Jake Cohen, a second-year M.S. in Real Estate student at NYU Schack, specializes in Finance and Investment. A first-generation college student with Syrian roots, he has excelled in roles such as Real Estate Finance TA, REIT Analyst, and Senior Direct Support Professional. As an Alternative Investment Analyst at Capital Advisor Partners, Jake helped launch an investment fund and source investors. With experience at RockFarmer Properties, IDB Bank, and Capital Advisor Partners, he is passionate about real estate development and aims to pursue a career in investment analysis after graduating in May.
Scholar info from Fall 2024
Carmel Ebeza is a senior at SPS DAUS, studying Applied Data Analytics & Visualization. She has already worked in the field, managing and mentoring analytical teams at Apple and Warner Music Group. Her dream is to become a data scientist, using AI/ML for climate data analysis and helping companies and governments address climate change. Outside of academia and work, Carmel is an avid marathon runner and is working on becoming multilingual (French, Portuguese, German and Spanish).
Robin D. Stamenov is a dynamic and results-oriented leader with over a decade of progressive experience in management consulting, omni-channel retail strategic planning, product development, marketing, and operations. She has worked for leading Fortune 50 companies, launching innovations and developing Go-To-Market strategies. Currently, Robin is pursuing an Executive Master's in Marketing and Strategic Communication from New York University. International travel is one of her passions, having visited 10 countries, with Italy being her favorite. Robin resides in New York City, where she pursues yoga and advocates for health and wellness.
Shannon Ganeshram, a first-generation university student, is pursuing her M.S. in Professional Writing while interning at MaryRuth Organics. She serves as Social Media Co-Chair for the SPS Graduate Student Council and is currently contributing to the United Nations #NewWork initiative by updating their Style Guide to enhance inclusivity and interactivity. Proudly Caribbean American of Guyanese descent, Shannon's cultural awareness fuels her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her profound creativity extends across professional writing, visual arts, corporate communications, and brand storytelling, aiming to make a meaningful impact. When not immersed in storytelling or creating art, Shannon enjoys reading and trips to Disney World.
Niko Spiridellis, a sophomore at NYU, is pursuing a B.S. in Sports Management with a minor in Spanish. As a former athlete, he believes sports ignite a unique passion that fosters unparalleled connections among people. Niko aims to leverage his background in entering the sports media industry to share compelling stories. He currently does this as the Director of the NYU Sports Film Festival, which celebrates the powerful intersection of sports and film.
Garima Mutha, an architect from Pune, India, currently pursuing her Master's in Project Management at NYU SPS, embodies leadership, mentorship, and empathy. Her thesis project focuses on uplifting marginalized communities, reflecting her ambition to become an executive coach and foster growth. A classical Bharatnatyam dancer, she intertwines artistry with education and cultural preservation, enriching her multifaceted journey. Garima's enrollment at NYU signifies her belief in impactful leadership's transformative power. Selected for NYU's Dean's Scholar Program, Garima sees this opportunity not just as a step forward, but as a chance to ignite her passion and make a significant difference within the NYU community and beyond.
Payten Slack, a junior at NYU SPS, is studying Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Travel and Tourism Development. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she is a first-generation college student. As Senator of the Undergraduate Student Council, Payten advocates for SPS students, ensuring their voices are heard in university-wide decisions. Alongside her studies, Payten aims to leverage her experiences to inspire peers from similar backgrounds to discover their passions and engage with a global community.
Jayda Bonnick is currently pursuing an M.S. in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime, having earned a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University. Her interests span public policy, racial equity, data analysis, and digital literacy. Jayda actively contributes to her communities at NYU SPS and across the city, blending her upbringing's humanitarian ethos with professional experience in communications and the non-profit sector. She aims to channel these strengths into a career in technology, integrating her diverse skill set to make a meaningful impact.
Cristian Cruz is a second-semester MS student in the Event Management Program at SPS. He also holds a role as Co-chair for the events committee on the Graduate Student Council. Originally from Miami, Cristian gained valuable experience in the events industry before returning to school to pursue further education. He possesses a profound passion for fostering connections and cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging.
Luke Cheung, a junior at NYU, is pursuing dual degrees in Sports Management and Business, Entertainment, Media, and Technology (BEMT). As President of the Sports Business Society, he spearheads community engagement and professional development initiatives. Raised in Nigeria, Hong Kong, and China, Luke embraces SPS's diverse student body. His Chinese-American roots are central to his identity, and his curiosity about different cultures drives his active participation in community events. With a keen interest in finance and international business, Luke aims to innovate in sports finance, bridging academic knowledge with industry needs. Eager to maximize his education at NYU’s Tisch Institute of Global Sport, Luke looks forward to seizing unique opportunities ahead.
Allison Wang, a junior pursuing a B.S. in Sport Management with a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology (BEMT), has a keen interest in sports marketing, media, and the global sports landscape. She passionately advocates for women in sports and serves as Vice President of the SPS Sports Business Society while playing for the NYU Women’s Club Soccer team. Originally from Sugar Land, TX, Allison looks forward to leveraging the resources, connections, and knowledge gained at NYU to pursue a career in the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of sports.
Rona Wang is a second-year graduate student in Management and Systems at NYU SPS, specializing in Database Technologies. With a strong foundation in marketing and consulting, she is passionate about using data-driven insights to solve complex business challenges. Outside of her studies, Rona enjoys dancing and connecting with others in NYU’s vibrant community.
Ashlie Oxford (she/her) is a first-generation MS student in Global Affairs, focusing on peacebuilding. Her interests span healing-centered storytelling, trauma-informed approaches, community-building, resilience, restorative justice, legal advocacy, and filmmaking. Hailing from Washington, Ashlie serves as Senator at-Large for Student Activists in NYU’s Student Government Assembly, advocating for student welfare through various initiatives. She contributes to the Diversity and Health & Wellness Committees, currently developing a ‘Basic Needs Center’ to address campus housing and food insecurity. Ashlie thrives on unconventional ideas and fosters empathy, vulnerability, and connection, aiming to empower others and cultivate genuine appreciation for each individual’s potential.
Siranush "Siri" Kostanyan, pursuing her second master’s in Project Management at NYU SPS after earning an MBA, is a seasoned product and program manager specializing in AI. She has worked with organizations like Google, UNICC, UNICEF, and The World Bank. Author of Harnessing AI and Agile to Overcome Challenges in Educating STEM and Product Development Professionals (2024), Siri will present her work at the IEEE ISEC at Princeton. As an Agile trainer in Armenia, she has taught over 1,000 students, with 87% securing top roles. Siri also serves as NYU’s International Students Club President and mentors at AUA.
Vivan Zhao is a second-year M.S. candidate in Integrated Marketing with a brand management focus at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Currently VP of Operations for the 24-25 SPS Graduate Student Council, she prioritizes serving and connecting with SPS students and clubs. Hailing from Shanghai, China, Vivan, a first-generation student, brings valuable internship experience from L'Oréal, Unilever, and ByteDance. Passionate about marketing, she aims to support peers from similar backgrounds and promote cultural diversity. Vivan seeks to apply her insights to craft innovative global marketing strategies that drive meaningful engagement.
Tien Nguyen is currently enrolled in the M.S. in Project Management program at NYU SPS. Originally from Vietnam, Tien moved to New York City in 2018 to pursue a career in the sports industry, graduating from NYU with a degree in Sports Management. His professional ambition is to leverage sports as a catalyst for positive societal change and development. Beyond sports, Tien enjoys podcasting, viewing it as a powerful networking tool and a means to enhance his storytelling abilities. He is enthusiastic about joining others on their academic journey at NYU SPS.
Prince Gregorio is a seasoned communications strategist with a global career spanning continents. Prior to joining the United Nations, he accrued extensive experience in communications across publishing, digital media, events, and more, working for organizations like Thomson Reuters and the Asian Development Bank. At UNICEF, Prince spearheads strategic communication initiatives and establishes a robust global event framework. He secures resources to expand UNICEF's outreach in immunization, education, early childhood development, and climate change, forging partnerships with media to amplify global advocacy efforts. As a first-generation college graduate, Prince focuses on developing inclusive solutions that assess the impact of advocacy across diverse cultures and beliefs.
Julia Craig is a second-year M.S. candidate in Event Management, specializing in event operations. With a background in the music industry, music technology, and higher education administration, Julia is currently a major event operations manager at Degy Booking International. Julia thrives on creating spaces where people can connect, exchange ideas, and foster community through impactful events. Beyond organizing, she enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and exploring new documentaries in her free time.
Tim Murphy is pursuing his Masters in Real Estate Development after graduating from Boston College in 2019. For the past four years, he worked in executive search and recruiting, representing clients ranging from large institutional banks to fintech startups seeking key employees. His career shift to real estate development began at Schack in August 2023, with plans to graduate in May 2025. Beyond his studies and work, Tim enjoys backcountry skiing and deep-sea fishing with friends.
Stuti Daga is a junior studying Sports Management with a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Originally from India, she brings a diverse, multicultural perspective shaped by her multi-generational family background. Actively engaged in student life, Stuti contributes to the Undergraduate Student Council at SPS, the SPS Dean's Student Advisory Group, and works in the SPS Office of Student Affairs. Her goal is to support undergraduates transitioning into NYU and city life. Passionate about advancing women in sports, Stuti enjoys discussing TV shows, exploring NYC's culinary scene, and aims to make a lasting impact through her career.
Hannah Choi, a senior at NYU, is pursuing a degree in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management with a minor in Computer Science & Mathematics. She aims to enter management consulting, integrating her interests in hospitality and tech/finance. Hannah has actively promoted student welfare and community within SPS, previously serving as President and Events Chair of the Undergraduate Student Council and a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. Currently preparing for MBA programs, she seeks new challenges to further her education. Hannah remains dedicated to expanding her professional potential and advocating for students within the university community.
Christopher Auguste is a first-generation college student. He is an undergraduate at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate of Urban Sustainability. After completing his degree, he plans to pursue an investment or finance role within the real estate industry. Once armed with the proper knowledge and experience, he aspires to play a pivotal role in helping to rebuild his local community and others like it.