Why did you choose to attend Pace?

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From the minute I toured Pace, I knew it was the place for me. I had this gut feeling it was where I belonged and where I wanted to pursue my undergraduate studies. From the location, to the student success stories, to the opportunities for internships and work, I was amazed by all the university has to offer. There is a certain air on campus that screams happiness, community, and success, and I wanted to be a part of that. Pace truly is a place like no other.

What is it about Communication Studies as a major, and Journalism and Digital Storytelling as a minor, that interests you?

The major allows me to hone my creative skills while also teaching me fundamental theories and the science behind why and how we communicate as humans. Journalism, specifically, has always interested me because it is the responsibility of the journalist to tell stories and bring voices to the voiceless. In a way, communications is essential to the functionality of society, and as communicators, it is our job to propel important conversations.

What has your experience in the Communication Studies department been like?

The Communication Studies department at Pace is one of a kind! Each professor truly cares about their students, and wants us to gain valuable experience both in and out of the classroom. Specifically, Professor Min has been beyond instrumental in my Pace Path. From teaching me the fundamentals of journalism and helping me write my first article in AP traditional journalistic style, to sharing endless amounts of advice and having the best and funniest class lectures in town, I could not be more grateful. In addition, Professor Zaslow has supported me, both academically and professionally, from day one!

Communications is essential to the functionality of society, and as communicators, it is our job to propel important conversations.

What activities or internships have you participated in as a student?

During my time at Pace, I have had six internships, including interning at the The Wendy Williams Show for two semesters. During the second semester, I received a promotion to work directly as Wendy's executive intern on a daily basis, a program created for the first time by Wendy's chief of staff. It was the most rewarding experience I have had thus far at Pace. In fall 2020, I interned virtually for the editorial and marketing company, the Why Women Project. I created and scheduled daily social media content and campaigns for promotion and launches across all company channels. I also served as head of community management, through which I welcomed and engaged members, moving down the marketing and sales funnel to convert to a final sale.

I have also worked and written for The Pace Press, won an English Department Award for Excellence in Journalism, volunteered through the Center for Community Action and Research, and served as a tour guide in the Welcome Center on the New York City campus.

And you were also awarded a New York Women in Communication scholarship?

​​In May 2020, I was blessed to hear that I was a recipient of a 2020 New York Women in Communications scholarship (from the Interpublic Group). Finding [this] community of women who all celebrate and practice the same passion was beyond inspiring. In fact, during the interview process I met so many amazing women who I look up to as role models, and I desire to change the world for the better through work in the communications industry as they do.

​What advice do you have for other students?

Get involved, use your resources, be confident in your skills and passions, and set goals for yourself! I’ve learned that dedication and hard work always pay off, and no matter the size or scope of the job, it is important to put your best foot forward and work to the best of your ability.

What is it about your major that interests you?

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I chose to major in Digital Cinema and Filmmaking because the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts department and community provided a cohesive, supportive environment for me. I also find fulfillment in creating media and enjoy the type of career opportunities this major offers.

What have your experiences been like with the Department of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts? Have certain faculty members been instrumental in your academic journey?

The staff and faculty within the department are all genuine and encouraging. The lab manager, Chris Lengers, is so kind and capable. Professor Lou Guarneri offers unique, hands-on class experiences and is down to earth. Dr. Paul Ziek is extremely dedicated and passionate about improving the department. There are many other people in the department who are inspiring and supportive.

What internships have you done while a student at Pace?

I had an internship at Pleasantville Community Television through which I assisted the Station Manager, by editing portions of shows to be broadcast on the local TV channel.

The Media, Communications, and Visual Arts department and community provided a cohesive, supportive environment for me.

What other activities have you been involved with as a student?

I thoroughly enjoy being president of Pace Book Club. I hold and lead weekly discussion meetings, plan upcoming events, and get to participate in this wonderful, unique community. The board members are all leaders who help make the club as great as it is. I am also treasurer for WPAW, where I work with the president to create budgets for upcoming events. Further, I am a writer for the Pace Chronicle, and as part of being a part of the Honors College, have mentored two first-year students.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

After graduation, I'd like to find a steady job, possibly involved in post-production in the broadcasting industry. My career goals are to make a good salary and love what I do.

What advice, if any, would you like to give to our current students?

For current students, I advise them to find a club or community that makes them feel like they belong. Life is made better with interpersonal connections. I owe everything I have to Book Club.

Sabrina A. Griffin ’92, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Kelly Herbert ’06, of Brooklyn, New York, have been appointed to serve as the chair and vice chair of the Pace University Alumni Association Leadership Council as of July 2021.

Griffin, who will serve as chair, is a senior consultant with Jennifer Brown Consulting, LLC, a diversity and inclusion firm, where she develops business cases for clients, creates long-term strategy plans, conducts focus groups to assess corporate culture, and guides clients on establishing and/or rebranding employee resource groups to align with business objectives.

Griffin is an alumna of the Lubin School of Business where she received an MBA in finance. She serves on the President’s Council and the Presidential Taskforce on Diversity and Inclusion. Griffin received her bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Griffin previously worked at Chubb & Son, Inc. for over thirty years, most recently as assistant vice president and diversity manager, overseeing leadership development programs for women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ employees.

As chair of the Pace University Alumni Association Leadership Council, she will support the Association’s guiding principles and set of the Leadership Council’s priorities. Griffin will also serve as one of the Association’s representatives responsible for reporting annually to the Board of Trustees through the Development and Alumni Relations Committee.

As a leader of the Association, Griffin aims to bring her whole self to her new role, especially her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

“When I think about diversity, equity, and inclusion, with regard to an alumni association, I focus on inclusion and consider how to broaden offerings that appeal to every member of the Pace alumni family,” she shared. “When you get that right, diversity and equity can be achieved. By discovering what is important to people at their particular stage in life, you can develop programming around a variety of topics. Everyone won’t be interested in the same thing, but there should be something for everyone.”

Herbert, who will serve as vice chair, is a litigator in the New York office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Her practice involves complex commercial litigation, data and privacy issues, government investigations, appellate law, and constitutional law. She also has a robust pro bono practice centered on immigration rights, racial justice, election law, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

Herbert is an alumna of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences where she received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and english language and literature, with a minor in women’s and gender studies. While at Pace, Herbert was the recipient of many academic honors including the David A. Bickimer Promise of Learning Award by the Academy of American Poets, the Scholarly and Critical Writing Award, and Dyson College’s Senior Awards for Excellence in both Psychology & English. Herbert then earned her Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif.

After graduating from Pace, Herbert was instrumental in founding the University’s LGBTQA+ Center in New York City and ultimately ran the Center for its first four years. In that capacity, she developed many educational and social programs, facilitated discussion groups, and advised students, staff, and faculty on LGBTQIA+ issues and campus policy. Between her time spent as a student and as a staff member, Herbert dedicated 13 years of service to Pace. In honor of her lasting contributions to Pace, the Kelly Herbert Writing Award was established. The Award was endowed in 2011 and is awarded annually to students who demonstrate excellence in writing about LGBTQIA+ topics, life, and love.

As vice chair of the Pace University Alumni Association Leadership Council, she will aid the Office of Alumni Relations and the chair in setting priorities for the Council and the execution of the Association’s guiding principles.

Herbert hopes to strengthen the alumni network and create an environment where people are comfortable reaching out for opportunities and eager to support fellow alumni. She aims to nourish a sense of shared responsibility to care for others and create a strong, tight-knit Pace alumni community.

“I look forward to showing alumni that they are not on their own,” she shared. “My hope is that the Association will not only communicate—but demonstrate—that the greatest benefit of becoming part of the Pace alumni family is that you inherit a diverse, accomplished network of people who are ready and willing to help.”

About the Pace University Alumni Association

The Pace University Alumni Association creates a space for alumni to engage with each other, current students, and the University to enrich the alumni experience. Alumni will build community, celebrate Pace, and share innovative ideas to move the University forward. Through programming and volunteer opportunities, the Association provides a home for alumni where they can support and strengthen their affinity to the university. After administering an all alumni survey in November 2019, the University's Board of Trustees along with the Office of Alumni Relations partnered to ensure a structure was established to provide a sense of community, connection, and belonging for all Pace alumni, therefore creating the Alumni Association. Follow Pace Alumni on social media: Twitter: @PaceUAlumni, Facebook: @PaceAlumni, and Instagram: @paceualumni or stay up to date by visiting the Pace University Alumni Association’s Webpage.