For Steven Raga (MPA ’15), politics is local—literally. He has spent the majority of his career working for nonprofits, advocating for his community in Queens, NY, where he was born and raised. But now he’s experiencing politics from a different perspective: He was elected to serve in the New York State Assembly, representing parts of … Continue reading Political Trailblazer
Getting Serious About Fun
The career of Lisa Radcliffe (MBA ’17) is all about fun and games—with a healthy dose of business acumen. She is the founder and CEO of PunkinFutz, a Brooklyn-based company that designs toys and accessories for children with adaptive needs. Inspired by the struggles of her own son and daughter, who have disabilities, Radcliffe launched … Continue reading Getting Serious About Fun
Service Above Self: Quamid Francis (’17)
For Quamid Francis (’17), service to others has always been his north star. He has volunteered with organizations such as Best Buddies, the Ronald McDonald House, and Habitat for Humanity. He also joined the Marine Corps, serving in the war in Afghanistan and later working directly with communities in the Philippines and Japan as part … Continue reading Service Above Self: Quamid Francis (’17)
For the Love of Animals: Elizabeth Shafiroff (’13) Turns Compassion into Global Action
A single act can have the ability to spark a whole new career path. That’s the case for Elizabeth Shafiroff (’13), a freelance photojournalist who in 2017 changed course to found Global Strays, an animal welfare nonprofit. Animals hadn’t always been top of mind for Shafiroff. She studied psychology at Baruch—inspired to attend by her … Continue reading For the Love of Animals: Elizabeth Shafiroff (’13) Turns Compassion into Global Action
A New Angle: Victor Chu (’08) Pioneers Drone Videography
Victor Chu (’08) sees the world differently. It all started when he got his first digital camera in high school and learned how to edit silly photos of his friends. His interest in photography continued once he enrolled at Baruch College, leading him to join The Ticker, Baruch’s student newspaper, as photo editor. “My work … Continue reading A New Angle: Victor Chu (’08) Pioneers Drone Videography
Agent for Change: Jessica Holtz (MBA ’12) Scores Groundbreaking Contracts for Two NBA Players
Competitiveness, passion, and drive are three key attributes for successful athletes, but they also make Jessica Holtz (MBA ’12) one of the most notable sports agents in the game. In July 2022, Holtz—an agent with California-based firm Creative Artists Agency (CAA)—made history as the first woman to negotiate two NBA supermax contracts—elite among the league’s … Continue reading Agent for Change: Jessica Holtz (MBA ’12) Scores Groundbreaking Contracts for Two NBA Players
A New Stage: Theresa Von Klug (MS ’02) and the human side of arts administration
Managing a performing arts company, at the best of times, is a juggling act: running productions smoothly, keeping budgets on target, and making sure artists and crews are happy. But when the pandemic struck in 2020, says Theresa Von Klug (MS ’02), “It came down to survival and keeping our people safe.” As then–general manager … Continue reading A New Stage: Theresa Von Klug (MS ’02) and the human side of arts administration
A Sweet Gig: Hostess Brands’ Amit Sharma (MBA ’06)
Amit Sharma (MBA ’06) originally planned to work in information technology, but his professional path led him to a more appetizing industry, so to speak. He currently serves as vice president of Investor Relations at Hostess Brands, parent company of beloved snack brands like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, where he is responsible for increasing the … Continue reading A Sweet Gig: Hostess Brands’ Amit Sharma (MBA ’06)
Tech Powerhouse: Jacky Wright (’85) Named ‘Most Influential Black Person in Britain’
Here are some surprising facts about Jacky Wright (’85), chief digital officer of Microsoft and the top name on the 2022 Powerlist of most influential Black people in Britain, as published annually by U.K.-based Powerful Media. Number one: She’s based in the United States, not the U.K. Number two: Her career in technology began with … Continue reading Tech Powerhouse: Jacky Wright (’85) Named ‘Most Influential Black Person in Britain’
From Shining Shoes to Respected Leader: Jack Sobel (’59) Pays It Forward
The proud Baruch alumnus talks about his humble beginnings, providing scholarship support, and dedicating a lecture hall to help future students Jack and Barbara Sobel Jack Sobel (’59) was always something of a workaholic – and while he enjoyed a lengthy career in the pension and defined benefits industry, he still fondly remembers his very … Continue reading From Shining Shoes to Respected Leader: Jack Sobel (’59) Pays It Forward