Our Mission

At Lindenhurst Launchpad, our mission is clear: to educate, empower, and inspire students attending Lindenhurst Senior High School or residing in the area. We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to guiding and supporting young minds as they explore a world of diverse career and higher education opportunities. Our passion lies in creating a bridge between the promising potential of students and the valuable knowledge of Lindenhurst Senior High School alumni.


Founded with a vision to make a positive impact on the lives of students, we firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities. We want to elevate students' education by connecting them with our accomplished Lindenhurst Senior High School alumni, who can be an invaluable resource given the fact that they walked similar paths as today's students.


Through various programs, mentorship initiatives, and educational workshops, Lindenhurst Launchpad aims to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their dreams. We understand that each student's journey is unique, and we strive to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing environment that fosters growth and personal development.

Our Team

Brooklyn Ratel

President, Co-founder

Brooklyn Ratel is a junior studying biochemistry at Stony Brook University, where passion for mentorship shines through her various roles. She balances her studies with leadership in the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity (NY Mu), tissue engineering research, private tutoring, and Stony Brook University Orchestra rehearsals. When she finishes her bachelor's degree, she hopes to attend medical school and become a practicing physician. Brooklyn's experiences, both academic and personal, have shaped her deep desire to help students discover their strengths and ignite their ambitions. While creating a network of alumni and pool of resources for students has been a longtime goal of hers, she's most excited to watch students embark on this journey and see how high they'll soar with Lindenhurst Launchpad.

Hailee Shehu

Vice President, Co-founder

Hailee is a junior studying mechanical engineering at Stony Brook University. She is a member of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors Program, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. She is also the president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Stony Brook University Chapter. In addition, Hailee is an intern for Mechanismic Inc, a tech startup in the field of educational robotics, a mentor for WISE first year students, and a member of the research group working in the Advanced Combustion and Energy Systems Lab. Hailee hopes that Lindenhurst Launchpad will help set Lindenhurst students up for years of success after graduation.

Alexander Snit

Secretary, Co-founder

Alexander is currently in his final year of his bachelor's degree in Computer Science at Stony Brook University and will be transitioning to the master's program in the coming fall. As a dedicated member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Computer Science Honors Program, Alexander is committed to academic excellence. Alongside his studies, he is engaged in cybersecurity research on supply chain attack detection, working under the mentorship of Michalis Polychronakis. Additionally, Alexander is a Software Engineer at North Atlantic Industries, a defense and aerospace company based in Bohemia, NY. His practical experience in the industry adds a valuable dimension to his academic pursuits. He strongly believes that Lindenhurst Launchpad will provide the resources and tools necessary for Lindenhurst students to excel in their fields.

Connor Colford

Treasurer, Co-founder

Connor is currently a senior at American University in Washington D.C. pursuing a B.A. in Political Science. Upon graduating, he will continue his studies at American University's School of Public Affairs by pursuing an M.S. in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy. He is currently an intern at the U.S. House of Representatives and an Eagle Scout. Being a full believer in the importance of service to one's community, Connor wants Lindenhurst Launchpad to provide meaningful resources and assistance to Lindenhurst students as they chart out their next steps on the path to future success.