The 2025-2026 LEADS Team: Learners Educating and Amplifying Development in Schools
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The Officers!
Zoe Epstein: President
Zoe Epstein is a senior at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. In April of her junior year, Zoe founded the Vermont Learners Association to ensure that student voices are not only heard—but truly valued. With so many changes happening across Vermont’s schools, Zoe saw a need for more authentic student involvement in conversations around curriculum, policy, and the future of learning. The VLA was born out of a belief that students deserve a seat at the table, not just as observers, but as active participants and collaborators in shaping the educational experiences that affect us every day. She’s excited to see the VLA grow into a space where students feel empowered to speak up, and adults actively seek out student ideas. Zoe looks forward to building a community where learners are heard, valued, and given a platform to lead.
Olivia Cieri: Vice President
Olivia Cieri is a junior at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. In the future, Olivia plans on getting a degree in political science and eventually getting her master's. She joined VLA in hopes of being able to advocate for student voice in policy making and change within Vermont education.
Annie Harte: Treasurer
Annie Harte is a senior at Burlington High School in Burlington, Vermont. Annie loves to write creatively and play soccer. In the future, she plans on majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics. Annie joined the VLA because she believes that policies should be made and informed by the people who will feel their effects.
Eli Wimette: Secretary
Eli Wimette is a senior at Mount Mansfield Union High School in Jericho, Vermont. In the future, Eli plans to become a teacher. He is excited to be the administrative assistant for the VLA, as it is an exciting opportunity to elevate student voices to the state level and help train future leaders to take on important projects!
the Directors!
Cashel Higgins: Director Of Fundraising
Cashel Higgins is a senior at Harwood Unified Union School in Moretown, Vermont. Cashel joined the VLA because he believes that students in Vermont need to be informed about what’s happening legislatively, how it affects them, and what to do about it. In the future, he hopes to attend law school and continue working to inform and help the public as an antitrust specialist.
Chloe Ngu: Director of Communications
Chloe Ngu is a senior at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. Her future plans are to go to Medical school, become a psychiatrist, and write a book. Chloe wanted to be a member of the VLA because she feels that it is essential to include student voice in education-related policies, as these policies impact us as students personally. She hopes to use her position on this team to create a better future for education while representing students and their beliefs and advocating that our voice be included at the level of policy creation by the Legislature.
Jacklyn Whittier: Director of Digital Marketing
Jacklyn Whittier is a senior at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. Jacklyn is an activist who believes we need to be the change that we want to see. This is why she is a part of multiple social justice organizations whose goals are to educate and to take action. In her free time, Jacklyn is a kids' martial arts instructor. After high school, she plans to major in Elementary Education and minor in Japanese, Spanish, and or American Sign Language. Jacklyn joined the VLA because she believes that students play a valuable role in the education system and should have the opportunity to voice their opinions on subjects that directly impact them.
Jacoby Soter: Director of Partnerships
Jacoby Soter is a senior at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans, Vermont, and Chief Student Board Representative on the Maple Run Unified School District Board of Directors. Throughout high school, he has been active in numerous nonprofits and student-serving organizations at both the state and national levels. Jacoby joined the VLA because he believes educational equity is a basic human right. He is passionate about advocacy and activism in education and looks forward to advancing the VLA’s mission of expanding student voice in Vermont and ensuring students have a meaningful vote on school boards.
Navah Glikman: Director of Social Media
Navah Glikman is a senior at Middlebury Union High School in Middlebury, Vermont. Navah enjoys running and practicing yoga, as well as reading and drawing. Her favorite school subjects are math and science, and she hopes to go into a pre-med track in College. Being a part of the VLA is important to Navah because she wants to spread information regarding decisions that impact students and help enact student-led change. She is excited to continue working with the VLA!
Quincy Sabick: Director of the Newsletter
Quincy is a senior at Vergennes Union High School in Vergennes, Vermont. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, and art. After high school, she plans to pursue a degree in public policy and attend law school. Quincy joined VLA because she believes in the value of youth being involved in all decisions that directly affect them.