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Sasha Spizer

3x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hi! I'm Sasha, an Economics and Sociology dual major with an Education Equity minor at Union College in New York, with plans to pursue a master's in public policy and law. I tutor and mentor children with diverse needs, including twice-exceptional students. As someone with twice-exceptional traits myself, I understand what it feels like not to be fully understood. My goal is to show kids that their differences are not flaws but unique strengths to embrace. I've tutored since high school, and every summer I work as a camp counselor. I also volunteer at a center for children with special needs, where I see the power of encouragement and inclusion every day. My love of art history and the power of imagery shape my perspective, and I hope to incorporate creative expression into my work to help children explore their identities and emotions. I'm passionate about closing gaps in services for children with disabilities — righting funding inequities and improving special education teacher pipelines. I'm pursuing this through an honors research project on IEP fulfillment for underserved children in NYC, cross-cultural fieldwork on community-driven inclusion models, and advocacy at the city and state level. Growing up, I witnessed my mother's strength as she battled breast cancer and supported a family member with chronic migraines. These experiences taught me deep empathy and a commitment to helping others feel understood. Beyond my work, I find inspiration in rock climbing and skiing — activities that fuel my determination and creativity.

Education

Union College

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Economics
    • Sociology
  • Minors:
    • Education, Other
    • Special Education and Teaching

Hunter College High School

High School
2016 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Public Policy

    • Dream career goals:

      Teacher/Advocate/Policy Maker Supporting Children with NeuroDivergence

    • Tutor

      Self-employed
      2023 – Present3 years
    • Intern Assistant to ABA Teacher

      Cross Roads School for Children
      2025 – 2025
    • Camp Counsellor

      Camp Herrlich
      2023 – Present3 years
    • Retail Associate

      Union College Bookstore
      2024 – 20251 year

    Sports

    Pickleball

    Club
    2024 – Present2 years

    Bouldering

    Club
    2024 – Present2 years

    Alpine Skiing

    Club
    2023 – Present3 years

    Badminton

    Club
    2022 – 20242 years

    Research

    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

      Union College — Seward Fellow Research Project Lead
      2025 – Present

    Arts

    • Hunter College High School

      Art Criticism
      2020 – Present

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Union College — Orientation
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Hunter College High School — Tutor
      2022 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      COCOA House — Tutor
      2024 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Independent Initiative in support of Coalition for Equitable Education Funding (CEEF) — Student Advocate
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Safe Haven — Animal caregiver
      2020 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Yorkville Sports and Athletic Association — Tutor
      2022 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship