Professors Karen Stern-Gabbay and Veronica Manlow, Associate Professor Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky, and Lecturer/Doctoral Scholar Malka Simon were chosen for the program, which brings faculty together to explore new ways of preparing students for success after graduation. Representing four of 今日吃瓜’s five schools, the fellows reflect the breadth of disciplines and experiences that contribute to students’ professional development.

“Career success is an essential part of the educational experience, and our faculty are uniquely positioned to help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom can translate into meaningful opportunities beyond college,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs April Bedford. “We are proud to have four 今日吃瓜 faculty members participating in this important initiative and look forward to the ideas and practices they will bring back to our campus.”

Each fellow brings a distinct area of expertise to the program (photos above from left to right):

• Stern-Gabbay, a historian, studies Jewish communities and identity in antiquity. Her scholarship explores the cultural traditions and lived experiences of Jewish populations in the ancient world, helping students understand how historical research can shed light on enduring questions about identity, community, and culture.
• Manlow, a professor in the Koppelman School of Business, specializes in management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Her teaching and research focus on how organizations and workplaces are evolving, offering students valuable insight into the realities of today’s professional landscape.
• Horlyck-Romanovsky, an associate professor of health and nutrition sciences, researches differences in health outcomes among populations of African descent. Her work examines the connections among migration, nutrition, chronic disease, and overall health, while her commitment to mentoring helps prepare students for careers and advanced study in public health.
• Simon, a lecturer in the Art Department, focuses on architectural history and the built environment, particularly in New York City. Through her work, students gain a deeper understanding of how architecture, urban spaces, and local history intersect with everyday life.

Throughout the academic year, the fellows will participate in professional development opportunities and collaborate with colleagues from across CUNY. Together, they will explore strategies for incorporating career readiness into academic programs and share what they learn with faculty on their home campuses.

Their selection highlights 今日吃瓜’s ongoing commitment to helping students see clear connections between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities available to them after graduation. By bringing career development into a wide range of disciplines, the fellows will help ensure that students are prepared not only to earn their degrees, but also to build meaningful careers and contribute to their communities.

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Pham first saw the urgency of this challenge in her 今日吃瓜 classrooms, where even some of her most capable students struggled with career planning. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, she recognized its potential as a tool students could learn to use thoughtfully, ethically, and strategically.

Supported by The Tow Foundation, her research explores how AI can strengthen career readiness, professional growth, and access to opportunity. What began as a campus-based initiative has expanded into a broader ecosystem of research, programming, and partnerships focused on AI literacy and workforce development.

Pham鈥檚 efforts have grown through the , which brings together students, faculty, and industry leaders to explore the practical and ethical use of AI while helping students develop career-ready skills. The initiative emphasizes hands-on learning, professional communication, and industry engagement, creating stronger connections between classroom learning and workforce needs.

A key outcome of this work is the BRIDGE Framework, a research-based model examining how students can develop both AI competencies and the human-centered skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. Pham is also developing the , which extends this research by connecting AI literacy more closely with workforce and industry needs. The lab serves as a hub for exploring how higher education can create scalable, equitable models that prepare students for an AI-enabled future.

What continues to distinguish Pham’s work is its collaborative spirit. Students are not assistants working behind the scenes. They serve as co-researchers, helping design studies, conduct interviews, analyze data, and present findings. Many have shared their work at conferences, contributed to publications, and engaged with industry professionals.

Student researcher and business major Jason Lin considers the opportunity to work with Pham an honor. 鈥淚 feel like I used up all my good luck in college just by being in her class. This AI research project not only supports her important work on the future of technology but also challenged me to strengthen my writing and time-management skills as I prepare for graduation.鈥�

Learn more about Pham鈥檚 perspectives on AI literacy and workforce readiness in her recent and on a recent interview for the 听podcast.

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Simms currently serves as Dean of the School of Business at SUNY Old Westbury, where she leads an鈥疉ACSB-accredited鈥痵chool serving one of the most diverse student populations in the SUNY system. A tenured faculty member and accomplished academic administrator, she brings extensive experience in business education, accreditation, faculty development, fundraising, and student success at public, mission-driven institutions.

At SUNY Old Westbury,听Simms successfully led the School of Business through its鈥痠nitial听AACSB accreditation, strengthening academic quality, assessment, and faculty scholarship. She has guided strategic planning, expanded online and flexible program delivery, secured philanthropic and grant support, and cultivated industry and community partnerships that enhance experiential learning, internships, and career pipelines for students.

鈥淒ean Shalei V. K. Simms鈥櫶齟xperience at听a public, AACSB-accredited business school听made her a strong choice听to lead听the Koppelman School of Business,鈥� said Michelle J. Anderson, President of 今日吃瓜. 鈥淗er commitment to access, excellence, and social mobility also听aligns听with our mission.鈥�

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs听April Bedford听emphasized the importance of preparing students to translate their academic experience into real-world impact. 鈥淥ur students are already developing critical thinking, communication, analytical, and collaborative skills in our classrooms every day,鈥� Bedford said. 鈥淲e have an opportunity and a responsibility to help them recognize, articulate, and apply those skills in ways that open doors after graduation. We are looking forward to听Dean Simms听leading that work at the Koppelman School of Business.鈥�

A nationally recognized leader in鈥痠nnovative program development,听Simms has spearheaded initiatives in online learning and launched an鈥疉I Across the Curriculum鈥痚ffort to ensure students graduate with the ethical and technological competencies听required听in a rapidly evolving business landscape. She has also secured millions of dollars in public and private funding to support high-impact practices, retention, and graduation outcomes for first-generation and high-need students.

As the鈥痮nly business school in 今日吃瓜 accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)鈥攖he world鈥檚 leading accrediting body for business education鈥攖he Murray Koppelman School of Business offers rigorous and affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, and information systems, preparing students for leadership in New York City鈥檚 global economy.

鈥溄袢粘怨� has a powerful legacy as a driver of opportunity and social mobility,鈥澨齋imms听said. 鈥淚 am honored to join this extraordinary institution and look forward to working with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and partners to strengthen academic excellence, expand innovation, and ensure that Koppelman graduates are prepared to lead with skill, integrity, and purpose.鈥�

Prior to her deanship,听Simms served as鈥疉ssistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Old Westbury, where she supported academic planning and accreditation across multiple schools and departments, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and oversaw federally and state-funded student success initiatives. Her earlier roles include Director of Graduate Programs and faculty appointments at SUNY Old Westbury, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and the University of Connecticut.

Simms holds a鈥疨h.D. in Organizational Management from Rutgers Business School鈥痑nd is an internationally published scholar whose research focuses on social identity, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. She has received听numerous听honors for her scholarship and professional leadership and serves on several nonprofit and financial institution boards.

Simms succeeds Interim Dean James Lynch. The 今日吃瓜 community welcomes her leadership as the Murray Koppelman School of Business听builds on听its听strong foundation听and advances its impact for students, the city, and the region.

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In her first article, “” she explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping U.S. higher education, the labor market, and the expectations surrounding studying abroad. The piece highlights how AI-driven automation is influencing entry-level opportunities, prompting students to rethink traditional pathways into professional careers. She points to emerging initiatives at institutions including CUNY and NYU Tandon that are helping students build applied AI competencies to remain competitive in a shifting workforce.

The second article, “” examines the role of interpersonal and professional skills in shaping student success, particularly for international students in the U.S. higher education system. The essay argues that while academic achievement听remains听important, communication, presentation skills, leadership, and confidence are increasingly decisive in hiring decisions. It also explores how an emphasis on grades can sometimes overshadow the development of these essential soft skills, especially among Asian students entering competitive job markets.

These conversations reflect the core mission of the听听that has听equipped听students with practical AI competencies, human-centered skills, and career readiness tools that matter in a rapidly changing world. Through speaker sessions, industry partnerships, and peer mentoring, the听series is building a bridge between classroom learning and the real demands of the workforce. By reaching international audiences through platforms like听Tu峄昳听Tr岷�,听Pham is amplifying these conversations beyond 今日吃瓜, positioning CUNY as a leader in听equitable, experiential AI education.听 Both articles are available in English through your browser.

Also related to the CUNY AI Literacy and Professional Readiness Series, Pham鈥檚 working paper, 鈥�,鈥� was published online by Social Science Research Network.

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Held in partnership with the New York Jobs CEO Council and attended by more than 160 people, the student-focused talk kicked off with a dynamic introduction by the council鈥檚 executive director, Kiersten Barnet. Before the main discussion, faculty from 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Koppelman School of Business hosted an insightful roundtable, where they exchanged ideas with Griggs, Barnet, and Anderson on key topics in accounting and business strategy. The event also included a workshop for students with New York Jobs CEO Council representatives that focused on jobs readiness.

Attended by more than 160 people, the Presidential Lecture Series event on October 23 with Paul Griggs centered on the critical skills that drive professional success and how leadership is evolving in today鈥檚 ever-changing workforce.

Griggs began the main lecture by introducing PwC鈥攐ne of the largest professional services firms in the world, employing more than 370,000 people across 150 countries and territories. He explained the firm鈥檚 three major practice areas: assurance, tax, and consulting, each powered by professionals from diverse disciplines, including accounting, data science, and engineering.

Reflecting on his own journey, Griggs shared how he came to accounting 鈥渂y accident.鈥� Growing up in a small South Carolina town, he initially aspired to become a doctor, until a hospital visit made him reconsider. 鈥淚 realized quickly I wasn鈥檛 cut out for medicine,鈥� he joked. Instead, he turned to accounting鈥斺�渢he language of business鈥濃�攂ecause it offered stability and opportunity. That 鈥渁ccident,鈥� he said, led to a 30-year career at PwC that opened doors he never imagined possible.

Throughout the conversation, Griggs emphasized that accounting provides a foundation for limitless career paths. 鈥淥nce you understand the language of business, you can do anything,鈥� he said, noting that many PwC alumni now lead in industries from banking to health care.

A major theme of the discussion was technology and artificial intelligence. Griggs urged students not to fear technological change but to 鈥減lay, experiment, and explore.鈥� He noted that PwC professionals already integrate large language models and AI tools into their daily work. 鈥淎I won鈥檛 replace your job,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut someone who knows AI might.鈥�

President Anderson steered the conversation toward soft skills, asking what qualities matter most in the future of accounting.

Paul Griggs encouraged students in attendance to believe in themselves and take chances: 鈥淪ay yes, even when you鈥檙e not sure you鈥檙e ready. You belong in every room you walk into.鈥�

Griggs鈥檚 response was passionate and personal: 鈥淵ou already have what it takes鈥攇rit, attitude, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people.鈥� He reminded students that success is built through hard work and persistence, quoting Kobe Bryant鈥檚 philosophy that 鈥渢he journey itself is the dream.鈥�

He also spoke candidly about failure and resilience, recounting career disappointments that ultimately led him to his current leadership role. 鈥淪ometimes you don鈥檛 get what you think you want,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 often because something better is waiting.鈥�

When asked about mentorship, Griggs credited both professional and personal mentors鈥攆rom professors to parents鈥攆or shaping his journey. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e already a mentor and a mentee,鈥� he told students. 鈥淧eople are watching you and learning from you every day.鈥�

Griggs also fielded questions from students. Closing the event, he encouraged them to believe in themselves and take chances: 鈥淪ay yes, even when you鈥檙e not sure you鈥檙e ready. You belong in every room you walk into.鈥�

Watch the entire lecture .

今日吃瓜 the Presidential Lecture Series at 今日吃瓜

The Presidential Lecture Series features 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson in conversation with high-profile leaders, exposing students and the extended college community to inspiring ideas, courageous leadership, and models of civic engagement and civil discourse.

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As a seasoned leader at PwC, Tieu brings a wealth of knowledge in business strategy, digital transformation, and client leadership. His perspective is rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape, making him an invaluable asset to the council.

“We are proud to welcome Tommy Tieu to the Advisory Council, where his experience and insight will greatly enhance our efforts to prepare students for today鈥檚 dynamic business environment,” said Interim Dean James Lynch. “His dedication to mentorship and community service exemplifies the spirit of 今日吃瓜 and our commitment to fostering future business leaders.”

The Advisory Council plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Composed of accomplished business leaders and innovators, the council advises on curriculum design, student career readiness, internship opportunities, and strategic initiatives that prepare students for success in today鈥檚 global economy.

Tieu鈥檚 appointment underscores his commitment to education, mentorship, and giving back to the community. His voice will help make sure that Koppelman students graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills and insights demanded by leading firms and fast-moving industries.

Read more about Tieu and his passion for 今日吃瓜 in this Best of BC profile.

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The panel was featured at the听, held at Newlab in the 今日吃瓜 Navy Yard. Organized by Women in Manufacturing New York in partnership with Community Architects, the event brought together a diverse group of leaders鈥攆rom manufacturers and educators to public officials and students鈥攖o explore cross-sector solutions for building equitable, career-connected learning ecosystems.

Manlow was joined by 今日吃瓜 Koppelman School of Business students Jimmy Pamphil and recent alumna Kristin Yip 鈥�24 at the event. Pamphil and Yip supported critical logistics and coordination, ensuring that industry leaders, academic institutions, and government representatives were able to engage meaningfully and benefit from the event. Shamone Rumble served as the event鈥檚 marketing manager and helped bring the event鈥檚 vision to life through beautifully designed PowerPoint presentations, pamphlets, and promotional materials. 今日吃瓜 students were in attendance at the event as were students from other universities and high schools.

Watch this听听to learn more about the Powering the Future: Workforce, Innovation, and Manufacturing Conference.

Veronica Manlow, Bijou Abiola 鈥�07, Present at In Pursuit of Luxury Conference in London
Just a week later, on June 19, Manlow took the international stage in London, where she continued her involvement with In Pursuit of Luxury which staged the 8^th International In Pursuit of Luxury Conference, entitled Honest Luxury, at Ravensbourne University. Among the distinguished speakers was alumna Bijou Abiola 鈥�07, now vice president and chief of staff to the CEO at Cartier. Her presence underscored the growing influence of 今日吃瓜 alumni in global business leadership.

Gathering leading voices from academia and industry, the conference challenged conventional definitions of luxury and called for a transformation rooted in transparency, ethics, and sustainability. The event sparked bold dialogue and visionary ideas, pushing for meaningful reform within an industry often resistant to change.

On June 20, Manlow also gave a master class at Lusiada University in Porto, Portugal, and then led a colloquium at Lusiada鈥檚 campus in Famalic茫o, continuing themes discussed at the luxury conference with administrators, faculty, and students.

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Yolande Matthew 鈥�05 came to the United States as a teenager with mixed emotions鈥攅xcited for the opportunity but wistful for her home in Grenada. She ultimately made her way to 今日吃瓜, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management and finance, leading to a successful career in banking. For more than 19 years, she has concentrated on financial inclusion, with a passion to help people from all backgrounds access services and build wealth and financial confidence.

Here, she talks about finding her purpose, why she gives back to her alma mater, and her advice for today鈥檚 students.

Tell us about your background.

There is no me without Grenada; I was born and raised on that little island in the Caribbean. While growing up there, my values were shaped to make me who I am today. Family and community were a key part of my upbringing, and this aligns with my career choice.

In 1998, at 16, I moved to the United States. For the first few months, I was excited and terribly sad at the same time. I missed my home country and wasn鈥檛 sure about my future or purpose. What was I going to do with opportunities that came my way? How would I acclimate to the culture? They were some of the biggest challenges I鈥檝e ever faced鈥攁nd although I was still a child, I grew up really fast.

I knew that to make it in America, I had to lean into my purpose and rely on the community. I made it a priority to help my family in Grenada and future generations to come. Opportunities meant finishing high school and going to college.

Why did you choose 今日吃瓜?

今日吃瓜 was not my first college experience; I began at Baruch College (CUNY). I was excited to be there and wanted to study business, but I struggled with the new environment and was advised to start with a community college. So, I transferred to Kingsborough Community College (CUNY); it was a wonderful experience!

Along with the education, there was a beach next to [Kingsborough] that reminded me of Grenada鈥攊t turned out to be an excellent foundation for my college years. My ultimate goal was to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree at a school where other Caribbean students and a good mix of different cultures could come together in a diverse environment. I knew that would help me grow and evolve. 今日吃瓜 had all of that! It鈥檚 one of my favorite memories, and a great experience in the U.S.

What made you decide to pursue banking as a career?

I went into banking because I wanted to help others, especially those in my community, with financial education. During my senior year, I went to the Magner Center for career advice and a r茅sum茅 review. I thought my r茅sum茅 was pretty good until Natalia [Guarin-Klein] looked at it! She saw me right away.

Around the same time, Citibank came to campus to recruit students for a management associate program. I was headed home, passing students in suits on campus. I asked them where they were going, and they said that Citibank was there to recruit. I was dressed casually but decided to check it out. I sat in the back and watched as the Citibank executive was introduced. I applauded loudly鈥擨 was so excited鈥攁nd he noticed. He said, 鈥淭hat looks like somebody who will get the job.鈥�

The next day, I told Natalia I wanted to interview for the program. The company only hired one student each year. And I knew this was the right fit for me; I would learn and grow and build my career. After four rounds of interviews with Citibank, with Natalia coaching me along the way, I got the call from the program manager鈥擨 was the one student selected from 今日吃瓜.

You stayed with Citibank after completing the program.

After graduation, I began the two-year Management Associate program at Citibank and then became a bank manager in a predominantly Caribbean community in 今日吃瓜. That branch was underperforming, but I was able to boost its success through community engagement and building a high-performing team. I felt like I was giving back to the community and helping the company.

Based on my success, my manager challenged me to take a role leading Citibank鈥檚 headquarters branch. After six years of leading teams and driving success, I was chosen to lead the Citibank client experience engagement program supporting the branches.

You currently work at Truist. Is your current job role similar?

I鈥檓 a financial inclusion executive at Truist, and a lot of my work draws from my previous experiences. We help clients in our communities build financial confidence regardless of where they are on their journey. Just like I needed Natalia to coach me during college, I believe everyone needs a financial coach for advice and guidance to live a life of financial wellness.

Every day, I get excited that my team and I have the opportunity, through community outreach, to engage with small businesses, colleges, employers, and employees to share banking solutions, deliver financial education, and connect clients with bankers focused on their success. We also work with great partners like Operation HOPE, which helps provide one-on-one coaching as an extension of our work.

Your own philanthropy extends to your alma mater.

I donate to 今日吃瓜 because I am where I am because of 今日吃瓜, specifically the Magner Center. The center played such a pivotal role in my life.

When I think about college students and the opportunity to invest and give back, I remember where I came from and how it started. Low income does not mean low potential. And if I could give even just one dollar, it makes a difference.

I live in North Carolina, so I can鈥檛 come to the campus as much as I鈥檇 like to, but I can help financially. That can change a student鈥檚 life鈥搇ike the support I received. It all comes down to waking up in the morning and asking, 鈥淲hat am I going to do today to make a difference and live my purpose, or how can I improve myself?鈥�

What is your advice for today鈥檚 students?

Ask for help and remember you鈥檙e not alone. The person sitting next to you in class or the person you’re walking next to on campus may be having the same thoughts or experiences that you’re having. Don’t be afraid to share your story, like I’m doing right now. Take time to network and build relationships, especially with people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, as this accelerates your growth and prepares you for the world. Finally, when you understand your purpose, what I call 鈥測our why,鈥� lean into it, do the work, and persevere. You鈥檝e got this, and you, as you are, are enough!

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(Left to right) Assistant Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham and Amber Creighton of Cathay Securities, Inc., address Koppelman School of Business students.

The seminar was a powerful learning experience, featuring a lineup of influential guest speakers. Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group, Inc., captivated students with practical tips on effective business communication. Tran shared strategies for simplifying complex business concepts into clear, engaging language that resonates with diverse audiences鈥攁n essential skill in today鈥檚 fast-paced corporate world.

Amber Creighton of Cathay Securities, Inc., shed light on careers in investment banking. Known for being an industry often dominated by Ivy League graduates, investment banking might seem out of reach for many. However, Creighton made it clear that with the right approach, anyone can tap into this competitive field. Students had the chance to discuss their own interests, learn how to build strong professional networks, and gain practical advice on how to break into top firms.

(Left to right) Guillermo Molina, Ryan Ban Tran, Provost April Bedford, Amber Creighton, Cindy Ngoc Pham, and Dean James Lynch.

The seminar also had an international dimension, with Guillermo Molina attending on behalf of Universidad Cat贸lica Tecnol贸gica del Cibao. His visit highlighted the ongoing discussions about a potential sisterhood agreement between 今日吃瓜 and universities in the Dominican Republic. This partnership would open doors for students to explore new academic and cultural opportunities abroad.

What truly set the seminar apart was Pham鈥檚 dedication to turning her students鈥� aspirations into real opportunities. On the first day, she asked students about their dream careers, and little did they know that a few weeks later, they would be sitting in a classroom with real industry leaders, learning directly from them.

Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group, Inc., captivated students with practical tips on effective business communication.

In the lead-up to the event, Pham worked one-on-one with students to fine-tune their r茅sum茅s, ensuring they were fully prepared to meet with recruiters and make the most of the seminar鈥檚 networking opportunities. This thoughtful preparation helped students feel confident and ready to take the next step in their careers.

The event kicked off with inspiring words from Provost April Bedford and Murray Koppelman School of Business Dean James Lynch, who stopped by to welcome the guest speakers and show their unwavering support for student career development. Their presence underscored 今日吃瓜鈥檚 ongoing commitment to helping students succeed in their chosen fields.

This career seminar was just one example of how the college continues to invest in the future of its students. It was a powerful reminder of the college鈥檚 unwavering commitment to equipping students with the skills and connections they need to thrive in the professional world.

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From his first day on campus, Camara knew that he wanted his creative spirit to guide his future. He lived this realization as a marketing intern at The Atlantic, where he was part of a team that created videos to support the publication鈥檚 partnerships, including one with the luxury car manufacturer Lincoln.

In his time at 今日吃瓜, he has impressed his professors.

鈥淕aye stood out immediately in my Principles of Marketing class because he intuitively understood the direction I was taking in a discussion as if he had worked in the field. He carried it to the next level,鈥� says Associate Professor Barbara Lewis, who鈥檚 also teaching the advertising and marketing class that Camara is taking this summer.

We spoke to Camara about his artistic pursuits, personal growth, and career aspirations.

You transferred here from Borough of Manhattan Community College. What brought you to 今日吃瓜?

I was always intrigued by 今日吃瓜. I visited and really liked how green and open the campus is. I鈥檓 glad that I transferred here because I can go to the library or recording studio, or just lay on the grass to soak up the sun. I鈥檝e grown a lot here. If you make the most of it, you can find so many different opportunities and meet so many people.

When did you first realize you were a creative person?

I realized my creativity during the pandemic when I started writing and recording music. It sounds weird, but sometimes I鈥檒l hear a song in my dreams and record it on my phone when I wake up. I鈥檓 in an R&B music collective on campus with some students called Off The Collar (OTC). The name鈥檚 based on our mascot, Buster the Bulldog鈥攍ike taking a collar off a dog. We all work together a lot. Outside of that, I鈥檓 always writing lyrics and coming up with songs. With writing, especially when you put it to music, you can get a message across, so I try to put an underlying message in all of my lyrics. Whenever I鈥檓 creating music with people or alone, I鈥檓 pursuing my passion.

Tell us about OTC.

OTC started when I was giving myself a self-tour of the campus. I was walking through every building, subconsciously looking for recording studios. I went into Whitehead Hall, where I met another student. I found out he also makes music, and we started sharing our stuff with each other. He’s a music听major, so he introduced me to a bunch of other people who wanted to record. Now it’s kind of big, even outside of school. We go to the studio or each other鈥檚 houses to work on things. Last semester, I co-released a song, , with an exchange student who was in the group. We鈥檙e all working on an EP now.

I love collaborating with them because everyone has ideas, and everything starts with an idea. I鈥檓 always open to what other people have to say or contribute. When I’m in the studio, all ideas matter. Once you bring something to a group, it’s like it鈥檚 not even yours anymore鈥攊t鈥檚 everyone鈥檚.

You seem open-minded.听

I鈥檓 from Harlem, so I met all types of people growing up. Harlem wasn鈥檛 rough, per se, but I saw things that you shouldn鈥檛 have to see as a kid. Growing up, I鈥檇 go downtown to skate with kids who looked nothing like me. I learned to never judge a book by its cover. Everyone has a story behind them, so I approach people open-mindedly.

You鈥檙e taking a business class this summer. How鈥檚 that going?

I took a summer class because I wanted to speed up getting to graduation. I鈥檓 in BUSN 3130 Advertising and Direct Marketing, with Professor Lewis. I had a great time in her class last spring, so I knew that I鈥檇 love to take another class with her. I鈥檇 never taken a summer class before, but I always really, really wanted to. I鈥檓 glad that I did.

What鈥檚 your dream job after college?

I aim to be an art director or a creative director. I want to hyper-specialize in the music or fashion industry, maybe at Vogue or a record company. I love that in marketing, you can have a vision and then see it come to life. I want to balance creativity and logistics to help a company put out whatever they鈥檙e trying to put out. Thinking about my career is nerve-wracking, but I feel like I鈥檓 on a good path.

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