Ananya Srinivasan Kannan

Class of 2024

Currently Studying: MS in Accounting Data Analytics and Technologies

Current Internship: Internal Audit Intern, Panasonic Corporation of North America

Pronouns: She/Her

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Ananya Kannan '24 is interning and gaining valuable insights in automation, government sales, and compliance.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

The Lubin School of Business has been instrumental in preparing me for my current internship. Working almost every week with the Career Services team, I was able to perfect my resume and clearly articulate my background and goals. Their support and guidance provided valuable insights, allowing me to present my qualifications effectively and align them with my career aspirations.

Working almost every week with the Career Services team, I was able to perfect my resume and clearly articulate my background and goals. Their support and guidance provided valuable insights, allowing me to present my qualifications effectively and align them with my career aspirations.

What attracted you to this internship?

I was drawn to this internship because I've always wanted to work for a company known for its innovation and excellence. The chance to join a team that values forward-thinking solutions and offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment really appealed to me.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at your organization?

My days are both structured and dynamic. I start each morning with a check-in with my supervisor to align tasks and priorities. From there, I work on a variety of assignments, which keeps things interesting. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for learning, making every experience unique.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

The highlight of my internship has been testing a new automation tool and learning about government compliance. Both experiences have been exciting and provided me with valuable insights into new areas.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

This experience has clarified my career goals by highlighting the importance of automation, government sales, and compliance. It has inspired me to pursue roles that integrate these areas and use technology to improve processes.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

This experience will help me bring practical insights into my next semester at Lubin. For example, I'll apply what I've learned about automation and compliance to my projects and coursework, making them more relevant and effective.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

Start by clearly defining what you want to gain from the experience. Do your research on roles that fit your goals and go from there!

Connect with Ananyas Kannan on LinkedIn

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Samantha Buturla

Class of 2024

BA, Writing and Rhetoric/MA, Communications and Digital Media

How did you become interested in pursuing a BA in Writing and Rhetoric and as part of a combined degree program with the MA in Communications and Digital Media?

I have always loved to write and create real and fictional stories, and it took coming to Pace and enrolling in a Critical Writing course with Professor Joan Drago—based on the New York City campus—to set me down this path. I dedicate my interest in writing and in this degree to her, as she provided sincere feedback on my writing and a sense of urgency to never stop writing.

I wanted to enroll in the Writing and Rhetoric, BA and Communications and Digital Media, MA combined degree program so that I could apply my expanded interests towards a future career. As an undergrad, I have taken several Media, Communications, and Visual Arts courses as open electives (casting and event planning, to name a few) and enjoyed every moment. This combined degree program allows my writing and creative thinking skills to be challenged while I map out a career within which I feel both secure and happy.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I chose to attend Pace because I felt in my heart that something great was waiting for me here. I am originally from Massachusetts and have also lived in North Carolina and Georgia, where my family currently resides. I had always known I wanted to go to college in New York, but finding and attending Pace was entirely unplanned. It’s important to follow and listen to your heart and that is why I chose to attend Pace.

What have your experiences been like with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies Department? Have certain faculty been instrumental in your journey?

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. This department has become a second home and safe place where my fellow classmates and professors provide support. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself. Faculty such as the department chair, Robert Mundy, DA, Alysa Hantgan, PhD, Dana Cadman, PhD, and Jo-Ann Schlesinger, PhD, have all played a crucial role in my success and accomplishments throughout my journey at Pace.

My experiences with the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department have been full of interesting, positive, and supportive times in more ways than one. There are people here who care and want to see me succeed; they have helped push me to become a better version of myself.

What activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I am the president and managing editor of CHROMA, the literary and arts magazine for students by students, which creates annual issues full of art, poetry, fiction, and more. Previously, I was secretary and senator for the organization and am excited to enter my third year with them.

What internships have you had as a student?

In fall 2023, I was a volunteer for a local non-profit theater in Pleasantville called Arc Stages, which resulted in an internship for the spring semester. My role consisted of being an assistant teacher in children’s theater classes, researching social media marketing, and volunteering time to hang up posters for shows and working concessions for them. It has been so incredible to be involved with an amazing theater surrounded by people who have the same passions as I do. The opportunity came through the English, Writing, and Cultural Studies department and was one of my greatest experiences as a Pace student. I will be resuming my same responsibilities for Arc Stages when I return this fall 2024.

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

I would like to be a published poet and/or screenplay writer. There is so much still to learn and experience; I have many, equal interests in writing and theater, so I hope to have a career somewhere between the two.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

Be kind to yourself and remember to ask for help even if you are the type of person to push through. Your classmates and professors are here to help you succeed; you are not alone here.

W. Paul Alvarez’s ’16 passion for immigration law is rooted in his own immigration story. Paul was born in Ecuador and later became a naturalized citizen of the United States. "My parents believed that the best chance we had for a better life was to immigrate to the United States. We wanted a chance to live the ‘American Dream’ that we had heard so much about. Therefore, my family settled in New York, and we assimilated quickly. However, as assimilated as we were, we were still living unlawfully in this country. My father knew that the key to our survival was to obtain lawful status that would allow us to live freely in this country. Through an employment sponsorship, my father was able to obtain permanent resident status for our family. I knew at that moment that our life had changed because becoming a permanent resident of the United States would open so many different opportunities for my family. There and then I knew that I wanted to help other immigrants achieve the ‘American Dream’ that I was blessed to have been given."

From that point, every educational step that Paul took was with the motivation to become someone who could help others achieve their "American Dream" as he and his family had achieved theirs. Attending SUNY Oneonta, Paul was a political science and Spanish major. He was frequently on the Dean’s List, a member of the pre-law society and President of the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. "I knew that my ultimate journey would be law school," said Paul.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Paul decided to help run his family-owned business, Alvarez Cleaning Service, Inc. In that capacity, he served as an owner, manager, and bookkeeper for the company. In 2016, he was awarded Business Person of the Year by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce. While still working for his family business, Paul also applied for and was offered a paralegal position at Julie Mullaney Attorney at Law, a small law firm in Westchester, focusing on immigration law. "It was a great experience. I was able to see what an immigration attorney did from A to Z, ranging from larger issues to day-to-day issues. And, most importantly, it re-solidified my desire to attend law school and become an immigration attorney."

As for choosing Haub Law – "it just made sense," and had everything Paul was looking for – from its location in Westchester, but close to New York City to a top-notch immigration law program featuring practical and classroom learning. While at Haub Law, Paul immersed himself in as much as he was able. "I was a member of the Pace Law Advocacy Honor Board as the Director of Internal Competitions; I participated in every oral advocacy competition that I was able – from immigration, to criminal law, to sports arbitration. I was the president and one of the founding members of the Immigration Law Student Organization, Vice-President of the Public Interest Law Student Organization and the Vice President of the Latin American Law Students Association, a representative for BARBRI, and Admissions Ambassador and Mentor, part of the Faculty-Student band, and player on the Pace intramural soccer team. I looked at every opportunity as a way to broaden my perspective and meet new people. And, I was fortunate to have so many opportunities."

Significantly, while Paul was at Haub Law he was a student attorney with the Pace Criminal Justice Clinic and the Pace Immigration Justice Clinic. He gained practical, hands-on, real-life, attorney experience through these opportunities. "I was doing things in these Clinics that most law students experience for the first time only as admitted attorneys. It was fascinating." His three most influential professors in law school were David Dorfman, Lou Fasulo, and the late Vanessa Merton, because each one of them taught him so many important lessons on becoming a zealous attorney that he will carry on for the rest of his career.

Paul spent thirteen years at the office of Julie Mullaney Attorney at Law, the same firm that gave him his start as a paralegal before attending Law School, ultimately becoming an Associate Attorney with the firm. "I have worked in the immigration field as a paralegal, law clerk, and now an attorney for the last sixteen years. I have experience representing detained and non-detained clients in a variety of immigration matters. While working in the immigration field, one recurring theme that I have observed is the lack of knowledge that immigrants have regarding their rights. It is sad and frustrating to see that the lives of many immigrants are put in jeopardy because they either did not understand the gravity of their situation or they were taken advantage of by "notarios" who prey on the vulnerability of immigrants."

In 2022, Paul took the next leap in his career and opened his own law office in Pleasantville, NY, the Law Office of W. Paul Alvarez PLLC where he continues to work in the immigration field. “My mission has always been to guide my clients in the complex immigration matters and to coordinate community outreach programs that inform immigrants about their rights and opportunities for immigration relief. In this very difficult immigration climate, I’m willing to do everything that I can to keep families together.”

Paul also remains involved in Westchester County and various legal organizations. In his hometown of Pleasantville, he is now serving his second elected term as Village Trustee where he is the Village Liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, the Mt. Pleasant Library, the Volunteer Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Westchester County Bar Association. Within the New York Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) he has served as the Secretary of the Student Liaison Committee and is also a member of the Citizenship Day Committee and a member of the UPL and Ethics Committee.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, he has an eight year old son and a five year old daughter. He is a die-hard Yankee fan who also roots for the NY Giants and NY Rangers. He enjoys playing soccer in men’s competitive leagues throughout Westchester and coaches soccer and wrestling.

Three 2024 Haub Law graduates have been accepted into the prestigious Georgetown Law Tax LLM program. After developing a passion for tax during their studies at Haub Law, recent graduates Gilbert Romero, Abby Miscioscia, and Shelly Aucay decided to apply to the nationally ranked Georgetown Law Tax LLM program to take the next step in their education to pursue a career in tax law. With the strong foundation provided by their education at Haub Law, all three students will pursue the Tax LLM degree starting this fall.

Shelly Aucay ’24 notes that after she took her first tax law class, Federal Income Tax with Professor Bridget Crawford, she realized the intricate and intellectually stimulating nature of tax law. “Tax law intersects with almost every aspect of business and personal finance, it fascinated me. Professor Crawford was instrumental in shaping my tax law journey. Her passion for the subject and her ability to break down complex tax concepts into understandable and practical lessons really inspired me. She not only deepened my understanding of the tax code but also encouraged me to think critically about the role of tax law in society, which led to my decision to pursue a Tax LLM and the confidence to apply to Georgetown to pursue this next step in my education and career.”

Both Gilbert and Shelly applied to the nationally ranked Georgetown program because of the strong emphasis on practical tax law applications and its connection to Washington, DC. “Much like Haub Law, Georgetown’s programs offer flexibility for working professionals,” said Gilbert Romero. Gilbert will be working full-time while completing the program remotely part-time with a goal of focusing on labor, employment, and tax law. “The mentorship and teaching I received at Haub Law, especially from Professor Crawford gave me a boost to take the next step to allow me to reach my career aspirations.”

After completing the LLM program at Georgetown, Shelly aims to work in corporate tax law, focusing on either mergers and acquisitions or employee compensation and benefits. "I would love to help businesses navigate the complexities of the tax system and use my expertise to drive strategic decision-making and support sustainable growth,” said Shelly. “My experience at Haub Law was incredibly enriching. The School provided a solid foundation in legal principles, and the close-knit community of faculty and students fostered an environment where I could grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the strong start it gave me in my legal career.”