In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which concluded on October 15, the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University proudly recognizes several key members of its Hispanic community. These individuals—students, alumni and faculty—have significantly contributed to the academic, professional and cultural life of Sy Syms and Yeshiva University. Through their leadership, dedication and achievements, they have fostered an inclusive environment reflecting the values of Yeshiva University and Sy Syms alike. We are excited to spotlight some of our outstanding members:
Students: Jacobo Vahnish ’25SB, Jose Hambra '25SB, Yael Gemer ’26SB and Gladys E. Davis ’25SB (MBA)
Alumni: Raquel (Sofer) Zakay ’19SB and David Gedallovich ’14SB
Faculty: Professor Pablo Hernández Lagos, associate professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship
Students
Jacobo Vahnish ’25SB - International Table Tennis Champion
Jacobo Vahnish, a finance and business analytics double-major from Panama City, Panama, is an extraordinary student who brings both academic excellence and athletic prowess to Sy Syms. As a student in the Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and a member of the Dean’s List for two consecutive years, Jacobo exemplifies the high standards of Sy Syms for academic excellence. Outside the classroom, he manages investments as a portfolio manager for the Harold Charno Investment Fund and serves as president of the Sephardic Club. Jacobo is also a distinguished athlete, having won the 2022 New York State Table Tennis Championship. His achievements in that sport have been highlighted in both The Jerusalem Post and The Commentator.
When asked which professors, coaches and YU staff made the biggest impact on his time at YU, Jacobo credited the following individuals:
“Professor Gabriella Coiculescu, with her energy and passion, taught me a great deal about the world of finance and investments and guided me throughout my job search and career.”
“Professor Jeremy Renna, whom I first met during my freshman year at YU and have maintained a relationship with throughout the years, made me feel at home and has been a constant source of support.”
“Throughout my college career, Dean Noam Wasserman has offered invaluable advice on career and job decisions. With his strong Torah values and sense of professionalism in the workforce, he has been a role model, consistently guiding and supporting students.”
“Every professor, faculty member and student at YU has contributed to making my experience amazing through their kindness, warmth and expertise. I will cherish the moments I've shared and the lessons I've learned from everyone on campus.”
Of Jacobo, Dean Wasserman said, “Students like Jacobo Vahnish embody the very best of our school’s values. He is a remarkable student whose commitment to excellence makes him a standout both in the classroom and as a star athlete, making him a true Kiddush Hashem. His menchlichkeit (kindness and integrity) and drive to make a positive impact are inspiring.”
Reflecting on his experience as a Hispanic student at Sy Syms and Yeshiva University, he says, “As an international student from Panama, I have found YU to be a wonderful place for both locals and internationals. The warmth and hospitality of the YU community have made me feel truly welcome as many of our local friends have invited us into their homes for Shabbat and holidays. Being part of such a diverse environment has enriched our professional journeys and allowed me to form lifelong friendships. I want to emphasize the strong Panamanian and Hispanic group of students and friends we have at YU. Together, we’ve created incredible memories and grown together, strengthening our bond and making the most of our time at YU.”
Jose Hambra ’25SB - Entrepreneur and Tennis Star
Jose Hambra, a finance and business analytics double-major at Sy Syms, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and attended Yeshurun Torah High School. Now residing in New York, he is also a standout player on the YU Tennis team. As a head finance tutor in Sy Syms’s Peer Tutoring program, Jose demonstrates both academic excellence and a commitment to helping others succeed. Jose is also an entrepreneur, offering clients advice on currency transactions based on their future plans through FINHAM, a company he co-founded with his brother.
Jose credits Professor Archishman Chakraborty with having the greatest influence on his time at YU. 'Professor Chakraborty, who teaches advanced corporate finance, had the biggest impact on my college experience. He showed us how to apply what we’ve been learning to real-life situations, and that was incredible for me.'"
Jose says what he loves most about Hispanic culture is gathering with family and friends in the countryside on Sunday afternoons to play soccer (football) and enjoy asado (Argentine barbecue).
Reflecting on his experience at Sy Syms, Jose notes the incredible sense of community. “The fact that YU has such a big Hispanic community is amazing. From the moment you arrive, you feel welcomed, as if they’ve known you all along. Everyone is always trying to enhance the YU experience by doing things together. Because you're an international student and part of the Hispanic community, you know you'll become friends with others."
Yael Gemer ’26SB - Inclusivity Leader and Marketing Professional
Yael Gemer ’26SB, a marketing major with a minor in strategy and entrepreneurship at the Sy Syms School of Business, is making significant strides in promoting inclusivity within the Hispanic community at Yeshiva University. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Yael is on track to graduate in May 2026 and has already made her mark by founding Latinada, the University's first club for Latin American students. The initiative creates a welcoming space for students to celebrate their rich culture, history, music, food and traditions, fostering community and connections among peers. In addition to her role with Latinada, Yael serves as a board member of the Self Care Club, where she focuses on promoting mental and physical well-being through a range of student-led initiatives.
Yael is also passionate about fashion and plans to join the FIT x YU Fashion Program to further her interest in the industry. Last year, she earned a certificate in Fashion Styling through the FIT’s online program with YellowBrick. Yael sees YU’s joint fashion program with FIT as the next step in advancing her career and deepening her expertise in the field. “I want to continue my journey and achieve my long-term goals in the world of fashion by being part of this esteemed program.”
Yael also feels her time at Sy Syms has propelled her career; last summer, she served as head of marketing for Shieldecktraps, a U.S. insect trap company, overseeing strategic marketing campaigns and driving growth to the company. This past summer, she worked as the marketing and social media coordinator for Neri Design Group, the largest branding and design firm in Venezuela. There, she contributed to the design of Venezuela's first contactless payment card, making history while crafting marketing strategies that supported the company’s mission of innovation.
Yael attributes her growth to the impactful classroom experiences at YU, crediting professors like Dr. Shaina Trapedo and Marc Spear as key influences in her development. She shares this about each:
“One of the most significant experiences I’ve had at YU has been in the classroom. Dr. Shaina Trapedo, who taught English Composition in my first semester, made a lasting impression. Initially, I expected the course to focus primarily on grammar, but Dr. Trapedo’s approach went far beyond that. She challenged us to think critically and creatively, encouraging a mindset that expanded our perspectives. In a class filled with international students including Hispanic ones, she cultivated a supportive environment where we could feel confident and develop skills that have been invaluable throughout my academic journey. Without a doubt, her class put a “before” and “after” in my way of thinking and continues to influence me to this day."
“Another noteworthy influence was Professor Marc Spear, who taught my Business Communication II class. His practical approach to teaching gave us essential tools for succeeding in the business world. To this day when meeting with business professionals, I still use the pitch I developed in his class. The lessons I learned were instrumental in securing my current position in Venezuela's top branding, design and marketing company.”
Reflecting on her experience at Sy Syms and YU, Yael says, “I am grateful for the support and mentorship, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this vibrant community. My time at Sy Syms has empowered me to embrace my culture while building meaningful connections within the YU community. Founding Latinada, has been a rewarding way to celebrate my heritage and create a space for inclusion and growth.”
Gladys E. Davis ’25SB
Gladys E. Davis hails from New York City and currently resides in the Bronx. She is in the unique position of being both a current Sy Syms MBA candidate (‘25SB) and an employee of YU.
As she describes it:
“I began working at YU in July 2021 as the program coordinator for the occupational therapy doctorate program at the Katz School of Science and Health. As of November 2023, I became one of the school’s program managers for its Physician Assistant Studies Program. I serve as the primary point of contact for current and incoming students as well as faculty, including adjuncts. I liaise with various departments, such as the business office and procurement, to ensure smooth operations. My responsibilities include managing students' confidential documents on Exxat, assisting with registration, and scheduling and ordering supplies for the department. I also prepare reports as required by the program director, assist in budget management and organize special events and activities. Additionally, I participate in special projects and perform other duties as needed.
Born in the United States, Gladys traces her roots back to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Her father, originally from the Dominican Republic, came to the U.S. in his late teens. The second oldest of five siblings, he has worked as a doorman on Park Avenue for over 40 years and was featured in The New York Times during the COVID pandemic. Gladys’ mother, the youngest of 12 siblings, moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico as a teenager. She retired from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in January 2023.
Gladys’s mother is from Puerto Rico and arrived in her late teens as well. She is the youngest of 12 siblings. She retired from Howard Hughes Medical Institute in January 2023.
As the first in her family to attend Yeshiva University, Gladys credits her transformative experience at Sy Syms to the supportive faculty and diverse classmates, fostering a collaborative learning environment. She highlights the impact of key professors like Linda Driver, Dr. Pablo Hernández Lagos, Andrew Boyarsky, and Mark Finkel, sharing the following about each:
Linda Driver: She has been incredibly supportive during my time at Sy Syms. Her comforting presence and willingness to be available whenever I needed assistance have made a significant difference.
Dr. Pablo Hernández Lagos: He is both engaging and insightful. His feedback on my discussion postings and assignments was invaluable. The email correspondence we had regarding Power was particularly impactful, and I still refer to it when I face challenges at work.
Professor Andrew Boyarsky: Crisis Management was, by far, my favorite course (after the residency courses)! Although it involved a tremendous amount of work, it was worth it. I joined the class late, but I’m so glad I did. Professor Boyarsky’s intelligence and impressive background in emergency management enriched the learning experience.
Professor Mark Finkel: He is amazing! His extensive experience and knowledge, combined with his down-to-earth personality, truly go above and beyond. He is always available when I need guidance, and his residency courses exceeded all my expectations.
With family ties in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Gladys treasures her Hispanic heritage, particularly her love for salsa music and her family’s Three Kings Day traditions. Since joining YU in 2021, Gladys has progressed from program coordinator for the Katz School’s the occupational therapy program to program manager for the school's physician assistant studies program, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting students and faculty.
“My experience at Sy Syms and within the greater YU community has been transformative,” Gladys shared. “The support from faculty and the connections I've made with my classmates from so many diverse backgrounds have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages growth and learning. I am truly grateful for these connections and the valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey here.”
Alumni
Raquel (Sofer) Zakay ’19SB, ’21A - Marketing Leader and Community Organizer
A native of Panama City, Panama, Raquel Zakay graduated from Sy Syms in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in management. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree in Jewish education and administration from YU’s Azrieli Graduate School. A regular on the Dean’s List, Raquel was deeply involved in student life during her time at Sy Syms, serving as president of the International Club. In this role, she created a highly successful gift exchange program and organized events to unite YU’s international student community and enrich their experience. Among these was YU's first- and second-largest 'Challah Bake,' which drew 390 student participants.
In addition, Raquel took a major role in organizing events that enhanced Jewish life for YU students across the board, including the largest Shabbat of the spring semester and major weekend retreats in Fall 2017 and Spring 2019. She also served as president for both the Sephardic Club and Business Management Club, while holding board positions with the Israel Club and Marketing Club and participating in the Sy Syms Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. As president of the Business Management Club, she organized site visits for undergraduates to prominent New York City business and venues including MSG, Westfield Mall, Marriott Marquis in Times Square, Double Tree Hilton, Gansevoort Hotel, St. Regis, Wicked Theater Backstage and Prime Grill Restaurant – all of which offered insights into business management and the hospitality industry.
View more of Raquel’s YU photos here.
When asked which professors influenced her the most, she cited these faculty members: Professor Laizer Kornwasser, Professor Tamar Avnet, Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff and Professor David Pelcovitz.
Raquel's dedication to building community and fostering connections among international students as well as enhancing Jewish life for all students on campus earned her the Dean’s Award for Service and Character upon graduating from Sy Syms. She reflects fondly on the unity and warmth within the Hispanic community, noting how these values have shaped her professional and personal life.
View more of Raquel’s photos from YU here.
David Gedallovich ’14SB - Entrepreneur and Community Leader
David Gedallovich, a 2014 Sy Syms graduate, hails from Cali, Colombia, and now resides in Jerusalem, Israel. A finance and marketing double-major, David’s academic career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named JSS Salutatorian, earning Dean’s List honors each semester and serving as president of both the International Student Club and Latin American Clubas well as board member of the Students Helping Students Club.
David's post-graduate career is just as impressive. He has served as CMO of his own startup Pressources, led entrepreneurship trips to China, directed the only Latin Community in Jerusalem and, alongside his wife, Atatra (Berman) Gedallovich ‘15SCW, engaged in shlichut (emissary work) within Uruguay’s Jewish community. Atara, a Stern College for Women alumna, pursued Jewish studies and studio art, with a focus on graphic design. Their shlichut work, along with David’s current role as an AE (account executive) of Israeli startup Onebeat, embodies Sy Syms’s mission to develop Torah-grounded professionals who excel in the workplace and the community.
When asked to name his favorite things about Hispanic culture, David said: “I really like Latin music. I think it brings happy vibes. I also enjoy the food from different countries in Latin America which, contrary to popular belief, varies depending on the country. Mainly in Mexico, they enjoy very spicy food while in Argentina and Uruguay they can't stand it.
David emphasizes the role of Sy Syms professors and mentors in shaping his career journey, attributing his positive experience to the following faculty members:
Professor Norma Silbermintz: She was a person that really cared about all the international students. She really helped us feel at home in YU and also helped me improve my English.
Rabbi Uri Orlian and his family: I had the honor to come to Israel with his family, and they really became like my family in New York. I still consider him my rabbi and try to always visit when I go to New York.
Professor Tamar Avnet: Her teachings made me see marketing in a different way and realize that it's more complicated than people think. Even today, I use what I learned from her classes.
Reflecting on his experience as a Hispanic student, and now as an alumnus of Sy Syms and a member of the greater YU community, David remarks that “I really enjoyed my experience at YU. One of the things I enjoyed most was meeting people from all around the world and discovering how wide the Jewish world is. Thanks to YU, I have friends in countries I didn’t even know existed. And thanks to special people like Professor Silbermintz and the Orlian Family, being far from home wasn't that hard.”
Faculty
Professor Pablo Hernández Lagos – Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship
Professor Pablo Hernández Lagos is an associate professor of strategy & entrepreneurship at Sy Syms, where he teaches courses across undergraduate and graduate levels, including Leading with Moral and Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership and Business Strategy to MBA students, and Principles of Strategy and Leadership to undergrads.
Professor Hernández Lagos studies the political consequences of economic growth, focusing on how surplus, profit, and value are allocated among people. His research emphasizes the role of leaders in shaping entrepreneurship, peace and prosperity. This work has been published in top journals, including The American Political Science Review, Nature, The Journal of Urban Economics and The Quarterly Journal of Political Science.
Professor Hernandez Lagos's work has attracted media attention, with coverage in Harvard Business Review on ESG concerns; Politico and Bloomberg on tax breaks for distressed communities; and The Financial Times on employee incentives. His work also has been featured in The Hill and The Times of India on technology and middle-class markets; VoxEU on peace and prosperity; and Knowledge@Wharton on entrepreneurial spending.
He has a Ph.D. from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley and holds degrees in industrial engineering and applied economics from Universidad de Chile. He teaches strategy and leadership and has previously taught finance, economics and management at institutions like New York University and Universidad de Los Andes. Additionally, he co-founded ChileSeminars at UC Berkeley, bringing academic research to entrepreneurs.
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Dean Noam Wasserman said this about Professor Hernández Lagos: “His groundbreaking research brings an invaluable global perspective to our school. His focus on entrepreneurship, the political consequences of economic growth, and prosperity, along with his impressive publication record, has enriched our academic community as has his excellent teaching and mentoring in leadership and strategy courses.”
Professor Hernandez Lagos is also a passionate advocate for celebrating Hispanic culture and supporting Hispanic communities at YU/Sy Syms and across the United States. "I appreciate that this month has become an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our Hispanic community,” he says. “The conquest of the Americas by the empires of the time was associated with the collapse of pristine civilizations, which were, in many ways, more advanced than the conquerors. This month is an opportunity to embrace the greatness of the Americas, including the science, art, and engineering of the ancient but also the new civilization, the one we build every day from the United States of America.”
These students, alumni, and faculty members exemplify the vibrancy and contributions of the Hispanic community at Sy Syms School of Business and Yeshiva University. Their achievements, rooted in academic excellence, leadership, cultural pride and Jewish values, are a testament to the strength of the Hispanic presence at YU .
As Dean Noam Wasserman eloquently stated, “These students, alumni and faculty contribute significantly to the vibrant intellectual and cultural fabric of Sy Syms, reinforcing our mission to develop Torah-grounded professionals who excel in the workplace and in the community.”
As we reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to honor these remarkable individuals and celebrate their impact on the Sy Syms and Yeshiva University communities and beyond.
Special thank you to Professor Norma Silbermintz, coordinator of Academic Affairs for International Students, Undergraduate Men at Yeshiva University, who was instrumental in coordinating this project.
"Our Hispanic community—including those hailing from Venezuela, Panama, Argentina and Chile, among other countries—have excelled on campus in leadership positions and in athletics. Those who have opted to return to their native countries upon graduation have distinguished themselves as respected communal leaders, innovative entrepreneurs and outstanding professionals. They greatly enhance the Sy Syms and greater Yeshiva University community, lending a wonderful cultural diversity to our classrooms and campus.” - Professor Norma Silbermintz
