Daniel currently is the Chief Operating Officer at Houlihan Lawrence – a leading Real Estate company north of New York City.
What did you study at Jefferson/Philadelphia University/Textile?
I was part of the Law & Society program's second graduating class in 2013, minoring in Psychology.
Where are you from originally?
Yonkers, NY and now live in Stamford, CT
What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?
Alongside my coursework, I was deeply involved in student life as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader and club president. During the early years of the Law & Society program, I had opportunities to help shape the major, including collaborating with Professor Laine and university administrators to strengthen the curriculum, participating in mock trials, touring the White House and interning at an LGBTQ+ rights nonprofit. Most importantly, Jefferson helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to use it.
What has having a Jefferson degree done for you, and how has it prepared you for your career?
My Law & Society degree didn't lead me to law school as I originally planned, but it prepared me just as well. It taught me how to think critically, analyze problems and find practical solutions. The program also taught me how to research and write, which helped me succeed in my master's program in Higher Education & Student Affairs at UConn.
Just as important was my experience outside the classroom. Working as an RA, Orientation Leader and in student leadership is what sparked my interest in higher education and shaped how I think about leading teams. Between the academics and the hands-on experience, Jefferson taught me that these skills work anywhere. That's proven true throughout my career in higher education and now in real estate.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently the Chief Operating Officer for The Metalios Team at Houlihan Lawrence, where I help lead the #1 real estate team in Connecticut.
My work centers on strategic planning, operational efficiency and organizational development. I help simplify complexity, build scalable systems, train agents and support leadership in making informed, forward-looking decisions. My Law & Society background informs how I approach problem-solving and systems-level thinking across the business.
What does it mean to you to be a Jefferson alum?
While I didn’t follow a traditional legal path, I’m proud to represent the idea that a liberal arts–grounded education has lasting value. Jefferson, and my time working in higher education afterward, taught me how to chart my own course, even when that course changed. Being recognized reminds me that success doesn’t have to look one specific way to be meaningful.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I still read Supreme Court opinions for fun. Despite never going to law school, I follow major cases, track legislation and keep up with political developments like other people follow sports. Law & Society clearly stuck with me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?
Leadership, growth and self-discovery don’t just happen in lectures. What happens outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside it. Take on roles that stretch you, use your voice and engage with faculty who are invested in your growth. You never know where your career will take you. Jefferson gave me the foundation to adapt, pivot and face a career path I never originally planned.