Tag: NextGen SPA 2025

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: Queens, New York
• College/University: Baruch College
• Major: Finance

My name is Nahje and I am a junior at Baruch College. I am majoring in Finance with a minor in Law and an Interdisciplinary Minor with Honors in New York Studies. I enjoy crocheting, cooking, and watching movies in my free time.

My dream job is to be a Lawyer and Arbitrator/Mediator. I hope to inspire those around me by showing them that you can do whatever you put your mind to if you just try.

My favorite group of public servants would be teachers. The ones I have had made sure that my peers and I excelled academically and in life.

• Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
• Hometown: Mesa, WA
• College/University: University of Washington, Seattle
• Major: Sociology and Law, Societies, and Justice

Proudly rooted in my Oaxacan-Mixteco Indigenous heritage and shaped by my migrant-agricultural upbringing, I am a first-generation college student at the University of Washington, Seattle. Double-majoring in Sociology and Law, Societies, and Justice, with minors in Leadership and Spanish, I aim to empower underrepresented communities through education, law, and policy. Passionate about advocacy and equity, I strive to create systemic change for marginalized families and migrant communities.

I aspire to work with non-profit organizations and government agencies to increase access to essential resources, both in the U.S. and abroad as well. I also dream of writing a book and establishing a scholarship in honor of my migrant parents and to inspire and empower future first-generation students. Personally, I hope to settle down while embracing opportunities to travel the world and learn more about my Mixteco indigenous heritage. I want to share my experiences and knowledge wherever I go, while also learning from others and gaining new perspectives. Ultimately, my vision is to create lasting change by broadening access to resources and shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world.

I would love to have dinner with current Mexico president, Claudia Sheinbaum so I can pick her brain about the current political climate of Mexico, the indigenous community, migrants, her vision for Mexico even after she is no longer president, ask her for advice as a women in a men’s world/country, and maybe even karaoke with her….

Dolores Huerta—she fought tirelessly for farm workers’ rights, co-founded UFW, and inspires change through activism and her “Si, se puede” spirit.

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• College/University: University of New Mexico
• Major: Languages and Linguistics

My major is in linguistics and languages, with a minor in public service and I am studying Arabic and Spanish.

My dream job is to be a foreign service officer, and to assist with diplomacy in the Middle East.

It would be Noam Chomsky because then we could discuss his work in sociolinguistics and his criticism of global affairs

My favorite public servant is Antoinette Hurtado, because she encouraged me to pursue a career like her in diplomacy.

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: The Bronx, NY
• College/University: Syracuse University
• Major: Political Science and Journalism

Sarah Torres, a proud Bronx native and junior at Syracuse U, is double majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She’s the VP of the Puerto Rican Student Association, a peer mentor, and a front desk helper. She has worked for all levels of government throughout her career, most recently as a Communications Coordinator at the New York City Council. From constituent services to legislative advocacy, Sarah’s focus is on uplifting underserved communities.

My dream job is as a local elected official in the Bronx, my hometown. I would like to reduce the influence of money in local politics, reduce violence, increase union jobs, and encourage affordable housing.

I would choose AOC because she embodies my values as well as my roots. I would love to pick her brain on how she got to be in such a powerful position and how her progressive values have helped her to move forward. I think the conversation would be extremely valuable in my own search for how I would like to help my community in the future.

Sonia Sotomayor because of her dedication to her community and demonstration that hard work can get you anywhere, even to the SCOTUS.

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: Queens, New York
• College/University: CUNY Baruch College
• Major: Public Affairs

I am a junior at Baruch College majoring in Public Affairs and minoring in Law & Government. Upon graduation, I plan on attending law school to study Immigration or International Law. I am a first generation Bengali and it is very important to me to make meaningful changes towards improving my community. I am the youngest of three siblings and I have a cat named Chunni.

Immigration or international lawyer. I want to help my community.

Begum Rokeya as I want to know what inspired her to go against societal norms and fight.

Begum Rokeya. She was a Bengali women who fought for girls’ education in Bangladesh.

• Pronouns: She/Her
• Hometown: Indio, California
• College/University: UCLA
• Major: Political Science, Education (Minor)

“Academic Interests: I study political theory and education and enjoy learning how they intersect. I also have experience in policy research, some of which focused on race, education, or both.

Career Goals: I hope to attend law school and work as an attorney supporting immigrants, specifically migrant farm workers in California. I am interested in doing policy research and working to better understand and support these communities.

Hobbies: I love to make matcha and coffee!”

I want to be an attorney, serving immigrants and the migrant farm worker community, similar to the work I did during my internship last summer.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a woman hoping to be an attorney one day, I admire her story and journey as a woman, wife, and mother in the legal field. Even for very polarizing issues, RBG could speak with so much grace. She seemed very wise and personable, and I feel like we could have a great conversation about law and everyday topics.

Justice Sotomayor, as a Latina who wants to pursue law, I appreciate the work she has done and how she speaks so boldly and firmly.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Policy Consultant

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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