help of our community, we’re proud to serve more than 3,500 clients each year with free, trauma-informed legal services that protect lives and restore hope.”

The evening also featured heartfelt remarks from longtime PWJC ally and advocate Alayne Katz, Esq., whose tireless work to honor the legacy of her sister Gail—tragically murdered by her abuser—continues to drive awareness and change. Gail’s story was the inspiration behind PWJC’s original office, lovingly known as “Gail’s House,” and remains a powerful symbol of the justice PWJC continues to strive for every day.

“In early 2001, the Center memorialized Gail’s life by naming their offices Gail’s House, giving Gail a symbolic resting place,” said Alayne. “The then-Dean explained that the Center’s work with survivors of domestic violence could and would give full meaning to Gail’s too-short life. The Center has made good on that promise. They have become the largest civil legal services provider in this County, specializing in domestic violence and elder abuse. The Center’s services are often the difference between healthy families and broken lives and tragic fatalities.”

Also in attendance were Vedat Gashi, Chairman of Westchester Board of Legislators and Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators.

“What people don’t necessarily understand is that elected officials… don’t necessarily know the subject matter like [PWJC] does… if we really want to understand the subject matter, we have to go to the experts,” said Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators. “[Cindy] has done a fabulous job over the years of explaining why what you do at PWJC is so, so important. We have supported PWJC every year at the County Legislature, and we really believe in the partnership between government and nonprofits. This is a particularly fantastic partnership between a local organization and county government.”

This year’s Cocktails for a Cause raised over $16,000, ensuring that more survivors will gain access to emergency orders of protection, custody and divorce representation, and critical elder justice support.

PWJC thanks its generous sponsors, host committee, and every guest who helped ensure this mission continues.

Waves of Change Sponsor: The ICON Foundation of Keller Williams

Shifting Shores Sponsors: Jane Aoyama; Enea, Scanlan, & Sirignano, LLP; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.; Law Office of Alayne Katz, P.C.

Ripple Effect Sponsors: Apple Bank; Falcon, Rappaport, & Berkman, LLP; Patricia Hennessy, Esq; Jackson Lewis; Orange Bank & Trust Company; PCSB Community Foundation

Host Committee: Lauren C. Enea, Esq. (Event Co-chair) Sarah DeRise; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.; Cindy Kanusher, Esq.; Alayne Katz, Esq.; Alyson Kuritzky, Esq.; Stella King, Esq.; Jana Kosberg-Kleidman, Esq.; Samantha A. Lyons, Esq.; Melissa McMonagle; Amanda Rieben, Esq.; Rachel Shehy

Cocktails for a Cause 2025 photos

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Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law is proud to announce that Diego Gomez ‘22, Center Attorney at the Legal Hand Call-In Center serving Westchester County, has been named a 2025 Wunderkind by Westchester Magazine’s 914INC. The annual Wunderkinds list honors the region’s most dynamic and innovative young professionals under the age of 35.

When the virtual Legal Hand Call-In Center serving Westchester County launched at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2023, Diego Gomez was pivotal in its success. Initially, Diego started as the Center’s Manager and grew into the role of the Center’s Attorney. Through the Legal Hand Call-In Center serving Westchester County, highly trained non-lawyer Volunteers and law students provide free legal information, resources, assistance, and referrals (not legal advice) to virtual Visitors who live, work, or go to school in Westchester County. Volunteers work to help Visitors resolve important issues impacting their life in areas such as housing, immigration, family, domestic violence, public benefits, employment, and many more. Originally established in 2015 in New York City, Legal Hand also has virtual Call-In Centers in Suffolk, Nassau, Schenectady, and Albany Counties.

The 914INC. Magazine article on Diego notes that he has been at the heart of the Center and played a key role in its growth – helping establish it, expanding outreach, increasing community awareness and access to justice. Diego also trains and supervises Haub Law students and local volunteers on how to assist calls from virtual visitors and treat them with the same compassion as if they were a client present in the room. “It is incredibly meaningful to be recognized as a Wunderkind,” said Diego. “This work is about empowering people with knowledge and resources so they can confidently navigate legal challenges.”

The Legal Hand Call-In Center is an all-virtual resource center for community members, with office space on the third floor of Aloysia Hall at the Law School. Legal Hand works to prevent and resolve problems before they become legal actions and to empower neighbors to help neighbors. Law student and community Volunteers must complete a significant formal training process before participating and Diego is crucial in this aspect. The virtual help is language accessible with a language line available for callers who require translations, Diego provides pivotal in this aspect as well, as he is fluent in Spanish and French as well as English.

“I am proud to be part of a mission that centers community and justice and this is one step in the direction of bringing about change on a larger scale,” shares Diego.

Read about Diego in 914INC. Magazine

Welcome to the Pace Community! As the parent or family member of a new Pace University student, you play an important role in helping them succeed. We know this is an exciting time—and sometimes an overwhelming one. That’s why we want to make sure you know about the key systems and services Pace offers to keep you informed, connected, and empowered to support your student from day one.

Below, you’ll find the essential tools you need to register for, bookmark, and use so you can stay on top of important forms, financial information, and campus updates.

FERPA: Accessing Your Student’s Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your student’s educational privacy. Under FERPA, your student must give Pace University written authorization before the University can share details of their academic or financial records with you.

To stay involved in your student’s academic journey, be sure they complete the required FERPA form early on. This authorization allows you to communicate directly with University personnel about important matters.

Learn more about FERPA and how it affects your access.

TouchNet: Managing Payments

TouchNet is Pace’s secure online payment system. It gives you and your student real-time access to account details, transaction histories, payment plan options, and more.

To use TouchNet, your student must authorize you as a user. Once you have access, you can log in as an authorized user to:

• View the student account balance
• Make payments (via electronic check, credit card, or international payment)
• Enroll in a payment plan

Here are your key links:

• Student Log-In (for students)
• Authorized User Log-In (for parents and family)

Next Gen Dynamic Forms

• Next Gen Dynamic Forms is the electronic system your student will use to complete and sign critical University documents.
• Here’s what you need to know: when your student initiates a form that requires your signature or input, they will provide your email address. You’ll then receive an email with a unique link to complete your part. You can also proactively create your own account by clicking “Create New Account” in the Pace Forms Dashboard.
• With your account, you can log in to check the status of any forms, review pending tasks, and download signed documents for your records.

CampusESP: Your Family Portal

CampusESP is your dedicated parent and family portal. It’s a one-stop resource designed to help you stay informed about important campus news, deadlines, and updates on your student’s academic progress and financial details.

We encourage all parents and families to register with CampusESP to stay connected and access the latest information designed just for you.

Log in to CampusESP to start exploring.

By engaging with these systems, you can confidently support your student as they take on the opportunities, challenges, and growth that come with their Pace University experience. We’re excited to welcome you—and your student—to our community of go-getters!