Lucais Marks

Senior Media Manager, Publicis Media

Class of 2022
MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing

Sometimes it’s the things you do outside of business studies that help you succeed in business. That is the case with Lucais, a master’s student who once competed in the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Championship for Team China and now stays active by spending his free time outdoors fishing and snowboarding. With a passion for sustainability, Lucais works as a marketing specialist for two education and environment-focused organizations. In class, he is gaining the technical skills he needs to advance his career as a brand communicator.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business for your MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing

New York has been home for many years and I was hoping to experience student life in the city. Coming from Dickinson College, a small liberal arts school in Pennsylvania, I was very excited because I knew that the two experiences would be very different. However, what enticed me most was the master’s degree itself. Lubin’s MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing highlights an area of study that I could not find elsewhere. Its unique curriculum piqued my interest. Both social media and mobile marketing are very important in today’s society. I believe that the experiences I have had and people I engage with at Lubin will be valuable for my future. I plan to reinforce my marketing and content creation skills to elevate my understanding of managing brand content, brand communications, and marketing strategies. I’ve been a content creator and have worked in marketing for a few years now. This degree provides an opportunity to better prepare me for my future career.

You currently hold positions in two organizations with a social cause as their motto.Tell us about these organizations and the experiences you have had.

I work as both a marketing specialist and client success director at Bridg-it LLC. Bridg-it creates tools and resources to cultivate and sustain a healthy school environment by providing a positive social network for students. I’ve really enjoyed working for Bridg-it, as the betterment of students’ social and emotional learning means a lot to me. Working with EARTHDAY.ORG has been a great experience as well. I have always been an advocate for a clean and sustainable planet, and I am more than happy to assist the organization with its digital media endeavors.

How have you applied what you have learned in your classes to your work?

Many projects and assignments in my classes have helped me think outside the box regarding methodologies and techniques. These experiences have forced me to learn new skills through Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. The Social Media and Mobile Marketing course with Dr. Randi Priluck was a great learning experience; it helped me better understand integrated marketing communications and other digital strategies that I incorporate into my daily work.

The next step is becoming more educated, achieving my goals, and becoming a better person than I was yesterday. While I haven’t been with Lubin long, the culture here has given me the mindset to want more and to keep moving forward.

Between your work, studying, and hobbies, you have a very busy life; what is your advice for other students who might struggle with time management and staying organized?

I recommend making time for yourself and prioritizing mental and physical health. Creating a schedule and rhythm that focuses on your happiness will make schoolwork much easier. Be sure to incorporate time to get outside and enjoy yourself in-between your studies, and integrate healthy lifestyle choices so your body can perform well while you complete your studies. If you feel good, your work output and organization will follow suit. Stay motivated.

What has it been like to start a master’s program while studying remotely?

While I would have enjoyed an in-person experience, it has been great studying remotely. It’s been convenient studying from home or on-the-go with my laptop. I have been able to study more freely and spend more time with my family. While there are many negative things about the pandemic and stay-at-home culture, it’s good to focus on the positives and keep those ideas top of mind.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife is part of the process of developing myself and my value as an individual. The next step is becoming more educated, achieving my goals, and becoming a better person than I was yesterday. While I haven’t been with Lubin long, the culture here has given me the mindset to want more and to keep moving forward.

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Joanne Mantzouridou Onasi

Co-Founder and CEO, Dextego

Class of 2022
MS in Strategic Management

Member Of: Strategy And International Business Club

Zip-lining for three hours straight requires a lot of courage and focus -- so does being an entrepreneur, moving across the world for a graduate degree, and starting a student club on campus. Joanne has done all of these things and even more, proving that she is a go-getter. As an international student from Thessaloniki, Greece, she has taken full advantage of various Lubin-oriented opportunities and services, including our Graduate Assistantship program, guest speaker events, and the Entrepreneurship Lab.

You got your BA in psychology and communications. Why did you decide to enroll in business school and why did you choose Pace University for your master’s degree?

I realized that I needed some more business skills and exposure to business concepts to understand my professional path after college better. I find that Pace’s location is ideal for me since it is close to the headquarters of some of the best companies in the country. Pace also has a great alumni network, which I am looking forward to joining once I graduate!

I was fascinated by the complexity of businesses and the importance of sustainable practices at an early age. Inspired by my love for fashion, I started a company called DGRwear in 2017 with my sister. We are now using the company’s social media platforms to educate more and more people on sustainable fashion.

You have a passion for entrepreneurship and sustainability. Tell us about where that journey started and the business that you’ve created by combining the two.

While I was attending high school in Greece, I spent my summers in the USA. I got to participate in multiple summer programs on sustainability and entrepreneurship. I was fascinated by the complexity of businesses and the importance of sustainable practices at an early age. Inspired by my love for fashion, I started a company called DGRwear in 2017 with my sister. We are now using the company’s social media platforms to educate more and more people on sustainable fashion. Our company focuses on creating 100% handmade clothes and accessories made in Greece. This journey has allowed me to meet amazing people worldwide that use fashion as a platform to make a change. I am also Head of Strategy for Fashion Revolution Greece, a local chapter of a global organization that works towards making the fashion industry more sustainable. Additionally, I am working on building the first sustainable fashion school back home in Thessaloniki, projected to be up and running by the summer of 2022.

Tell us about your experience at Lubin; what resources have you been taking advantage of here?

Although I started my first semester virtually, I managed to gain plenty of experience at Lubin. First, I became a graduate assistant and had the honor of working with Professor Tarique, a professional I admire very much and from whom I have learned a lot. I have attended various online events with great speakers and alumni hosted by Lubin or student organizations. The Entrepreneurship Lab is always putting together amazing events, too! Last, for me, the alumni connections have been a great highlight this past semester. Through the Pace Mentoring Program and reaching out to alumni directly by utilizing LinkedIn or being referred to them by Pace’s staff, I have met inspiring and motivating alumni who want to give back.

What has it been like to start a brand-new graduate student organization on campus and what are the club’s goals?

I like creating community wherever I go; connecting with like-minded individuals always motivates me and helps my vision grow. I had started a club at my high school too called NGSW (New Generation Sustainable World), and that experience gave me the confidence to create something at Pace. With the encouragement and help of Professor Tarique, I founded the Strategy and International Business Club (SIB). I am very grateful to the executive board we have formed for this organization. We have bonded very well and are continuing strong this semester! The club’s goals are to provide a safe space for students to interact, debate, and discuss current topics on a global scale, from the pandemic and globalization to sustainability and the legalization of marijuana. This semester we have planned more networking events, and we are very excited to welcome more people to join us.

What are your future goals for your career?

Eventually, I want to work in international business, give back to my country and to people in need, and always strive for a more equal world.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife is the New York City experience, a multicultural adventure filled with high energy and vibrations.

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Gabriela Morris

Speaker Management, The Harry Walker Agency

Class of 2022
Dual MBA in Talent Management / General Business

Member Of: The Entertainment and Arts Managers at Pace, Lubin Women in Leadership

We are experiencing a revolution in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and this student has found that Pace is helping her enact that change in her industry. Gabriela has always had a passion for the arts. She has danced on Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom in two different parades and she is making her mark by exploring ways to create safer spaces for all creative people to thrive. All the while, she is developing her network by attending Career Services events, joining the Mentoring Program, working as a graduate assistant, and becoming a student leader for several of our graduate clubs.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business to advance your business education

I chose Pace University because of its comprehensive curriculum, which prepares students to be well-rounded leaders and managers. Pace’s location was also crucial in this decision because I knew it would give me access to connections across the city. Because I started my program in a remote setting, I had to decide if I wanted the opportunity to continue in person once possible, and I do! Having this option was important in deciding between a fully remote program and one with potential on-campus elements. I also prioritized the ability to explore different aspects of my chosen industry and other relevant courses. I am grateful that Pace University and the Lubin School of Business continually provide personal and professional growth opportunities in a supportive environment.

You have taken advantage of opportunities offered at Pace, including our mentoring program and Career Services resources. How have those experiences impacted your career?

Taking advantage of these offerings has only elevated my time at Pace thus far. Career Services hosts several employers every semester and I have been exposed to many careers and opportunities I didn’t even know existed. These events are not only wonderful learning opportunities, but great for networking as well. Everyone says it, but networking opens doors, some of which may or may not lead to your dream career. Either way, connecting with others is important, especially because you never know where it will take you.

As someone who is dedicated to making the arts and entertainment industry a safer place, I not only work to constantly challenge implicit bias, but I hold companies and leaders to a higher standard. (…) Through my classes at Pace, I realize just how passionate I am about creating this change and dismantling harmful and exclusive systems to build new policies and procedures that reflect the world we live in.

You have a go-getter attitude and get involved in many projects and extracurricular activities. What advice do you have for other students looking to get involved?

I attended the Graduate Student Club meet-and-greet my first semester with the mindset that I would join a club, mainly because my interests aligned with the mission of a few of these organizations, and I wanted to be involved. At the meet-and-greet, however, I was encouraged to join a club as a way to make friends, which wasn’t easy in a distance learning atmosphere. My advice would be the same---step outside your comfort zone with the intention of connecting with like-minded people to share ideas and passions for things you have in common. The Entertainment and Arts Managers (T.E.A.M.) at Pace is a new organization as of Fall 2020; we are always looking to work with other future arts and entertainment leaders to discuss trends in the industry and provide networking opportunities between students and professionals across the industry.

You have a passion for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. How are you addressing these areas in your career planning?

These concepts are at the forefront of every decision I make, particularly with regard to career planning. As someone who is dedicated to making the arts and entertainment industry a safer place, I not only work to constantly challenge implicit bias, but I hold companies and leaders to a higher standard. For me, it is important that I work for and with a company that strives to make substantial progress in becoming a safe and inclusive place to work, learn, and grow. Through my classes at Pace, I realize just how passionate I am about creating this change and dismantling harmful and exclusive systems to build new policies and procedures that reflect the world we live in.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means dreaming big and knowing that you have a community to support you. I’ve met some of my closest friends at Pace and am grateful that we ended up sharing this journey together. There are so many opportunities to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try new things, and to make new connections. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of al all of these opportunities while they can!

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Anabelle Capois Espinal

Human Resources Administrator, Levy

Class of 2022
MBA in Strategy and International Business

Member Of: Strategy and International Business Club, Lubin Women in Leadership

By 2021, the entire world has heard the company name Pfizer many times. This time, we get to find out from Anabelle Capois Espinal what it is like to be an intern on this multinational company's Transformation and Project Management team. Anabelle’s story is a wonderful lesson on how to make your master's degree work for you. Overall, attending guest speaker events and becoming a student leader gave Anabelle the skills needed to land her coveted internship. This Dominican Republic native started her MBA in the middle of the pandemic, transitioning out of the non-profit world to discover new career paths and professional opportunities.

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

I always knew I would pursue my graduate degree, but I hadn't felt like it was the right time until last year. In a way, the pandemic helped me decide; instead of spending two hours a day commuting, I used that time to reflect on what steps I wanted to take towards my professional development. I used to work in an office only a 10-minute walk from Pace, so it would have been easy getting to class after work if we were to return to the office. Additionally, my roommate of five years is a Pace alumna and spoke very highly about her experience as a student. The program's affordability was also an essential factor and the accelerated MBA program option is incredibly convenient.

Tell us about your internship at Pfizer. How exciting is it to be interning for a company that has the world's attention right now?

I am almost four weeks into my internship with Pfizer and it has already been such a valuable experience. Coming into an 80,000-employee global company as an intern, you'd think you may feel invisible, but that has been far from the truth. The Transformation and Project Management team has been incredibly supportive and has made the interns feel valued, even while being fully remote.

Coming into an 80,000-employee global company as an intern, you'd think you may feel invisible, but that has been far from the truth.

What I am enjoying about Pfizer is the company culture of always trying to be better. At the business level, they are constantly innovating, ensuring that the impact of any changes on stakeholders, from global markets down to a single customer, are taken into consideration. They have created a safe environment for all colleagues, including contractors. Pfizer is a company filled with people who are friendly and passionate about the work that they do. They are driven by the positive contributions the company has made to society, even more so in the last year. I have yet to come across a person, no matter their role in the company, who is unwilling to spare some time to talk to me. Everyone is happy to share their story and provide advice. They genuinely operate by their core values of "courage, excellence, equity, and joy."

How were you able to land such a unique internship?

I landed my internship thanks to Handshake and the Pace alumni network! I received an email notification from Handshake about the opportunity to intern at Pfizer and immediately applied. The project management and global aspect of the role, and the fact that Pfizer is a company that is really making a difference at a significant time in history, piqued my interest. I heard back from them about two weeks after applying. About a week after interviewing, I was informed that I landed the internship. During my interview, I found out that the position was made possible by the VP of Transformation and Project Management at Pfizer, Pace alumnus Doug Amann '90, as a way to pay it forward to the Pace community.

What has it been like to start a master's degree during a global pandemic?

I have had to adjust to online learning, but thankfully I worked remotely for some months and was used to interacting with people virtually. I thought it would be a big challenge to make connections and build a strong network, but it has been the opposite. This is due in large part to me deciding to become more engaged in the community by attending virtual events and joining student organizations. I have also had some great professors who want to prepare students for their careers and not just help us memorize textbook content. The coursework has been challenging in many cases, especially after having been out of school for six years, but the professors notice if you are determined and put in your best effort. As an executive board member of various student organizations, it has been great to put together events that the entire Lubin community can benefit from. My advice is to join an organization as soon as you can. I hesitated for a semester because I didn't want to be too overwhelmed during my first few months in the program, but now I wish I would have joined an organization sooner. It has been a great resource and any amount of time you can commit is going to be valuable.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife in the last year for me has been about connecting – connecting with classmates, professors, alumni, counselors . . . anyone and everyone! My time as a graduate student has been so much more rewarding because of it. Networking has been one of my biggest challenges. Even though I can come across as a social person, I very much consider myself an introvert. I am still learning to put myself out there, but thanks to the resources at Lubin, I have been able to learn the skills that allow me to step out of my comfort zone with more confidence.

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Aida Kolar

Senior Tax Accountant, EY

Class of 2022
BBA/MBA in Public Accounting

Member Of: Women in Corporate America, Business Honors program advisory board, Beta Alpha Psi, Pforzheimer Honors College

Aida is a student whom most of her peers on the New York City campus know. Through her involvement in various student organizations, her participation in multiple panels and events, and her work on campus as a student assistant to Lubin’s Undergraduate Advisement Office, Aida has built an outstanding resume that landed her a coveted accounting internship this semester (Spring 2021). We talked to this Queens (New York) native and EY scholarship awardee about how she has leveraged her relationships with alumni to bring career advancement opportunities to other students on campus.

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

Pace University and the Lubin School of Business stood out to me exceptionally during my college search. The school is not only close to my home, but Pace’s location in the most fantastic city in the world provides students with outstanding opportunities. The Lubin School of Business was one of the only schools that provided a unique combined degree program in accounting. Its student success stories really sealed the decision for me. I knew from the get-go that getting a master’s was something that I wanted to do, and Lubin’s program allowed me to do just that. Studying at a university like Pace with the opportunities that I could take advantage of at Lubin was an experience I did not want to miss out on.

The Lubin School of Business was one of the only schools that provided a unique combined degree program in accounting. Its student success stories really sealed the decision for me. I knew from the get-go that getting a master’s was something that I wanted to do, and Lubin’s program allowed me to do just that.

You are very involved on campus as a student leader. What have those experiences been like and how are they helping you in your career?

My involvement as a student leader has really made my college experience complete. Being involved with student organizations has allowed me to build an on-campus community comprised of students with similar interests. Most of my memorable experiences come from being a student leader, visiting NASDAQ Headquarters, and meeting Pace alumni at different Lubin events. I have developed communication and leadership skills; I have also established a network that has led me to career opportunities and prepared me for a career after college.

As president of Women in Corporate America (WICA), you brought Pace students the opportunity to participate in a Leadership Certificate Program. What was that experience like?

This past Fall semester, WICA hosted its first virtual Leadership Certificate Program in partnership with Pace alumna, Deidre Koppelman ’87, CEO and founder, PEAR Core Solutions -- a Human Resource Consulting organization. I met Deidre a year ago at a Lubin alumni event. I began working with her immediately by hosting her as a guest speaker for WICA events such as the Women’s Empowerment Conference. Together, we came up with the idea of a certificate program that would provide a personalized experience for 20 Pace students and put it into action this past Fall. The students learned how to analyze their professional personalities and career aspirations using specific tools; they also studied topics such as empathy and active listening, communication, drama triangles, and more. Participating students learned how to utilize particular resources based on their personalities, careers they are interested in, and their goals. Further, they received personalized results and created a toolbox of resources to use in their individual successes.

What other resources available at Pace and within New York City have you been taking advantage of as a Lubin student?

Career Services has provided me with many on-campus opportunities and possibilities of career advancement outside of campus. Being in New York City we can take advantage of an endless list of activities. Career Services has done a phenomenal job collaborating with external organizations and providing students the chance to participate in some fantastic events. I had the privilege of attending a diversity and inclusion conference at the NY Stock Exchange and working with Harvard Business School and NYU Stern on women’s empowerment conferences because of this.

What does the Spring 2021 semester look like for you? What are you looking forward to the most?

I am really looking forward to this semester (Spring 2021). As a Public Accounting combined degree student, I have been invited to participate in the Winter Co-Op Internship Program. This program essentially allows me to work full-time for the first half of the semester, during busy season, and then return in mid-March to resume my studies for the semester. In January I joined Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) as a Real Estate Tax intern on their Financial Services Core Market Team.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking to get involved on campus?

Do not be afraid to try a little bit of everything. Getting involved is really just about finding what you enjoy and have a passion for. You may find this with the first club you get involved with or your first job, or it may take a few tries altogether. But, once you find the things you want to get involved with, you will truly build the college journey and experience you desire. You never know who you will meet, what things you will experience, or what opportunities will come from your involvement.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

When I think about #LubinLife, the first thing that comes to mind is the Game of Life. The Lubin culture, much like the game, is about taking chances and landing opportunities. Everyone’s journey at Lubin is so different and so unique. The people and opportunities at Lubin are the tools that we utilize to establish our own journeys. Lubin has introduced me to so many inspiring people, including classmates, alumni, professionals, etc., but it has also given me so many opportunities to pave my own college path and career afterward.

Christopher Cherestal, better known as “Topher” around the Seidenberg School, has made quite a positive impact on the computer science and information systems community. With his sincere and excitable personality, he’s bound to bring a smile to the face of anyone in the building. He has made the Seidenberg community a more welcoming environment simply by being here.

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As a junior Information Systems major, Topher is excited to finish up his final year and graduate from Pace University. Throughout his tenure at Pace, he has risen up the ranks to be where he is today – but first he had to find his way through the clutter of his varied dreams.

Topher didn’t always want to be an information systems major—he started out with a passion for fashion and business. As a former Marc Jacobs Specialist, he dreamed of going to college to study fashion, but eventually found his path lay elsewhere. He tried accounting, but it, too, was a no go. Around the same time, Topher noticed the trend of fashion merging with technology and decided to find the intersection of his interests: product management.

“I’ve had so many different lives and career paths,” he explains. “But I’ve always loved the business aspect of whatever I did, and that’s why I love bringing a product to market.”

His love of developing products introduced him to the field of information systems. Upon discovery of this new and intriguing industry, Topher knew that this field was the right fit for him. This established his new career within the Seidenberg School. He dove into his major and got involved with the plethora of activities taking place at Seidenberg, establishing a goal of becoming a great product manager. Now, years later and settled on his major, Topher is eagerly looking at the finish line. Where one journey ends, another begins, though – the starting line of his career is just over the horizon.

Topher has his hands in numerous projects. He has participated in Nexus Maximus and Rat Relay two hackathons with the NYC Design Factory. Currently, he’s working on a research project with Dr. Christelle Scharff, interning with paywaz, programming at the student-led group Seidenberg Creative Labs (SCL), and creating as part of the Product Innovation Project (PiP) team within the Design Factory.

At Nexus Maximus (Philadelphia, PA), an annual, weekend-long Design Factory hackathon, Topher and his team designed a solution to help more kids graduate high school in a specific zip code area of Philadelphia. The solution they proposed was an aptitude test, “Philly N’ Me,” that matched students to the best after-school program based on their strengths.

Nexus Maximus was a great opportunity for Topher to showcase his product development skills, but his project with Dr. Scharff captures his imagination the most. This opportunity might be taking him on a trip to Africa!

While students in Senegal may speak many different sub-African languages, they’re taught in French, which furthers their literacy in French instead of their native language. This discrepancy between what is taught in school and what is spoken at home creates a language barrier between the students and their parental figures. As a potential solution, Topher is thinking about creating a bridge with a mobile app that helps parents learn French alongside their children.

This means that alongside everything else he has on his plate, Topher will also be learning French.

“I have a lot of aspirations, so I’ve got to stay competitive,” he says.

As well as the potential for travel to Africa, the NYC Design Factory has already taken Topher to another country. Through the CS398W Product Development course, Topher and his team travelled to Austria to collaborate with students at Graz University on a project for voestalpine, an aerospace company.

The tools and technique learned through the Design Factory help Topher “create innovative solutions that can make peoples’ lives easier.”

His team is currently in the stages of developing a prototype for their client in Austria. At the end of the semester, they will present their solution to the client in hopes that it can be used by the company. Stay tuned on the Seidenberg blog for how that goes, and if you’re interested in the program, speak to your academic advisor.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, Topher’s also honing his product management skills at financial technology (fintech) start-up, paywaz. As a product innovation intern, Topher assists in building innovative alternative payment methods that will soon be brought to market. “Learning about fintech is my new favorite passion project. I love gaining the understanding about various alternatives to traditional banking and how millennials are forcing companies to reimagine financial services,” he explains.

Topher has successfully immersed himself in the Seidenberg culture. If there’s any piece of advice he has for others, it’s this: “As long as you stick around, speak up and say you want to be a part of something, you can be part of something. There’s a lot of opportunity here”

When Topher spoke up, he found how his passions connected with technology, and pushed himself to do and be better. His career is just starting and it’s looking bright. “I’m ecstatic to bring my first product to market and see how it improves the lives it touches,” he says. Whether he focuses in e-commerce, fashion, technology, or payment services, he’s going to do what motivates him to do his best. His dreams are varied and grand: like many Seidenberg students, he’d like to start his own company; work for American Express; or move to Paris to work for LVMH. Knowing Topher, there’s a good chance he’ll do all of them at some point – so if you’re ever in Paris and find yourself needing a friendly face to grab coffee with, be sure to give Topher a “bonjour!”

As a freshman, Ben easily could have used his first Fall semester as a way to settle in, to acclimate to the Pace way of life, and simply to enjoy his classes. He isn’t though – in fact, he’s determined to make the absolute most of his university experience in a way that reflects much of his life so far: by volunteering and getting involved with the community.

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When asked to enumerate all the volunteer work he’s done, it takes Ben some time to list it. He has received two presidential awards for completing more than 100 hours of community service in a calendar year. He’s a proud Eagle Scout and has completed other service work through the Boy Scouts. He received another award for community service from Manhasset High School on Long Island. He has been the photography committee chair for the past three years for its annual SCA fair.

There’s more! He has volunteered at his local library to help senior citizens learn how to use computers; he has worked at the SCOPE summer center for elementary school kids and hopes to work for a not-for-profit so he can continue to help society.

Community is very important to Ben, which is why he got involved in the Pace community so quickly. “You always find a group to join, you always find something to do,” he says. “At Seidenberg, if you come to the lounge, you’ll find something to do. There’s always something interesting going on; there’s always an opportunity.”

They say that opportunity knocks, but with Ben, it’s more like opportunity answers the door to him. He is dedicated to seeking out opportunities and has no qualms over making the first move. That’s how he got involved with so many Pace clubs so fast and is getting into more and more leadership opportunities. Ben is a strong advocate of the belief that anybody can go out and achieve their goals if they work hard enough, “Any car is a fast car, but only if you put your foot down far enough!”

When it comes to his studies, Ben is determined to make the most of his college years. He’s studying information systems and wants to get into the business technology field. He enjoys learning about how technology can integrate with business in order to make innovative new products that can improve people’s lives.

He’s also interested in geographic information systems (GIS), which are systems used to capture and present geographical data. He interned over two summers in Nassau County’s IT department. This past summer, he worked with the GIS department using drones for mapping. Ben also has his own drone he uses to take amazing pictures.

He often takes pictures when he goes out running at night. His phone contains a collection of pictures from pop up art galleries he has passed in DUMBO, views from the Brooklyn Bridge, and nighttime cityscapes showing an illuminated Manhattan.

This semester, Ben is taking two computer science courses. Both of them involve learning how to code, and he’s a big fan - particularly of the problem-solving aspect: “Programming improves my thought processes.”

That said, Ben believes there is far more to the college experience than the classes you take. “College is not just about training for your future career, it’s also about continuing your education.”

Part of the continuation includes the potential for international travel. Ideally, Ben would like to study abroad for two semesters – one in Italy so he can learn more about his heritage and travel through Europe, and another in Australia.

So what advice does Ben have to fellow students and incoming freshman? “Besides balancing or managing my time, I try to get my tasks done as soon as possible, and then I’m free. I’m not as productive at night as I am in the morning, so night is my chance to goof off, to go running and to explore. I suggest that incoming freshman find their balance of work and play as soon as possible to help maximize their potential at Pace. I’d also recommend joining clubs to meet people and learn about something new.”

Long before Angela Bonsol was a Seidenberg Student, she grew up in the Philippines until the age of nine. She grew up speaking Tagalog and learned English at school. When Angela migrated to the United States, it was a while before she felt like she belonged. Now, she finds pride in her identity and abilities as someone who speaks three languages! (The third is Spanish).

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“Honestly, I love being trilingual,” Angela says. “I love learning about different languages. I try to pick up words from each language I encounter.”

When she first set foot on the Pace University campus, she knew that the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems was for her. Her very first campus tour was when she discovered the magic of the Seidenberg community.

“The lounge, the people—I really felt like I belonged. The program looked really promising and had so many opportunities that I really felt like I could reach if I went here,” Angela said.

After four years of being a Seidenberg student, she explains that the best part of going to Pace is being part of the Seidenberg community. “We made so many memories there,” she says. “Just hanging out in the kitchen area with my friends, doing schoolwork together, chatting and playing games. It’s where I spent most of my time in Seidenberg.”

Angela also found her time as a student mentor to be a highlight of her experience. As a former mentee in the Seidenberg Peer Mentoring Program, she knew she wanted to help other students during their first year at the Seidenberg School.

“I just really love being there for people when they need it,” said Angela. “I joined to be a mentor because I like giving back.”

Those same leadership skills led her to the student organization Pace Women in Tech (WIT). Angela was a member of Pace WIT throughout all her years as a student and even became President in her senior year. During her time of leadership there, she hosted the first virtual Sunflower Hack and started a partnership with the Pace Smash Society and Pace eSports to host all-women and nonbinary Smash tournaments—she hopes it will continue for years to come.

“I am definitely proud of all the things I have done for Pace Women in Tech. It is such a great feeling to be part of such an organization,” Angela said. “Everything in that organization I feel proud of.”

The experience Angela gained election board of Pace WIT and as a student mentor, as well as her growing skills in computer science, helped her land an internship doing data analysis at Cambrian Analytics. Her ability to speak multiple languages was a huge boon – her job was to analyze social media posts written in Tagalog and present her findings. The internship cemented Angela’s passion for data analysis.

While Angela was one of the only female interns there, she explained that simply being a woman in the technology industry is empowering for her.

“I knew, growing up, if there was one thing, I was sure of that I wanted to do in the future, it was to make a change in the world,” Angela says. “Being a woman in tech makes me feel like I am already part of a change.”

As far as her academic career goes, she also notes that Math Structures, Data Structures, and Computer Organization were classes that engaged her the most. However, she explains that her favorite course that she took during her Seidenberg career was Introduction to Game Programming with Professor Carmine Guida.

“It was great because I was learning, but I was also having a lot of fun,” Angela said. “I just genuinely enjoyed it to the point that sometimes it did not feel like schoolwork, you know?”

We’re sending Angela a huge congrats for graduating May 2021 with a BS in Computer Science. We can’t wait to see how she changes the world for the better.

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As a junior working towards a degree in computer science, Project Manager of the Seidenberg Creative Labs, and President of the Pace Computing Society, Allan Krasner has his hands—and brain—full. Allan’s story starts when he became the president for PCS at the end of his freshman year. Becoming president of a club as a freshman is almost never heard of, but he worked hard to reach the coveted role and earned it. That day he began a long and successful career in the Seidenberg School, where he made his new home.

Allan believes that being elected as president was due to his actions towards bettering the club, and his record agrees with him.

“I tried to take the club from what it was at the time, and . . . amp it up,” he explains. “I wanted to make it a little bit more special and unique.”

That’s exactly what Allan did. By adding in HTML and CSS tutorials, Android workshops, and branding the society as “a club for anybody,” he made PCS an inclusive space that others wanted to join. He also worked towards being able to “introduce people to new things they may not have seen before or even worked with.”

Doing that doesn’t always go smoothly. “Last year, I’ll be honest, it didn’t go too well,” Allan admits. “This year we’re trying to restructure it so that [there are] more consecutive events, [it’s] more hands on, and a lot more fun for people. I think so far we’re getting better results.”

When things don’t go well, how one chooses to respond to hardship can result in vastly different outcomes.

And with better results, the computing society has grown. Allan continues to advocate for PCS, going above and beyond in his duties to ensure that students have a great experience in the weekly meetings. He’s even planning on bringing back workshops on Raspberry Pi next semester if possible—something that many PCS members will enjoy as hands-on experiences with cool tech.

But Allan’s time isn’t only spent on his presidency. A nine-month project with the New York City Design Factory (NYCDF) also had a profound impact on his development.

Allan had the opportunity to work with NYCDF on the SQUAD team from Oct 2017-May 2018. He worked with peers from other universities on site in Poland and Portugal on a real world project. As with all classes run through the NYC Design Factory, SQUAD included international travel and the opportunity to work closely with a real company sponsor. Allan and his New York-based team worked on the backend code, while members from Portugal worked on the frontend, and other members from Poland worked on the business side of the project.

The project was difficult, because “you’re not only working with one time-zone that’s different from yours, you’re working with two,” explains Allan. “We ended up figuring out how to split up the work, and we made it happen.”

Allan focused his time on time management and product development, which furthered his education. This set him up for yet another opportunity: Project Manager of Seidenberg Creative Labs. His time is spent on some phenomenal projects, and this role of his all started, yet again, his freshman year when he ran into the right people.

“Seidenberg Creative Labs, it used to be a student-run thing,” explains Allan. “It was originally led by Julie Gauthier, who used to teach a robotics class in the past, and while she was a student she did this. When I came in as a freshman I—just by chance—met a couple of her friends who introduced me to her.”

Upon meeting her, Allan began a journey into the world of computer science from a new angle: product management. Through working with Julie, he gained skills that he uses to this day at his position at Seidenberg.

One of the unique aspects of Seidenberg Creative Labs is that it is funded directly by taking on real work from real clients. Over the years, SCL has built websites, mobile apps, databases, and more for companies in the New York digital economy who have paid for the service. The students who work in the lab are hand-picked by the Seidenberg School Dean, Dr. Jonathan Hill, and use their talents to provide top products for clients while supporting their studies.

Now, at his job as the current product manager, Allan works directly with Dean Hill. Working with the Dean is a pretty big deal for a Seidenberg student. After potential projects are presented to Dr. Hill, they hold discussions to figure out which ones they get to create with the companies asking for Seidenberg’s services.

“I will have conversations with Dr. Hill, and I’ll say, ‘hey what’s the plan? What’s going on here?’” explains Allan.

When a client introduces a project to Dr. Hill, he will get together with Allan to see how Allan and his creative lab team can make a product for the client. From there, Allan manages the progress of the team working on the product and works on the coding aspect as well. It’s a cycle of teamwork that keeps Dr. Hill, Allan, the creative lab team, and the client in touch with everyone.

Allan and his team are currently working on a total of four projects: Pen Parentis app, Tech Kids Unlimited app, a website for Chinatown, and a virtual reality tour of Seidenberg.

Allan notes that the Pen Parentis app is “specifically for parents who want to become writers.” Parents can use Pen Parentis to jot down notes for future writing plots and ideas. According to Allan, the team is working with ionic to make the app, which means that it will be available for all phones on the IOS, Android, and Windows stores.

“It’s just a way for them to organize their thoughts,” he explains. “[They can] write notes down, and write any short stories that they want to.”

The app for Tech Kids Unlimited is dedicated to both the parents and children who want to use it. The app focuses as an aide for autistic children by keeping track of appointments, medications, and much more. Allan notes that the app is “a nice layout for what’s happening at a given time for them.”

The next project is a website for Chinatown that will include what the best food, shops, and things to do are in the cultural area of New York City. It will be a guide for those who want to see the best stops in the cultural area centered in Downtown Manhattan.

“It’s going to give information on everything that’s happening in Chinatown,” Allan further explains.

The last project is a big thing for Seidenberg. A virtual reality tour would show off the new renovations of the Seidenberg lounge, introducing prospective and incoming students to the area they will have the opportunity to study in. Before coming to Seidenberg in person, students can view what spaces and resources they will have access to.

“We’re just getting the ball rolling with it,” Allan notes, but the VR tour will be up and ready in due time.

“Being a product manager at Seidenberg Creative Labs is something that many people don’t get to experience. As a junior at Pace, I have to manage 12 people, and I have to manage four different projects that those people are working on, and sometimes they’re even graduate students. I’m working with people from various age ranges to get an actual product to be delivered.”

As the manager of these numerous projects, Allan gets the opportunity to oversee the teams working on these different projects as well as do some coding. Through this, he develops his leadership skills while staying on top of his coding game.

“[Seidenberg Creative Labs] is preparing us for a real-world situation. Basically everything that we’re doing in here is going to be live at one point or another,” he further notes. “Being part of Seidenberg Creative Labs shifted my perspective a little bit. Coming into Pace, I knew computers were my field. Then when I became part of Seidenberg Creative Labs it shifted my focus from software engineering to product management.”

Allan didn’t just choose this path for himself on a whim. This path was taken into careful consideration during his high school years when he decided that computer science was the path for him. His experience on the robotics team at his school made it clear that his path was working with computers, but that isn’t the only thing he wants to do: Allan wants to use his creativity to build applications and work with teams during the production process.

Allan will continue to pave a path for himself in the world of computer science at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. As for beyond that, only time will tell where Allan goes, but we’re sure it’s only up from here. Whether it’s working for Google in his dream job as a project manager, or at a start-up company, Allan will use the skillsets he obtained at Pace University to foster creativity and release it into the world for all to see.