Past Events for the ICJ MA
Alumni Career Talks for Spring 2026
April 24, 2026: Careers in Anti-Money Laundering
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Guest Speakers for the Anti-Monehy Laundering
- Emely M. Martinez: Senior Associate, K2 Integrity
- Geris Oriza: KYB Compliance Specialist, Binance
- Katie Kikendall: Financial Crime Compliance, Senior Manager, COO Audit, Scotiabank
March 27, 2026: Careers in Investigations
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Guest Speakers for the Cyber-Related Careers
- Lindsay Lerner: Doctoral Student, The Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice, CUNY Graduate Center/ John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Kathleen Kye: Level 1 Crime Analyst, NYS DCJS OCASP/NYNJ HIDTA, NYC Crime Analysis Center
Marie Anne Lal: Project and Research Officer at the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations
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Alumni Career Talks for Fall 2025
ICJ MA Alumni Job Talk for International Organizations!
The International Crime and Justice MA Degree Program is excited to be hosting our successful alumni for career talks! If you are interested in learning more from alumni on how they received their current positions in organizations from Private sector, international organizations, public sector, non-governmental organizations, doctoral studies, cyber related careers, and academic careers. Come see the previous recorded guest speakers discuss how their journeys here in our program encouraged them to pursue careers as crime specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity analysts, financial crime specialists, and many more.
November 21st, 2025: Cyber-Related Careers
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Guest Speakers for the Cyber-Related Careers:
- Michael Voisel, Director of Global Intelligence, Oracle
- Geoff Moran, Digital Forensic Investigator, Washington Country Sherrif's Office, Oregon
- Jovanni Rodriguez, Team Lead, AML Department, BetMGM
October 31, 2025: Non-Governmental Organization Careers
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Guest Speakers for the Non-Governmental Organizations:
- Nora Stenersen, M.A., Crisis and Safety Coordinator, International Rescue Committee
- Laura Galeano, M.A., PFLAG National/Straight for Equality
- Hala Bouhafa, M.A., Analyst ii, Child Victim Identification Program, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
September 26, 2025: Doctoral study and Academic Careers
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Guest Speakers for the Doctoral Studies and Academic Careers:
- Dhanya Babu, M.A., Doctoral Candidate, Program of Doctoral Studies in Criminal Justice, CUNY Graduate Center/John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Sebastián Galleguillos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, UMass Boston
- Ran Hu, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University
Alumni Career Talks for Spring 2025
April 25, 2025: International Organizations Careers
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Guest Speakers for the international organizations:
- Julie Park, Partnerships Team Lead, UNICEF Istanbul
- Katalin Downing, Administrative Officer, UNDSS Kyiv
- Yousif Almasri, Fund Portfolio, UNDP NY
- Giorgio Ravaigi, Team Lead, Case Intake Screening & Intellegence, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria
March 28, 2025: Private Sector Careers
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Guest Speakers for the private sector:
- Jonathon Simmons, Apple Global Security Investigations
- Pelumi Raji-Bolaji, Cybersecurity as a Product Development Analyst at Mastercard
- Michael Temple, Financial Crime Specialist
February 28, 2025: Public Sector Careers
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Guest Speakers for the public sector:
- Christina Rusu, Crime Specialist, NYPD
- Joanna Callen, Deputy Superintendent, Ministry of National Security Jamaica
- Dan Cosgrove, Director, Data Analysis MTA Headquarters Office of Security
On October 27, 2025, Ms. May Pascaud taught a free workshop on building literature reviews and refining your research interests and skills with methods, resources, and new AI features.
On November 20, 205, Ms. Pascaud followed her successful workshop with one on reading and understanding findings in quantitative research that helped students understand meta-analyses, identify relevant research, and learning how to describe statistical tables and statistical significant results.
On September 12, 2025, Mr. Will Briskin an Advanced Certificate in Transnational and Organized Crime student led a workshop on "How to Navigate Court Case Analysis." Mr. Briskin background as the head researcher at the Wall Street Journal's Investigations Bureau allowed for a successful peer led learning environment that help other students develop fundemental research skills.
This workshop was recorded and can be watched here
On Date - April 15th, 2026 The Master Of Arts In International Crime And Justice Hosted A Guest Talk On: The Convergence Of Crime: How Environmental Exploitation Fuels Global Corruption By Jim Karani. Jim Karani is a 5th-year Criminal Justice PhD Student and an environmental lawyer. He has research interests in environmental criminology and focuses on various forms of environmental crime, including forest crime, carbon credit fraud, wildlife poaching, and wildlife trafficking.
Mr. Karani talked on how emerging forms of organized environmental crime are undermining global efforts to protect forests and wildlife. Drawing on research into poaching, wildlife trafficking, forest crime, and carbon credit fraud in Africa, the talk highlighted the scale and sophistication of criminal networks operating across environmental sectors. These crimes are not isolated and are coordinated, transnational, and driven by high profits, often exploiting weak governance and regulatory gaps.
A central theme of the talk was the “convergence of crime.” Karani will explain how traditional environmental crimes are increasingly intersecting with financial crimes and how organized networks are embedding themselves in carbon credit systems, manipulating verification processes and inflating or fabricating emissions reductions. This talk aimed at instilling a sense of urgency about protecting the Earth and its resources.
On March 26, 2026 Thursday, The Gender Studies Program and the International Crime and Justice MA Program hosted presentation by Dr. Halyna Lemekh - Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, and the Coordinator of the Forum on Migration at St. Francis College in New York City. She was introduction and Discussion: Katarzyna (Kashka) Celinska, Ph.D. Gender Studies and LPS Department
Gender as a Selectivity Aspect of Ukrainian Refugees' Relocation to the United States
In April 2022, the “Uniting for Ukraine” program was enacted by the Biden administration to host hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against their homeland. This presentation is premised on 31 in-depth interviews collected in the New York Metropolitan area and sheds light on the feminization of forced migration from Ukraine.
The funding for the events was provided by the Office of Research Advancement (OAR) at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
On February 18, 2026 Alessandro Galli and The Master of Arts in International Crime and Justice Hosted a Guest Talk on Portrait of the Italian Mafia
Mr. Alessandro Galli will provide an in-depth exploration of the conceptual distinction between "simple" criminal organizations and mafia-type criminal organizations, as defined by criminological scholarship and the Italian legal framework. Drawing on this theoretical foundation, the presentation will outline the primary structural, operational, and cultural characteristics of contemporary Italian mafias. Special emphasis will be placed on the so-called "Fourth Mafia," a criminal organization that has emerged in recent decades in the Gargano area of Apulia, Southern Italy. The rapid ascent of this organization represents a significant case study of the transformation and consolidation of mafia groups in non-traditional territories. The analysis will focus on the organization’s core criminal activities, including drug trafficking, which is facilitated by established affiliations with Albanian organized crime, as well as the systematic infiltration and control of key sectors within the local economy. The presentation will also examine the relationship between organized crime and public institutions, highlighting the structural vulnerabilities present in local administrations. In this regard, the recurring dissolution of several municipalities in the Gargano region over the past decade serves as a notable indicator of the pervasive influence and institutional penetration of mafia-type organizations in the area.
Bio: Alessandro Galli holds a five-year single-cycle Master’s degree in Law and is a qualified trainee lawyer authorized to act as substitute counsel. He is currently a PhD candidate in Economic Sciences at the University of Foggia in Italy, where his doctoral research, supported by a competitive scholarship, examines the infiltration of organized crime into the socio-economic fabric, with a particular focus on the Gargano area in Apulia. Currently, Mr. Galli is involved in international academic activities and research collaborations that focus on organized crime studies.
His academic interests encompass mafia-type criminal organizations, criminal law, corruption, and the economic and institutional impacts of organized crime at the local level. He integrates legal analysis with socio-economic and empirical perspectives in his work. Notably, he is the author of the article “Challenges of Applying Article 416-bis of the Italian Criminal Code and the Fourth Mafia,” published in the peer-reviewed journal Nullum Crimen.
On December 5, 2025, the Center on Terrorism presented, "Making Peace in Northern Ireland." This event celebrated the release of Dr. Charles B. Strozier's new book, which examines the remarkable process that led to peace in Northern Ireland after decades of violence and the Good Friday Agreement.
On December 9, 2025, his Excellency, Mr. Joan Forner Rovira discussed Andorra's efforts to secure a funded mandate for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
On October 22, 2025, Supervisory Special Agent Dr. Rick Rodriguez discussed "The 4-Ms of Transnational Organized Crime: Understanding the Lifecycle."
On April 2, 2025 the Senior Police Advisor for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Mr. Bernardo Pillot discussed "Inside Global Cybercrime Investigations: Lessons from Interpol."
On February 5, 2025, Former Director if the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and Prodessor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Miami, Dr Alex R. Piquero discussed "Career Paths in Criminology: Lessons from the Academic and Policy Worlds."
On April 22, 2026 The International Crime and Justice Master of Arts Degree Program,Criminal Justice PhD Program, and The Office for Advancement of Research Hosted the Successful Panel: Human Trafficking in the Digital Age: Exploring New Frontiers in Exploitation & Prevention.
This event brought together interdisciplinary scholars, practitioners, and community organizations to examine how digital technologies are changing the dynamics of human trafficking—and to highlight new approaches to prevention, intervention, and survivor support.
Moderated by: Dr. Lauren Moton, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and the International Criminal Justice Program, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Dr. Lauren N. Moton is an Assistant Professor at CUNY John Jay College, jointly appointed in the Department of Criminal Justice and the International Criminal Justice Program. Her research examines human trafficking, labor exploitation, organized crime, and digital-age vulnerabilities through feminist, community-based, and global justice frameworks. Drawing on domestic and international fieldwork, her research explores how technology, migration, and inequality shape both risk and resistance within contexts of forced labor and illicit economies.
With Guest Speakers:
Speaker: Estelle Davis, Esq. Assistant Director, Bureau of Refugee Services, Response to Human Trafficking Unit Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Estelle Davis is an experienced attorney in immigration and labor law, currently serving as Assistant Director in the Bureau of Refugee Services and coordinating the New York State Response to Human Trafficking Program. She previously worked providing culturally appropriate trauma-informed anti-labor trafficking services at the NY Department of Labor as Counsel to the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs. Estelle has worked for over 20 years in government, legal services, and community-based organizations. She is fluent in Spanish, received her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in New York.
Speaker: George Ioannidis, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Human Trafficking Unit, New York
George Ioannidis currently serves as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Public Safety Division. Mr. Ioannidis has served in this executive level position since July 2021. Mr. Ioannidis oversees the operational functions of HSI personnel operating four investigative groups: the Human Trafficking Task Force, the Criminal Alien Investigations Team, the Worksite Enforcement Group and the Voter Fraud/Alien Smuggling Unit. In addition to these responsibilities, Mr. Ioannidis currently serves as the Overseer of Certified Undercover Operation Executive.
Speaker: David Weiss, Esq. Chief, Human Trafficking Unit, Co-Chair, Brooklyn Human Trafficking Task Force, The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office
David Weiss is the Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where he leads a specialized team dedicated to investigating and prosecuting all forms of sex trafficking of adults and children, as well as labor trafficking. He also serves as the law enforcement lead and co-chair of the U.S. Department of Justice-funded Brooklyn Human Trafficking Task Force, a multi-disciplinary collaboration addressing trafficking across New York City.
Speaker: Aisha Lewis-McCoy, Esq. Bronx’s Attorney Legal Aid Society Exploitation Intervention Project
Aisha Lewis-McCoy (pronounced eye-shah, using she/her/hers pronouns) is a public defender and native New Yorker working on an interdisciplinary citywide team representing survivors facing punishment in NY state criminal courts. Aisha pursues alternative sentencing for domestic violence survivors and clears conviction records for human trafficking survivors. Aisha has led trainings nationally on victim rights, preventing trafficking, trauma-informed legal practice, misogynoir in state courts, navigating law enforcement encounters, and the criminalization of domestic violence victims and human-trafficking victims. Outside of work, Aisha can be found in the many parks of The Bronx, hiking and making art with her spouse and two children.
On March 4, 2026 The Master of Arts in International Crime & Justice In partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Hosted a Information Panel
It was focused on discovering how science, technology, and justice intersect at the DEA as you help dismantle drug networks, regulate powerful pharmaceuticals, analyze cutting-edge evidence, and lead prevention campaigns, while building a career that directly impacts communities nationwide. DEA Special Agents gave an overview of career paths across the agency, including roles for chemists, researchers, analysts, special agents, and positions in divisions like the Cyber Unit.
DEA Special Agents shared key success attributes, resume strategies, and tips for a competitive application.
On March 12, 2026 The International Crime & Justice MA Program x Criminology Club Hosted: From the rise of Darknet markets and drug trafficking to cyber-enabled human trafficking and crypto-money laundering, organized crime is evolving faster than ever.
Students got an inside look at how organized crime is changing, from online criminal networks to cross-border crime. They learned about new research and see how the ICJ MA program provides you with new career opportunities.
On September 25, 2025, The International Crime and Justice MA program proudly presented the "Transnational Organized Crime: New Threats, New Responses" event.
The moderator for this event is a representative from UNODC and our program is in partnership with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Aside from the plethora of invaluable knowledge that will be gleaned from this event, as a student you will have the unique opportunity to network with members of the United Nations and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
On July 17, 2025, The UN High-Level Political Forum HLPF Side Event: "Strengthening Civil Society Voices in Drug Policy for Sustainable Development"
This side event spotlighted the essential contributions of civil society in shaping inclusive drug policies that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While SDG 3 explicitly addresses drug-related issues under its health targets, effective and equitable drug policies are also vital to achieving broader goals such as reducing inequality (SDG 10) and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) and many others. The event will underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships, recognizing that meaningful engagement of civil society enhances accountability, ensures community-centered approaches, and strengthens efforts across sectors to address the complex interlinkages between drug policy and sustainable development.
On March 11, 2025, the Conflict-Related Sex and Gender-Based Violence Crimes in Celebration of International Women's Day Event
In honor of International Women's Day on Tuesday, March 11, the Center for International Human Rights hosted a panel discussion about the conflict related sex and gender based violence crimes. Dr. Heidi Matthews, social activist Yasmin Ullah, and Dr. Jana Arsovska were the guest speakers for this event.
On February 11, 2025, The Rhino Man Movie Screening
John Jay had the honor to screen this movie. If you are interested in movies, wildlife, and justice, please consider watching the film "Rhino Man," Directed by John Jurko II, and Miriam Ratkovicova (Managing Director/Risk & Financial Advisory).
Please consider watching this film to learn, explore, and watch the heroic tale of rangers who would risk their life to preserve wildlife!
UNITAR Global Diplomacy Initiative Fellowship Spring 2025 Information Session.
If you are interested in the UNITAR GDI program the information session was recorded.
Februart 26, 2025, the ICJ Valentine's Day Tea & Cookie Decorating Party
On-campus and online students got to participate in a fun card and cookie decorating activity. Materials were shipped to online students, and the event was available through Zoom.
Dear Incoming ICJ MA Students,
Welcome to the International Crime and Justice MA Degree Program here at John Jay College! Sincerest of congratulations on your decision to join this incredible academic journey you are all about to embark on.
The Directors of the program and the Academic Advisors are happy to invite all accepted incoming students to join us for the official program orientation sessions.
The orientation session was recorded
