For Pace University alum and proud native New Yorker Lolita Tiwari (’16, ’21), New York City represents more than a home—it was the foundation for a career built on curiosity, community, and innovation. “I always felt that whatever I wanted to learn or experience, I could start in one of the five boroughs around me. Since I went to elementary school in Brooklyn and high school in Queens, it only made sense for Manhattan to be my borough of choice for college.”

When considering which university was right for her, Pace stood out for both its academics and its integration with the city. Lolita earned her BA in Economics and Statistics from the Dyson School of Arts and Sciences in 2016, and later returned to complete her MS in Enterprise Analytics at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems in 2021 (now rebranded as the MS in Data Science). She said that “Pace stood out in the way where you couldn’t tell where the campus ended and where the city began; they are so beautifully integrated. I could step out of a 3-hour economics class and see City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. It felt as if the city was built around Pace, so I didn’t have to wait until after graduation to start building my career since some of the most exciting companies were a few blocks or train stops away from campus.”

At Pace I was exposed to an environment that opened doors to a world I didn't know existed.

Finding Her Community at Seidenberg

While completing her undergraduate degree at Dyson, Lolita worked as a student assistant at Seidenberg—an experience that ultimately inspired her to pursue her master’s degree there. “I was exposed to an environment that opened doors to a world I didn't know existed. At Seidenberg, students gathered to play video games, build apps, start their own companies, and solve real-world problems. All of that between classes. The spirit of innovation of 20-year-olds lit a spark in me that still lives on today.”

Seidenberg’s culture of collaboration continues to shape how Lolita approaches her career. “It was an environment where there was no ego—just passion, curiosity, and connection. Whoever you were, you were welcome and you were equal. Anyone could create, anyone could build, anyone could solve. The value of connection and relationships showed me that the return from investing into building community is priceless and time spent this way is the best investment we can make. I’ve taken this with me into my career: in every room I walk into, I know and expect everyone to treat others as equals. If there is a room or situation where this isn’t the case, I know with certainty that isn’t the right room for me.”

Both of my Pace degrees shaped me to have a lens of asking the right questions to build, fix, and innovate.

Leading at the Global Scale

Through her studies in economics, statistics, and enterprise analytics, Lolita developed a problem-solving mindset grounded in data and global awareness. “In both of my degrees, I learned that as a society, we can’t solve anything in a silo. In my economics program, I learned that to understand and solve societal problems we have to follow and understand many changes on both the federal and global level. In my enterprise analytics program, I learned the importance of inclusive and thorough data collection to understand and solve problems. Both degrees shaped me to have a lens of asking the right questions to build, fix, and innovate.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Lolita spent a decade working in advertising technology for media and entertainment companies including Fox Corporation and Hulu/Disney, before joining Google. She spent three years working on Partnerships for Google Ad Manager’s platform, helping News and Weather publishers monetize their site traffic. Today, she is on the Global Product Partnerships team at Google, leading partnerships for Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze across North America.

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Even though Lolita’s work supports global platforms used by millions, the mindset she developed at Pace remains central to her success: “In my career today, I still use the lens and skill of asking the right questions and collecting the right data to make informed decisions.”

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

Lolita remains deeply connected to Seidenberg since graduating, continuing to emphasize the importance of community and mentorship. “I am still very invested in the growth and longevity of the Seidenberg community and enjoy participating and giving back where I can. I have also been the Seidenberg Alumni Committee co-chair since 2023 and a Seidenberg Advisory Board Member since 2022.”

Her advice to current students and recent graduates is simple but powerful: “Take the time to learn about yourself and understand what brings you joy. There are things in life that are decided for us, but for the things we do have a say in, like our careers, it is important to remember that we get to make decisions and shape our own path.”

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Congratulations to Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s ADR Mediation Team on an outstanding performance at the Client Counseling Competition. This unique competition centered on legal challenges arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Ultimately, the Pace Haub Law team, Melanie Mahoney (3L), Lana Hubbs (3L), and Zella Ertl (2L), finished as Semi-Finalists.

The Law School’s team was coached by alumni coach Stephanie Desiato ’09, whose guidance helped prepare students to tackle emerging legal issues at the intersection of technology and dispute resolution. “We are proud of our students for demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and adaptability required in today’s evolving legal landscape,” shared Coach Desiato. Stephanie is also the Associate Director of Academic Success, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, and an Adjunct Professor at the Law School.

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During the Competition, participants navigated complex client scenarios involving unauthorized AI use in published materials and copyright concerns, deepfake AI evidence introduced in a child custody proceeding, corporate integration of AI into software systems, and more. Teams had the opportunity to conduct live client interviews before a judge, focusing on client-centered counseling, issue spotting, strategic thinking, and professionalism. Competitors were evaluated on their ability to communicate effectively, spot legal issues, demonstrate professionalism, and provide client-centered counseling.

Dafina Vukaj

Class of '27
Pronouns: She/Her
Currently Studying: BBA Business Analytics, minor in Marketing
Member (Clubs): Women in Lubin

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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 because of its strong academic reputation, diverse business programs, and outstanding post-graduate success rates. According to Pace Career Services, 93 percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education shortly after graduation, reflecting the University’s commitment to student success and career readiness.

Another major factor in my decision was Pace’s strategic location in New York City’s Financial District. Being surrounded by global companies, financial institutions, and innovative startups creates unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and hands-on learning. I believe there is no better place to study business than in an environment where business happens every day.

What truly stood out to me about the Lubin School of Business is its emphasis on real-world application. Lubin does not focus solely on academic theory; it prepares students to apply their knowledge immediately through internships, experiential learning, and industry engagement.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Clubs on campus have enriched my student experience by giving me opportunities to grow as both a leader and a collaborator. Co-founding Women in Lubin alongside like-minded, driven women has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Pace. It has provided an outlet to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, connect with students across different majors, and create events that inspire others to think intentionally about their futures after graduation.

Serving as vice president of Women in Lubin has further developed my creativity and leadership skills. I have used my marketing experience to build a cohesive brand and help grow the organization from the ground up alongside our executive board. Through collaboration, problem-solving, and shared leadership, I have developed skills that will guide me in team-oriented professional environments beyond Pace.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has benefited me by providing strong academic support and a meaningful sense of community. Through active and accessible advisors, I have received guidance that has helped me stay focused on my academic and professional goals—even when I was unsure which path to pursue within business.

Beyond academics, the Honors College provides a dedicated space on campus where I can connect with other motivated students. Being part of this community has made Pace feel more supportive while continuously encouraging me to strive for success.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

It is difficult to narrow my experience at Pace down to just one favorite opportunity. From deepening my understanding of finance through the Wall Street Acceleration Program to collaborating with organizations such as Women in Tech and Women in Econ, each experience has contributed to my growth. I have also had the opportunity to attend off-campus events, including the Women’s Spotlight event at Morgan Stanley and multiple office visits to Crédit Agricole.

These opportunities have allowed me to see firsthand how classroom concepts translate into different business environments.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice for other Lubin students is to take advantage of the wide variety of organizations and events that Lubin and Pace offer. Attending meetings, workshops, and networking events has helped me build professional confidence and form meaningful connections.

Clubs such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Undergraduate Finance Club, Women in Lubin, and INFORMS host valuable skill-building and networking opportunities that I have genuinely enjoyed. Getting involved not only strengthens your résumé but also helps you discover your interests, build your community, and make the most of your time at Lubin.

Getting involved not only strengthens your résumé but also helps you discover your interests, build your community, and make the most of your time at Lubin.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means thinking about the bigger picture. It represents a community where professors, advisors, and students are genuinely invested in helping you shape your journey at Pace and prepare to step confidently into the professional world.

If you are willing to ask questions, seek guidance, and put yourself out there, someone is always ready to help. #LubinLife means taking advantage of these resources, building connections, and striving to grow beyond the classroom.

Connect with Dafina

• Connect with Dafina on LinkedIn