How an international student found confidence, community, and career readiness in one of New York City’s most well-connected public administration programs.

Image

When Areeba Hashmi ’26 arrived in New York City from Lucknow, India, she carried with her not just two suitcases and a newly approved student visa, but also a sense of uncertainty. Yet within days of beginning the Master of Public Administration program at Pace University, Hashmi felt that she had found a place where she belonged.

For Hashmi, the MPA program has been more than an academic path; it has been a catalyst for growth, confidence, and meaningful impact. Now in her third semester, Hashmi has already presented research at national conferences, built close relationships with faculty mentors, become part of a diverse and supportive student community, and secured a coveted role as an analyst at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget.

A Program That Opened Doors—Literally Across the Street

One of the first things that drew Hashmi to Pace was its location, with City Hall and the Mayor’s Office a ten-minute walk from campus. “I remember telling a classmate during my first semester, ‘I want to work there someday.’ I had no idea I would be inside that building not too long after.”

The proximity to key civic institutions is only one part of the program’s appeal. Hashmi describes the MPA as “flexible, practical, and designed for students who want to make an impact quickly.” With options to take intersession and summer courses, she was able to stay on track towards graduation even after navigating challenges back home.

Her chosen concentration—government management—is the program’s most popular track, and for good reason. “Every course connects directly to what’s happening in the real world,” she said. “Policy studies, program planning and evaluation, applied data analysis—everything I learned in the classroom helped me excel in my role at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget."

Faculty Mentorship That Changes Lives

If there’s one theme Hashmi returns to again and again, it’s the strength of Pace’s faculty.

Professor Sheying Chen, PhD, was one of them. “He saw potential even when I didn’t,” she said. After reading one of her research papers, on the role of social media in facilitating intergovernmental relations, he persuaded her to present it at the Pace-hosted Northeast Conference on Public Administration—just two months after she arrived in the US. His confidence in her abilities opened doors she hadn’t imagined so early in her program.

Other professors, such as Hillary Knepper, PhD, and Ric Kolenda, PhD, have been equally influential. They guided her research, helped her navigate complex federal datasets, and even encouraged her to think beyond the MPA toward a future PhD.

“They fuel me,” she said. “Sometimes you know your own potential, but you still need someone to guide you. Pace professors really do that.”

Experiential Learning at Its Best

As is often the case with experiential learning opportunities at Pace, Hashmi’s academic work quickly translated into professional opportunity.

After presenting at national conferences—including the prestigious Northeastern Conference on Public Administration noted previously—she secured a competitive summer internship at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget that turned into an ongoing part-time role as an analyst.

Her responsibilities are significant: analyzing federal and state funding for New York City’s Department of Transportation, evaluating federal grants, and contributing to fiscal planning during a pivotal time of political change.

“It’s exciting and overwhelming in the best way,” she said. “And everything I do at work connects back to what I learn in the classroom.”

A Supportive Community for International Students

Moving to the US alone was not easy. Hashmi faced health challenges before her departure from India and had to rebuild her life from scratch—opening bank accounts, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating New York City’s complexities.

But she found warmth where she expected distance.

“The students here are so welcoming,” she said. “And I have classmates from all over the world. I never felt judged—only supported.” She credits this environment with giving her the confidence to speak up in class, share her experiences, and grow academically and personally.

A Pioneer Looks Ahead

Hashmi is already planning the next steps in her journey.

When she completes her MPA in 2026, she hopes to continue working in city government for another year before pursuing a PhD, with the ultimate goal of working in the United Nations or a global public service institution. “I want to make a difference,” she said.

Before graduation, however, Hashmi has some important work to do, and it’s also a milestone for Pace.

Hashmi is the first student from Pace University to be selected as a 2026 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and her research will be presented as part of a student research roundtable at ASPA. Titled “Integrating High-Skilled International Students into the US Workforce,” it examines the challenges international students face in transitioning from academic programs into professional and public service roles, and how policy and institutional support can better facilitate this pathway.

“Pace gave me everything I needed—supportive professors, real opportunities, a diverse community, and a location that connects you directly to government. If you want to build a career that actually matters, this is the place,” she said.

“I came to New York for my education, and Pace has made every challenge worth it.”

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team earned a Top 4 Semifinalist finish at the 19th annual Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition, held January 15–16 at Tulane University Law School.

Image

Representing Pace Haub Law were student advocates Madeline Law (3L), Stephen Smith (3L), and Jon Riina (2L), who competed against law schools from across the country in the highly specialized competition. This unique national competition simulates Major League Baseball salary arbitration, challenging students to apply advocacy skills in a real-world sports law context. Over two days, teams presented arguments before panels of judges drawn from across the professional baseball industry, including player representatives and front office executives. Tulane’s Sports Law Society also hosted a panel of experts discussing legal issues related to baseball, which participants were invited to attend.

“The Tulane Competition provides us with a hands-on experience where we are able to utilize our advocacy skills in a professional sports context,” said student advocate Madeline Law (3L), who is also the ADR Director for the Law School’s Advocacy Program. “Our school has a strong history with this competition, and I was fortunate enough to be part of the team that finished as quarter-finalists last year.”

The team was coached by Dan Masi ’14, a Pace Haub Law alumnus, whose mentorship has been instrumental in the team’s continued success and growth. Under his guidance, the ADR team has performed extremely well. “Coach Masi not only helps us prepare for the competition but ensures that we have a clear understanding of strategy and negotiation,” shared Madeline. While Dan was a student, he was part of the Pace Haub Law team that won the national competition at Tulane out of 40 schools in 2013.

“This latest semifinalist finish underscores Pace Haub Law’s commitment to experiential learning and highlights the strength of our ADR and advocacy programs as well as the dedication and talent of our students,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “The success of this team and our other ADR competition success is greatly due to the commitment and the skill of student advocate Maddie Law. She continues to be instrumental in the Law School, gaining national prominence in the ADR competition community.

Image

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Samuel Carvalho has been selected to serve as the new Pace Energy and Climate Center Graduate Fellow. This position is reserved for outstanding Pace Haub Law students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research skills, as well as a strong commitment to climate change and energy law.

Samuel is a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and a Brazilian attorney who recently passed the NY Bar Exam. He earned his LLM in Environmental Law, with a specialization in Energy and Climate Change Law, from Pace Haub Law, where he was awarded the 2025 Dean’s Award, the Law School’s highest honor for academic excellence, service, and leadership. Over the past year, Samuel has worked with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance on sustainability standards and climate policy, and as a research assistant with the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies. In addition, Samuel serves as the Written Content Vice Chair for both the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER) Climate Change Committee and ESG & Sustainability Committee.

As part of his scholarly work in energy and climate change law, Samuel has authored several articles and book chapters, with a particular focus on the advancement of international climate goals through market-based mechanisms, the promotion of renewable energy through tax incentives and private-sector investment, and community benefit-sharing in climate and renewable energy infrastructure projects.

“I am very excited to welcome Sam to the Pace Energy and Climate Center.” said Michael Hamersky, Pace Energy and Climate Center Executive Director. “His leadership, experience in international climate conferences, and commitment to energy and climate policy will be an incredible addition to our team.”

“It is truly an honor to accept this position at the Pace Energy and Climate Center,” Samuel shared. “I look forward to working with one of the leading research institutions in the field and contributing to the development of solutions to the energy and climate challenges we face today.”

In his role as a Fellow, Samuel will work closely on PECC’s energy and climate initiatives, including major projects with New York State agencies and municipalities, while also collaborating with international scholars and researchers to develop policy recommendations related to promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.