EVENT DETAILS

Wednesday, April 12, 6–8 pm

Katie Murphy Amphitheatre

Fashion Institute of Technology

227 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

The entrance is located through the Pomerantz Center lobby on the corner of West 27th Street and Seventh Avenue

Join us for a panel discussion and networking reception on topics pertinent to international alumni and students at the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre on the FIT campus. Panelists are Michael J. Goldstein, a partner at Goldstein and Cheung LLP; Nancy Ross, associate adjunct professor, Career and Internship Services; and Marjorie Silverman, chairperson and associate professor, Internship Studies, who will be in conversation with alumni as well as current students. The dialogue will be moderated by Marie Mekari, director of International Student Services. 

Moderator

Marie Mekari, director of International Student Services

As the director of International Student Services at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Marie Mekari oversees all services, compliance, orientation, and programming related to FIT’s F-1 and J-1 programs for international students and scholars. She and her team of five professionals provide advisement and other immigration-related support for over 1000 international students at FIT. Mekari has over 17 years of professional experience working in the field of immigration and international education. Prior to joining FIT, Mekari worked at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City as the immigration human resources specialist. In this role, she was the immigration subject matter expert and liaison in the areas of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa sponsorship, I-9 compliance, and international tax compliance. Mekari is also active in professional associations that advocate for international student education, such as NAFSA. One to World, and the Institute of International Education.  

Mekari obtained her Master of Science in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Madonna University in Livonia, MI. She also has a Certified Paralegal certificate from the University of Connecticut in West Hartford, CT. 

Panelists

Michael J. Goldstein, partner at Goldstein and Cheung LLP

Michael J. Goldstein is a partner at Goldstein and Cheung LLP. Admitted to the New York state bar in 2010, Goldstein practices general immigration law, with a focus on family and business immigrant petitions (green card applications).  He also works closely with academic institutions and extraordinary and professional nonimmigrants (O-1, H-1B, TN, E-3, etc.). 

An active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and NAFSA-Association of International Educators, among other organizations, Goldstein has been selected to the Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Stars list in the practice area of immigration many times since 2016.  He is the former workshop dean for the “Filing Academic H-1B Petitions” workshop, as well as a trainer of the NAFSA Trainer Corps – managing workshop materials and delivering the NAFSA Core Education Program at meetings and conferences throughout the year.  He has also participated on the AILA New York Chapter Media/Advocacy Committee and consults on international student/scholar issues.

Goldstein is a frequent presenter on immigration law topics at professional conferences, including NAFSA’s national and regional conferences and state meetings, as well as at college and university campuses throughout the New York Metropolitan area.  

Shiv Ravichandran, designer, Badgley Mischka

Fashion Design BFA, '19

Shiv Ravichandran received his BFA in Fashion Design from FIT in 2019. He also minored in Ethics and Sustainability. He’s from New Delhi, India, and completed his schooling at Modern School, Barahkhamba Road. He has previously worked for Oscar De La Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, and Orseund Iris. He is currently working as a designer at Badgley Mischka.

Nancy Ross, associate adjunct professor, Career and Internship Services

Nancy Ross has over thirty years of experience in education, PR, and marketing communications. As a CIS counselor, she finds fulfillment in helping individuals hone their natural talents as they transition from academia to the workplace. In addition to extensive experience in advertising and retail marketing, Ross has created and conducted educational programs for LIM, Chautauqua Institution, and FIT, with courses that have included Professional Panache and the Business of Jewelry.  As a jewelry connoisseur and historian, she has presented at national conferences and is a member of numerous professional organizations. She's had the privilege of being quoted in The New York Times Thursday's Style section. Both at FIT and in the industry, she utilizes her skills as a marketer, consultant, and stylist, combining the aesthetic with the strategic to help people enhance their personal and professional presentation. Her degrees include a BA from Kirkland (Hamilton College), an MEd from Goucher College, and a certificate in Gemology from FIT.

Marjorie Silverman, chairperson, and associate professor, Internship Studies

Marjorie Silverman is Chair of FIT's Internship Studies department. Prior to joining FIT, Silverman traveled the globe as a liaison between the film industry and the military; counseled c-level executives as a communication strategist for Van Negris & Company and the American Stock Exchange; was vice president for business development for Market Wire and a media spokesperson for the New York Blood Center. Silverman began her career as a junior copywriter for Sotheby's. "Nothing is more thrilling than helping students successfully make the transition from school to work - to achieve their dreams." Silverman has an MA in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a BS in Communications and Educational Media Technology from Boston University.

Avani Surana, analyst for advanced advertising-planning solutions at Paramount

Fashion Business Management BS, '21

Avani Surana is currently working as an Analyst for Advanced Advertising-Planning Solutions at Paramount in their NYC office. Avani received her M.S. in Marketing Analytics in 2022 from the Marketing Intelligence program at Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business. Prior to Fordham, she received her B.S. in Fashion Business Management from The Fashion Institute of Technology in 2021, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Avani is a task-focused professional who strives to accomplish her goals through persistence and dedication. Her positive attitude and relationship-oriented approach help to ensure a congenial work environment and a team-centric approach to achieving goals.

Ayesha Wahid, Interior Design BFA, '18

Ayesha Wahid is an interior designer that draws inspiration from her background, travels, current events, and the people she meets. Originally from Mumbai and now based in New York City, she has experience in a variety of design sectors, including residential, hospitality, and commercial, with a specialization in healthcare. Ayesha holds a BFA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Interior Design program and is a firm believer in evidence-based design and the idea that design can positively impact an individual’s everyday life. 

This event is hosted by FIT Alumni Relations in partnership with International Student Services and Career and Internship Services.