Leah Foster

About Leah Foster

As a College Affordability Advisor at uAspire and a Masters of Higher Education Leadership Student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, I am passionate about roles in higher education, student affairs, and college & career success to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.My leadership experiences have fueled my passion for student engagement, mentorship, and program development. Serving as the President of Sankofa: the Black Students\' Union at HWS, I have worked to foster inclusive spaces, coordinate impactful programming, and advocate for student needs. In my role as a Writing & Social Media Intern, I developed strategic content, supported campus outreach, helped students strengthen their communication skills, and worked with them throughout every stage of the writing process. Additionally, as Vice President of the Model African Union, I partnered with peers to facilitate meaningful discussions on global issues.Beyond leadership, my research on racial barriers to campus involvement and student belonging at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges students face in higher education. These experiences have strengthened my dedication to mentorship, promoting career readiness, and student success.I look forward to applying my skills in advising, program coordination, and student support services in a role where I can help students thrive academically and personally.

Experience

1. College Affordability Advisor

   Uaspire

   Sep 2025 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Advise NYC high school graduates on financial aid and college affordability via text, Zoom, and workshops, managing a caseload of 800+ students, and guiding timely completion of state, federal, and institutional forms.• Build strong student relationships through tech platforms and collaborate with schools, families, and community partners to support success.• Maintain student data in Salesforce while advocating for students and connecting them to campus and community resources.

Education

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges

  Master of Arts - MA, Higher Education Leadership

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges

  Bachelor's degree, Sociology

• The White Mountain School

  High School Diploma