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NextGen SPA Profile: Arie Wactor

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Camden, South Carolina
  • College/University: North Carolina Central University
  • Major: Criminal Justice with a concentration in juvenile justice

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a junior Criminal Justice major with a concentration in Juvenile Justice at North Carolina Central University. When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a lawyer or a police officer. Being the reason a person gets the justice they deserve has always had a special place in my heart. Being a female in this field is already challenging because society thinks as if we aren’t strong enough mentally and physically for the job. But I want to be an example to society that it is possible.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to be a Criminal Defense Lawyer and run a non profit organization.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be my grandmother who passed away. She was one of my favorite people in the world and played a big role in raising me. She was always there when I needed someone to talk to, and she showed me so much love, care, and support. I really miss her warm hugs, her advice, and especially her singing. She had a beautiful voice that always made me feel better, no matter what I was going through. Having dinner with her again would mean everything to me. I would love the chance to hear her laugh, share stories, and just be in her presence one more time.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Judge Faith Jenkins, she offers legal insights and helps individuals navigate complex personal issues.

NextGen SPA Profile: Artist Tyson

  • Pronouns: He/Him
  • Hometown: Austin, Texas
  • College/University: Texas Southern University
  • Major: Political Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Artist Tyson and I’m from Austin, Texas. Growing up I performed in a number of oratory competitions so I’m a fairly well trained speaker. As far as hobbies I ride horses, read, write poetry and hike when I have the time. I enjoy jazz, rap, grunge, soul , blues and number of other genres. I’m a lively character who’s not timid and enjoys the moment and experience.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I’m considering getting involved in politics working as an commissioner and following this a senator in Texas.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Malcom X and Martin Luther King jr. I would ask them how they feel about the modern state of the black american community.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Jasmine Crocket, I love how she presents herself and is able to navigate the court atmosphere and standing firm , never compromising her values.

NextGen SPA Profile: Sandra Teran

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Houston, TX
  • College/University: University of Houston
  • Major: Public Policy

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a first-generation college student majoring in Public Policy, with minors in Human Development and Family Sciences and Business Administration. I currently serve as the Social Media Coordinator for a nonpartisan grassroots organization focused on advocacy both on and off campus. I’m passionate about equity across various sectors, and using policy as a tool for social change.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

Policy Consultant

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, I’d choose Eleanor Roosevelt because she was not only a dedicated public servant who shaped international human rights, but also a compassionate advocate.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite is Bernie Sanders who has spent his life fighting for justice, and healthcare with compassion, always focused on helping ordinary people.

NextGen SPA Profile: Gurasis Singh

  • Pronouns: He/Him
  • Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
  • College/University: University of Minnesota
  • Major: Entrepreneurial Management & Political Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Gurasis and I am a student at the University of Minnesota studying Entrepreneurial Management and Political Science. I am a fierce advocate for students and a deeply passionate about innovative education policy and law. In addition to my studies, I am a co-founder of an Ed-Tech startup, and in my free time I like to make pottery on the wheel and cook new foods!

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to become the US Secretary of Education or a State Commissioner of Education. I would love to use this position to create systemic reform in American education and establish equitable practices in in our educational institutions to promote growth and learning.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with former president Jimmy Carter so I could hear about the establishment of the Department of Education.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Miguel Cardona. As US Secretary of Education, he reopened schools and established significant aid and support structures for students nationwide.

NextGen SPA Profile: Senthian Mugisha

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Bronx, New York
  • College/University: The City College of New York
  • Major: Political Science and International Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Senthian Mugisha. I am from East Africa, Tanzania, and first-generation undergrad attending the Collin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York. I’m currently majoring in Political Science and minoring in International Studies. I’m aspiring to one day be a dedicated advocate for social justice, immigration, education, and homelessness.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to one day is one day start up a non profit to help resource children and mothers in underserved communities. The impact I hope to make is help provide education, supplies, food, housing etc.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with Viola Davis, because I’ve always looked up to her when I was younger and she is a great inspiration to me.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is, Vanessa L. Gibson because of her continues support and represntation she has for The Bronx.

NextGen SPA Profile: Rossy Sierra

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California
  • College/University: University of Washington
  • Major: Sociology

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi my name is Rossy Sierra. I’m a third-year Sociology major with minors in Human Rights and Public Policy at the University of Washington in Seattle. My academic interests focus on immigration, access to higher education, and social mobility. I’ve been involved in community-based research with the WA Commission on Hispanic Affairs and another project through the Seattle Department of Transportation. Outside of my studies, I’m a Latine Student Union board member and enjoy reading and baking.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I don’t really have a dream job, but I know that I would love to help those in communities that look like one that I came from achieve their goals whether that be access to higher education, increasing their social mobility, or helping them on their pathway to citizenship.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Norberta, she was a close family friend who passed away when I was young. I knew her as a person who cared for me up until the age of 6 but now as an adult I would love to get to know more about her life through her instead of stories through others.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. I like how she has used her platform to discuss latine and working class issues.

NextGen SPA Profile: Pamela Ortega

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Dominican Republic/New York City
  • College/University: Baruch College
  • Major: Political Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hey everyone! I am Pamela and I am from the Dominican Republic a little bit over 4 years ago. I currently live in Manhattan and I attend Baruch College where I’m majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communication Studies. I switched from Computer Science to Political Science over the winter, and now my expected graduation date is the Fall of 2025. I love hanging out with my friends, try new restaurants and dress up to take pictures. Looking forward to meet you all soon!

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to become a Congresswoman or an elected official at the state level. I want to work in the Public Service sector and maybe start off by working for an elected member of the Legislative branch or a member of the NY legislature. I want to run a non-profit with my best friend. I want to have several organizations that will help immigrants and children. I want to change NYC and make it a better place for the future generations to come, I want my baby sister to grow in a safe place and for her to have access to resources that I didn’t have growing up in an underdeveloped country. I want to have organizations that will uplift the economy of my home country to provide access to resources to those in need. I want to be the voice of those who don’t feel heard by their current representatives.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

My grandpa, I miss him and I want to know what he thinks of me right now. JESUS, because I want to meet him, and thank him.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

AOC and Carmen de la Rosa. Women who aren’t afraid to stand up to those who are wrong and who came from little positions to now be so influential.

NextGen SPA Profile: Denzel Massaley

  • Pronouns: He/Him
  • Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • College/University: Pennsylvania State University
  • Major: Telecommunications and Media Industries

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am Denzel Massaley, a Telecommunications and Media Industries student with a minor in Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors. I have a background in multimedia journalism and reporting as well as pre and post production. I’m from Philly, but I spent some time living in Houston.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is being an Executive Director for a newsroom covering policy. I hope to be able to providing digestible information symmetry on pressing issues to everyday citizens.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Fred Hampton, I am curious about the organizational and rhetorical techniques he used when forming what would be called the Rainbow Coalition.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Bernie Sanders. I think he’s a great orator and draws attention to working families’ issues.

NextGen SPA Profile: Marianna Lares

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Merrillville, Indiana
  • College/University: Indiana University
  • Major: Law and Public Policy

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am an undergrad at IU majoring in Law & Public policy. I am passionate about advocacy, social justice issues, and community development. I hope to become an attorney someday and practice in immigration law and use my knowledge to defend those in underrepresented communities. I am always looking for ways to better myself and connect along the way.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to become an immigration attorney someday. The kind of impact that I hope to make is bettering other people’s lives and advocating for those specifically, in underrepresented communities.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Alexandria Ocasio Cortez because she is a Latina woman like me committed to social justice through her advocacy.

NextGen SPA Profile: Leah Ibrahim

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Cosmopolis, Washington
  • College/University: Gonzaga University
  • Major: Political Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hello, my name is Taleah Ibrahim and I am a political science major at Gonzaga University. I currently serve as a senator and Model UN Delegate for my institution. I additionally work as a research assistant, this spring I had the chance to present my research at the Midwest Political Science Conference in Chicago. Some of my interests include working out, dancing, reading and coffee! I look forward to meeting you all!

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to be a child advocate attorney, I want to assist children in attaining better futures.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Annie Sullivan or Ruby Bridges, I strongly respect the role both of these women played in the field of education.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Michelle Daniels; She worked to create a housing voucher program for 18-24 year olds who are aging out of foster care.