Rafad Shlla, also known as Raf Sabawi, is a fourth-year student at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business in New York City. She is double majoring in International Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
Shlla immigrated to the United States from Iraq at age eight. Arriving without English language skills, she was placed in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. She described her early years as challenging due to strict parents and the limitations of asylum status but credits her family for instilling a strong drive to succeed through education.
She said, “Pace has given me the freedom to grow, to lead, and to explore opportunities that once felt unattainable.”
After excelling academically in high school, Shlla received a full-ride scholarship to attend Pace University. She noted that her time at Lubin has allowed her to study business in New York City and participate in the Pace Education Abroad Program. This program enabled her first trip outside the United States to study at City, University of London—a period she described as both academically enriching and personally transformative.
A quote from Joseph Lubin displayed on campus has influenced her outlook: “It was financial freedom from poverty. And I felt that education was definitely a necessity as a stepping-stone in that direction. And I never stopped learning, going to school. Never.”
Shlla recently founded Elora App in June 2024, aiming to support professionals in the beauty industry with new digital tools. She plans to expand this venture globally while pursuing an MBA.
Reflecting on her journey, Shlla stated: “Looking back, Pace has changed the trajectory of my life: from ESL student to scholar, from limited independence to global experiences, from dreaming of opportunity to building a company. Most importantly, Pace has given me resilience, courage, and the confidence to transform challenges into opportunities.”
