Sanaa Woodley is a senior at the University at Albany, where she is pursuing a dual major in political science and sociology, alongside a minor in Africana studies. She is deeply committed to advocating for equitable policy and justice. Throughout her academic journey, Woodley has demonstrated exceptional leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills through various impactful roles, such as a third-year resident assistant in a first-year quad, a FAFSA/TAP ambassador, a 2025 NLNY leader for the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, and a youth justice scholar at the New York State Youth Justice Institute, among others. Her academic excellence has been consistently recognized, with six consecutive semesters on the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students and as a three-time recipient of the Dr. Seth Spellman Academic Achievement Award. In spring 2024, Woodley championed research on the history of Black-owned businesses in Albany, focusing on the effects of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implications of limited investment and interest in these businesses. Her work aims to shed light on the detrimental impact of a lack of Black dollars and investment on the success of Black businesses. Woodley plans to continue her education after graduation to pursue a master’s in public policy or attend law school in New York.