It takes more than a little charisma to rise to the top of the high-powered, fiercely competitive world of New York real estate. “It also takes passion,” says John Gomes (MBA ’02), whose love for design and architecture, entrepreneurial spirit, and talent for trendspotting have landed him in the catbird seat of the luxury real … Continue reading The Power of Persuasion: With Real Estate Star John Gomes (MBA ’02)
Documenting the Gray Areas: Filmmaker Sam Pollard (’73)
Emmy Award–winning and Oscar-nominated director, editor, and producer Sam Pollard (’73) has told powerful stories of African American history and lives—from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., to photographer Gordon Parks. The inspiration, he says, comes from within: “These stories are part of my DNA.” Growing up in Harlem during the fight for civil rights … Continue reading Documenting the Gray Areas: Filmmaker Sam Pollard (’73)
Love Blossoms
It was a picturesque wedding for Heather Schultz Gittens (’08, MPA ’14)and Hasani Gittens (’02), who tied the knot in May at the Queens Botanical Garden. Heather is the founder of Huh Healing Hub LLC, a public relations consultant for the Tito app, and an adjunct lecturer at Baruch College, while Hasani is deputy editor … Continue reading Love Blossoms
Sustainable Snacking: Matt Feldman (’15) Pioneers Mushroom Jerky
Snacking while vegan can be a challenge—just ask entrepreneur Matt Feldman (’15), founder and CEO of Moku Foods. After learning about the lack of sustainability in the meat industry and the health benefits of plant-based nutrition, he committed to a vegan diet. “It made me feel great, physically, mentally, spiritually,” says Mr. Feldman, who was … Continue reading Sustainable Snacking: Matt Feldman (’15) Pioneers Mushroom Jerky
Washington Trailblazer: Justice G. Helen Whitener (’88)
Justice G. Helen Whitener’s career has been a series of “firsts.” The latest came in November 2020, when she won election to retain her seat on Washington State’s Supreme Court—a position to which she had been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in April of that year. With that victory, she says, came a revelation: “Unbeknownst … Continue reading Washington Trailblazer: Justice G. Helen Whitener (’88)
Looking Back with Herbert Rubin (’56)
Although he graduated from Baruch more than 65 years ago, Herbert Rubin (’56) still carries with him the qualities he honed during his college days: hard work, grit, and determination. Now 89 years old, Rubin has a wealth of stories and experiences to reflect on—and invaluable lessons to share with the next generation of Baruch … Continue reading Looking Back with Herbert Rubin (’56)
DACA Dreamer and Healthcare Hero: JC Alejaldre (EMBA ’18)
In March 2020, Juan Carlos (JC) Alejaldre—an administrator in the Division of Community and Population Health at NewYork– Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center— received an urgent call from his supervisor. With the medical center’s Emergency Department overwhelmed by rising numbers of Covid-19 patients, Mr. Alejaldre was informed that “on Monday we would help decamp the … Continue reading DACA Dreamer and Healthcare Hero: JC Alejaldre (EMBA ’18)
Paying Dividends: Alan Chen’s Crusade for Financial Literacy
Like many Baruch students, Alan Chen (’17) had a lucrative, full-time job offer at graduation. But there was one significant problem: He had no idea how to properly invest his first paycheck. “My starting salary was more money than my parents had made over years,” says Mr. Chen, who had found employment as a software … Continue reading Paying Dividends: Alan Chen’s Crusade for Financial Literacy
Helping New Yorkers Breathe Easier: Anisha Rathod (MPA ’16)
When Anisha Rathod chose to specialize in respiratory care, she knew there would be some difficult and hectic days. “That’s where the action is,” she says. “You’re always needed in critical care situations.” She had no idea, though, that she would one day be working on the front lines of a global pandemic—one that brought … Continue reading Helping New Yorkers Breathe Easier: Anisha Rathod (MPA ’16)
The Offbeat Path: Investment Manager Turned Jazz Guitarist Robert Mwamba (’98)
Zambian-born Robert Mwamba moved to New York City as a teenager to study economics at Baruch College, but an unexpected friendship with a jazz legend sent him down a very different path. “Moving from Africa to New York was a big change, and it felt like something was missing,” recalls Mr. Mwamba. “To my surprise, … Continue reading The Offbeat Path: Investment Manager Turned Jazz Guitarist Robert Mwamba (’98)