Our Founder

Our Founder - Hi! My name is Alexandria Crawford, and I am the founder of the Impact Lab. I attend Monroe University as a Sports Management Major, and I am a dancer of the Monroe University Marching Band Majorette Dance Team. I started this project outof a love for local politics. After coming off of a busy year filled with school board and local elections, I was inspired and wanted to do more. 

After leaving an inaguration for the newly elected county and city government officials, I was inspired, and I fetl led to make a change in my community. This was such an important event for me because I had worked closely with all of these leaders, and I knew most of the candiates, and we campaigned and canvassed together. 

When driving home, I thought to myself , "How can I educate other young people on the importance of voting, local politics, and being civically engaged." That's when the concept of The Impact Lab was born. I created a space for serious young leaders to come together, network, and truly create change in the next generation of local politics. After speaking with a former Youth and Government participant, I knew it was time to put my hands to the plow, and carry this idea to fruition. 

When trying to come up with a name, instantly, a lab came into my brain. I thought about how a lab is used. A lab is used to experiment, to fail, try again, and in the end create a beautiful result that not only benefits the scientist, but also benefits the community that needed the discovery to be made. That is the complete mission of The Impact Lab. 

I can't wait to see what this beautiful concept blossoms into, and the changes that I know can be made to cultivate a more positive community. 

With hope and best wishes, 

Alexandria E. Crawford

Political Accomplishments & Experience

• Participated in the Students' Choice Coalition as a Program Director - Students' Choice Coalition Website

  • Spoke at board meetings to represent student concerns

  • Helped campaign and canvass with school board election candidates

  • Created and educational program for students joining the coalition

  • Helped create the largest voter turnout in a school board election in 10 years

  • Planned and hosted events such as "Coffee with the Candidates," and a candidate board forum

  • Created fundraising ideas

• Participant in Orange County Youth In Government 

  • "Bill" and policy passed on prioritizing rest and mental health days in youth sports

  • Won County Executive for Orange County Youth in Government in April 2025 

  • Shadowed Orange County County Executive Steve Neuhaus in April 2025

• Campaigned with Newburgh Democratic and Working Families Party City Council Candidates & Orange County Legislature Democratic Candidates

  • Councilwoman Tamika Stewart (WFP) - Elected in 2025

  • Councilmember Giselle Martinez (D, WFP) - Reelected in 2025

  • Orange County Legislator Gabrielle Hill (D) - Elected in 2025

  • Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos (D) - Reelected in 2025

• RFK Human Rights Young Women's Leadership Summit at Manhattanville University

  • Connected with young women who are serious about making change

  • Facilitated by Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of formed United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy and niece of former president John F. Kennedy

  • Created plans to end national hunger, put an end to food waste, and make healthy eating more accessible for school aged children

• Rallied for the "Save The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry" Cause

  • Call-to-action rally for the MTA and Governor Kathy Hochul to save the ferry which supported commuters in the surrounding area

  • Met and spoke to Congressman Pat Ryan about this dire issue 

• High School Executive Council President 2024-25 School Year

  • Represented Newburgh Free Academy students at board meetings 

  • Coordinated, planned, and hosted events for students

  • Communicated with students regularly so that their ideas were acknowledged

• Newburgh Enlarged City School District Community Stakeholder Meetings

  • Met with district leaders and directors for a series of community stakeholder meetings 

  • Discussed strategies and bridging the gap between leadership, community members, parents, and students

  • Formulated ideas to update the student code of conduct and dismiss outdated procedures and rules

  • Discussed safety concerns within the school district

  • Connected with new students from all three high school campuses