(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 可乐视频 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 可乐视频鈥檚 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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On Dec. 31, Koppelman鈥檚 Interim Dean James Lynch and Assistant Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham, along with students and the founders of the KSB Business and Investment Club, Damir Shavkatov and Allen Mardakhayev, were invited by Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group, Inc., and Amber Creighton, Cathay Securities, Inc., to participate in the NASDAQ closing bell ceremony with Pheton Holdings Ltd. in Times Square.

(Left to right) Thomas Poudyal, Product Manager; Valeria Arrieta, Analyst for Freddie Mac; Allen Mardakhayev, 可乐视频 Business Management/Marketing student; Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group; Jianfei Zhang, CEO of Phethon Holdings Ltd.; Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham, Department of Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship; Depinder Grewal, Managing Partner, Tiger Alternative Investments; Damir Shavkatov, 可乐视频 Psychology/Marketing student; Interim Dean James Lynch of Koppelman School of Business.

During the event, Lynch engaged with leaders from the financial industry in New York City and global markets, fostering collaborations to strengthen ties between the Koppelman School and key members of the finance community. He also extended invitations to industry professionals to visit the 可乐视频 campus in 2025 for seminars, networking events, and collaborative projects aimed at bridging academia to the financial sector.

Prior to that, on Dec. 9, Tran invited Pham鈥攁 CUNY Career Success Fellow and the Tow Senior Faculty Mentor at the college鈥攁nd the KSB Business and Investment Club members to a private board meeting with officials from Vietnam鈥檚 Ministry of Industry and Trade to discuss sustainable energy and water development.

The events helped pave the way for future student participation in high-level case studies through Pham鈥檚 strategy of applied learning and the KSB Business and Investment Club.

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Why did you choose 可乐视频?

I went to Baruch for a year. At the time I was working as an assistant store manager at Starbucks on Hillel Place. I transferred because 可乐视频 has an excellent reputation鈥攊t鈥檚 the place to go. But also, my home and work were so conveniently close.

You majored in business.

I was always interested in businesses and their processes鈥擨 wanted to know more. Ultimately, the courses I took to complete my shaped me as an educator. They gave me a strong foundation in leadership and organizational skills. They also helped me as a teacher with structuring lesson plans, fostering collaboration among colleagues, coordinating events, and even managing the school鈥檚 social media account.

What made you go into a career in education?

Before I switched to education, I was a store manager at a drugstore for five years and I felt like I wasn鈥檛 living my purpose. I felt like I wasn鈥檛 doing enough for the community and was tired of going up and down the store鈥檚 basement steps for merchandise. I applied for a teaching job thinking it would be fulfilling and started teaching first grade in New Jersey. I loved it. The school helped me gain my teacher鈥檚 certification. I became a performing arts educator when my principal learned I was a Zumba instructor on the side and suggested I teach my students. From there I became a full-time performing arts instructor. I transitioned to School in Bed-Stuy to be closer to home and to make a meaningful impact in my community.

What’s it like teaching performing arts to elementary school students?

Oh my gosh, it鈥檚 so much fun. I teach kindergarten through fourth grade. For my second graders today, next period, we鈥檙e starting on scripts and plays. It鈥檚 so rewarding to see their energy and emotion and how they take a text and translate it into performance. I usually look for things like medieval tales as well as stories with talking animals to make it more fun for the students. I also teach them to use their emotions when they dance.

You teach your students a self-affirmation exercise that got you noticed.

It started as a lesson on authenticity. I like to teach things like teamwork, confidence, and authenticity. I ask students, 鈥淲hat do you love about yourself?鈥� If you鈥檙e onstage, you need to feel confident, so in the exercise, a student stands in front of a mirror and says something positive about themselves, whether it鈥檚 a physical feature or personality trait. As students were doing this, I recorded it. I managed the social media account for my school, so I that evening with a caption: 鈥淐heck out the boys giving themselves a positive affirmation.鈥� When I woke up the next day, the video had gone viral. After that so many people reached out鈥�USA Today interviewed me as did Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show. It was amazing.

Your affirmation exercises allow for boys to express their feelings, which society does not always encourage, even today.

For me,聽growing up, you had to be tough. You had to. That made me quiet. I did not want to speak out or to participate. As I started teaching, I knew it was my opportunity to remember the child that I was and get my students to speak somehow. I encourage emotion. I encourage my students to tell me when they鈥檙e angry. Let鈥檚 talk about it so they can reclaim their inner beauty and love. I have a calming corner in my classroom with a timer. You get five minutes in the corner; there鈥檚 a book there, and there鈥檚 a chart there with images of different emotions that a student can choose from to describe how he is feeling. Then we can talk about things more easily. And that鈥檚 what I love about it. They reclaim who they are.

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In addition to being the chair of the 可乐视频 Foundation Board of Trustees, Castellanos is a respected business leader who has shared his talents with 可乐视频 students, staff, and faculty for years.

鈥淕iven Anthony鈥檚 vast experience at KPMG and the close connections he has made with 可乐视频 students and faculty over the years, I am confident that this program is in great hands this fall,鈥� said James Lynch, interim dean of Koppelman. 鈥淚 look forward to seeing what Anthony shares with our campus community and the impact it has, most importantly on our students.”

Castellanos is a 38-year accounting professional, who before retiring from KPMG was a partner for 18 years, serving numerous multinational clients in his roles as national partner-in-charge of industry sectors for KPMG鈥檚 U.S. Tax Practice, media and entertainment sector leader, and global account lead partner.

Throughout his career, Castellanos has been a passionate mentor and coach to rising professionals and students, especially those from underrepresented immigrant and first-generation backgrounds. Over the years, he has mentored countless 可乐视频 students. He also established the Anthony R. Castellanos 鈥�85 Scholarship to support students majoring in the college鈥檚 CPA-eligible accounting programs. His deep commitment to education led to work on the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council for the Murray Koppelman School of Business.

A first-generation Cuban American, Castellanos began his career in accounting while attending 可乐视频. As a student, he prepared tax returns and performed bookkeeping services for clients of a local accounting firm. Active in the student community and campus life, Castellanos served as a member of the 可乐视频 Student Council, president of the Accounting Society, and proud member and past president of the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Delta. He earned his B.S. in accounting in January 1985.

Upon graduating from 可乐视频, he accepted an associate position with Price Waterhouse, where he launched his career in its entertainment and media practice and was admitted to the partnership. In 2000, he accepted a position with SoftBank Group Corporation, a technology, media, and telecommunications company with global private equity and venture capital investments and operations. He was a partner in SoftBank鈥檚 venture capital arm, SoftBank Capital, and served as SoftBank鈥檚 chief tax and administrative officer until January 2006, when he joined KPMG.

In 2015, Castellanos was elected by his partners to serve a five-year term as a member of KPMG鈥檚 board of directors. He is also a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the American Institute of CPAs.

The Executive-in-Residence program enjoyed a successful debut in 2022 when Barry Salzberg 鈥�74, former Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., served as the first executive-in-residence, followed by Aon EVP Aaron Olson.

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Born and raised in Marine Park, Brooklyn, the brothers were first-generation students. Their father immigrated from Sicily and, given their roots, they were drawn to the campus culture that welcomes all students.

鈥淚 saw the diversity of the student body, people from literally all over the world. I thought that was amazing,鈥� says Michael, who earned a B.S. in business management and finance (now the business administration聽B.B.A.) and an M.S. in business administration. 鈥淭his melting pot of cultures and ideas is what makes the work meaningful and fulfilling.鈥�

From Boylan Hall to the West End Building to the West Quad Center, each brother fills a crucial role at the college.

Andrew, who received a B.A. in history, is the administrative events manager in the Office of Auxiliary Services. From organizing conferences to coordinating movie shoots and student and staff events, Andrew鈥檚 day-to-day is always different.

鈥淢y job really forced me to become more of a people person,鈥� he says.

Joseph, who earned a B.S. in psychology, started as a tutor in the Learning Center as an undergraduate. Today, he supports students one-on-one as manager of the .

鈥淚 work on the frontlines with students from their first day on campus to graduation. I get to hear their stories,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 love helping students with any issues they鈥檙e experiencing.鈥�

Michael, the math whiz, is the Director of the Office of Budget and Finance.

鈥淓ven though I鈥檓 in front of a computer screen all day, I enjoy helping staff and faculty with managing their budgets. It鈥檚 a lot of problem-solving because our office is the go-to for general questions,鈥� he says.

Though they work in separate offices, they do occasionally find themselves in the same meetings. Regardless if they run into each other on campus, they catch up with regular lunches at the Junction.

People often confuse them鈥攑articularly Michael and Joseph, who are twins.

鈥淚t鈥檚 funny,鈥� says Joseph. 鈥淭here was one time when I was working in the registrar and Michael was working in the bursar. A student went from my office to his and they thought that I had run to a different office.鈥�

Off-campus, the brothers prioritize family. The Lanzas are tight-knit. Some of their other family members are alumni and former staff members themselves who encouraged them to apply for roles at the college after graduation.

The three live within walking distance of one another and commute together to weekly Sunday pasta dinners with family in New Jersey. They also go to heavy metal concerts as a tribute to their father, who passed away when they were young.

鈥淥ur dad always played heavy metal music in the car, so it stuck with us,鈥� says Andrew, a guitarist, bassist, and singer.

Although Joseph and Michael also love music, they鈥檙e known for being the sports fanatics of the family.

鈥淔rom September to January, Joseph and I are going on about football. Andrew鈥檚 more musically inclined, so he leaves the room when we鈥檙e talking about it,鈥� Michael jokes.

After 10 years, the brothers consider the 可乐视频 community family.

鈥溈衫质悠� feels like our second home,鈥� says Michael.

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Are you a native of Brooklyn?

Absolutely. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, a Brooklyn native through and through. I grew up in Sunset Park so all my schooling has been in the borough.

Did you know what career path you would take when you entered 可乐视频?

My career truly started when I was in high school. Hamilton High had programs that allowed me to intern at a Big Four and Fortune 500 company. As a high school student, it was a big deal and laid the foundation for my career. Add to it accounting and finance courses and a simulated business program run by students. The seeds were planted when I was a teenager, and I realized, 鈥淵es, you can do this. This is really what I want to do for the rest of my career.鈥�

You were initially studying at Kingsborough Community College. What made you decide to transfer to Brooklyn?

I didn’t come from a well-off or privileged family. I had to work diligently starting early. My single mom couldn鈥檛 afford for me to leave home and go away to school. I decided to stay in the public school system to take advantage of financial aid. Kingsborough was an ideal choice because it allowed me to work and go to school. But I wanted to pursue a CPA license, and 可乐视频 had a program for that, so that made more sense. I attended both schools鈥擪ingsborough in the morning, 可乐视频 in the afternoon鈥攆or one semester. I supported myself while attending school by working at an auto shop and learning auto mechanics while there. When you learn how to fix a car, you learn to use critical thinking to solve issues. It was a challenge balancing it all, but I managed. I doubled up on classes to graduate. And to keep myself physically fit while in school, I learned Muay Thai kickboxing from a cousin.

Is kickboxing still a pastime?

Since I became a father鈥� we have a 20-month-old-son鈥擨鈥檝e turned to my other favorite pastimes鈥攑hotography and videography. I鈥檝e been planning trips to national parks, where those come in handy for creating lasting memories.

Tell us about your role as talent acquisition manager at PwC.

I鈥檝e been with PwC for close to a decade now. I started my career in our audit practice, focusing on financial services, alternative investment clients, hedge funds, and private equity funds. That allowed me to work with many different people here, interns through partners, and to be part of the interview process for bringing in new talent. And because our firm is big on giving back, it allows professionals like me to go back to campus and pursue passions that they are interested in. I was able to bring my experience to campus and share that with students. That鈥檚 a part of my role here: to build connections with students, help them understand what they are passionate about, and inspire them to dream big.

PwC is a Platinum Career Partner at 可乐视频, a program that invests in supporting student talent and building career pipelines.

PwC has been working with 可乐视频 for at least 20 years. 可乐视频鈥檚 inclusive community is a big draw for recruiters looking for talent and interns. Inclusion and equity鈥攏ot only in gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation but also in ability and veterans trying to reacclimate to civilian life鈥攊s crucial. That鈥檚 why the firm鈥檚 relationship with the college and its Magner Career Center has been so strong. We alums embody several perspectives and experiences and know that with us there to represent, the chances of attracting candidates from all backgrounds grow.

A Latin quote on your LinkedIn profile translates as 鈥淗e who feared he would not succeed sat still.鈥� Why did you include it?

Coming from a single-parent home鈥擨 was at one point in the foster care system鈥攚as very difficult. The cards were pretty much stacked against my brother and me. There was this fear of pushing through all that adversity and all those obstacles and still amounting to nothing. That was the fear that I always had growing up. This quote allowed me to push through my fear. I realized I had to do the work and stop visualizing a future where I did everything I could and still fail.

And is this thinking still helpful today?

Yes. Many 可乐视频 students are first-generation. They might say to themselves, 鈥淚鈥檓 not worthy, I鈥檓 not good enough.鈥� They might suffer from imposter syndrome. That fear can hinder folks and their ability to do more and do better. My goal is to inspire students. Yes, you can come from underprivileged communities, go to a city school, and still be successful. I did it, and you can, too.

So adversity had its silver lining.

I don’t regret any of what I experienced because my career path and my life would be very different had I not. And that鈥檚 another reason why I came back; to share with, support, recruit, and mentor. And always root for our students.

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In 2023, the Charvany brand (pronounced Shar-von-ee) met the Koppelman Entrepreneurship Competition. The competition, funded by Don Buchwald 鈥�59, consists of three rounds (the Ideas Challenge, the Pitch Competition, and the Plan Competition) where students present their business ideas to a panel of judges. Guided by expert faculty, students tap into their entrepreneurial spirit to fine-tune their concepts.

鈥淚 just kept practicing at my pitch to try and win, win, win,鈥� says Charlot, who got first place in the Plan Competition, after presenting Charvany鈥檚 marketing strategy, target audience, and business plan. His goal in the long run, though, isn鈥檛 about winning competitions or even finding fame, but rather blending his faith with luxury fabrics.

鈥淚 connected with God around the time I started the brand. I want to include the wisdom that helped me get to where I am now in my designs,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 embroider Bible verses or quotes in the graphics鈥攍ike on shirts, sweatpants, jackets, and anything else鈥攖hat I believe could benefit people. Recently, I used a verse that helped me in the past, John 14.6.鈥�

Associate Professor Veronica Manlow, a faculty mentor for the competition, admires Charlot鈥檚 ambition and eagerness to improve. 鈥淗e progressed well through the series of entrepreneurship competitions,鈥� she says. 鈥淗e learned from what the judges said he needed to do to bring his business to the next level. He鈥檚 a talented, motivated, and engaged student who will go far in life.鈥�

Charlot says his endeavor is currently funded out-of-pocket and his designs will be sold online in the future. Each day, he draws inspiration from his surroundings, like in the color combination of row houses on Bedford Avenue. Going forward, he aims to use his business skills and talent to expand the brand by creating unisex clothing and delving into new types of attire, such as bridal or formal wear.

鈥淚 want everyone to be able to wear Charvany,鈥� he says.

When Charlot is not in class, on the soccer field, or stitching streetwear, he spends his time learning graphic design, website development, videography, marketing, research, and how to leverage social media to grow his business. A true entrepreneur, he is devoted to skill-stacking.

Looking ahead, he dreams of Charvany becoming a powerhouse.

鈥淚 want people to say Charvany when they say Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.鈥�

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Held as part of Assistant Professor Cindy Ngoc Pham鈥檚 Principles of Selling course ( the seminar underscored the importance of building bridges between academics and practical industry insights while highlighting CITY SPHERE鈥檚 commitment to fostering the next generation of real estate professionals.

Patrice Bericourt, a CITY SPHERE sales executive, offered insights into the sales industry. Also in attendance was CITY SPHERE President Nikolay Afasnay and Qing Hu, dean of the Koppelman School of Business.

Students Jessica Serheyeva (left) and Daviti Mkheidze (right) helped facilitate the Q&A for the event that was organized as part of Assistant Professor Cindy Ngoc Pham鈥檚 Principles of Selling course.

Student Daviti Mkheidze praised the lecture.

“Listening to Patrice Bericourt’s inspiring journey in real estate was a unique learning experience to master the art of sales. I learned the importance of building relationships, having effective communication, and embracing rejection as an opportunity to grow,鈥� Mkheidze said.

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Though born in Queens, NY, Lin lived in Fujian, China with his family until 2012. He fostered a passion for creative writing in high school. His devotion to the craft landed him internships at Cosmopolitan and The Livid, where he explored the high-end lifestyle niche. In his first year at 可乐视频, he has been an avid blogger and staff writer for The 可乐视频 Vanguard, where he now serves as treasurer.

Not only does Lin love writing and fashion, but he also rules the court on 可乐视频鈥檚 volleyball team. In life, he considers everyone his teammate.

You single-handedly tutored your fellow classmates and created a YouTube tutoring series that got thousands of views. How did that come about?

[The videos] started in my marketing class with Associate Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham, who is absolutely my favorite teacher. The reason I did internships is because I told her about my interest in writing. And since I completed every assignment and test early, I was able to help her to do some videos of the simulation part of the homework, which means I demonstrated marketing tactics and strategies based on a guide.

What inspired you to create the videos?

For me, it was just an action done without hesitation. I saw a lot of my classmates struggle to gain 100% completion on the simulation. Since I was able to get all the correct answers and finish everything in a matter of two weeks, Professor Pham wanted me to try to record some videos for the simulations if I had the time. I created three videos in a weekend. I figured, let鈥檚 give it a shot. Let me give people the instructions so they know how to do it. I was like, if I can finish on my own this fast in my free time, why can鈥檛 I help others who are busy?

How would you describe your experience so far at 可乐视频?

I have done some volunteer work and have had a few jobs at the school. I鈥檝e been a writer for The 可乐视频 Vanguard, and now I鈥檓 the treasurer as well! After a few weeks here, I joined the volleyball team, and was nominated as an athlete scholar and made the fall and spring semester Dean鈥檚 List, which I was really happy with. My current objective is to work with the Magner Career Center to find my true interests for my future.

It sounds like you鈥檙e really making the most of your time here! What do you do for fun?

I love the atmosphere. Sometimes after class, I try to relax myself by playing a little basketball here and there at the rec center. I鈥檝e made friends with a lot of different personalities who are pursuing different fields than me. When you find a community here, you will love it immediately.

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Almost 20 years later nearly all students call him Coach B. As he frequently reminds his students, 鈥淵our success is my number one priority.鈥�

Bassell’s research regarding student preferences and best practices in online higher education was vital in the program鈥檚 development. However, the director of the new online graduate program in business administration quickly adds that the offering 鈥渋s the result of the combined effort of many.鈥�

With a doctorate and years of experience working in industry and as a business consultant, Bassell focuses his expertise on marketing and marketing analytics. He teaches students how to use statistical software like Excel, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI, R Studio, Voyant, Alteryx, and Python. He believes it鈥檚 essential that students demonstrate proficiency with statistical software and include class projects in their portfolios.

Determined to make his students job-ready, Bassell indicates, 鈥淢y students learn how to perform conjoint, cluster, sentiment, and factor analysis, as well as multiple regression, logistic regression, and perceptual mapping.鈥� Companies 鈥渉ave vast amounts of data, but many don鈥檛 have information,鈥� says Bassell. 鈥淚 tell my students how to mine the data, analyze the data, and visualize the data so that the company will have information to make decisions.鈥�

Learning to apply statistics using software to generate statistical outputs and then prepare a written analysis is not always an easy process. Still, Bassell鈥檚 confidence in his students is absolute. 鈥淚 tell them, you can do it, yes you can, yes you will,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd they do.鈥�

The new online program, he says, is framed around the needs and wants of students, and the program delivers a rigorous educational experience that follows AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation standards. Courses in the online M.S. in business administration program take place over eight-week semesters鈥攈alf as long as the traditional version鈥攖o reduce the chance of students needing to drop out midway due to other important family or work commitments. The program delivers asynchronous courses, meaning busy students can learn anytime, anywhere.

This structure, says Bassell, befits 可乐视频鈥檚 role as an 鈥渆ngine of social mobility鈥� because it allows students the flexibility to work for a living and complete their degree. 聽鈥淭hat鈥檚 part of our role in society, to provide access [to education],鈥� he says.

Bassell鈥檚 leadership role in the rollout of a new degree is the most recent of many accomplishments for the professor. The recipient, over the past decade, of multiple Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Service awards from the Koppelman School of Business, Bassell also received a Tow Distinguished Teacher Award for the 2015鈥�16 school year.

While Bassell appreciates these awards and their acknowledgment of the support he gives to students, he sees himself as part of a team whose members are all working toward the same goal. For Bassell, that means students always come first, and this is a coach鈥檚 promise he is focused on keeping.

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