Learn About Allison & Leslie

Professional and Educational Experience

I have spent my career dedicated to public education as a professor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, the City University of New York.  Baruch College is recognized as one of the most diverse college campuses in the country and successfully closing equity gaps. Racial and ethnic minorities, including recent immigrants and children of immigrants, make up 74 percent of our undergraduate population.

For 7 years I was in an administrative role as Director of the Baruch Center for Teaching and Learning which oversees the college’s faculty development for 1,000+ faculty and two educational technologies. I served in this role during the pandemic, so I have a lot of practice listening to stakeholders with different needs and developing solutions through shared governance to develop policy and plans under rapidly changing and complex circumstances. My priorities have always been student-focused and supporting teachers and staff to be the best they can be. 

I've developed and ran a multi-year student survey about Baruch student learning experiences taking online courses during COVID and post-COVID, and a later faculty survey gathering feedback on students learning struggles.

I attended public school K-12, a private university for my undergraduate degree (B.A. in Theatre from Barnard College, Columbia University) and a public college for my master's (M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship at Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York).

Policy  & Technology Experience

I am a member of the Baruch Faculty Senate Executive Committee and chair the Sub-Committee on Educational Policy where I deal with college-wide issues.

For my school, I sit on the Zicklin School of Business Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department Curriculum Committee and have developed new STEAM undergraduate courses as well as co-founded our college's pop-up makerspace, MakerHub.

When ChatGPT became available, I created programming and resources to help faculty understand the privacy implications, academic integrity challenges and pedagogical opportunities.   This kind of experience would be especially useful in managing upcoming policy requirements by NYS on mobile phone use in schools and struggles with student use of AI.

Personal Experience in Croton Schools

I’ve lived in Croton for 15 years with my husband, children, and two sporadically social cats. Both of my children have received their education through CHUFSD.  

I had the honor to be part of the Croton Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF) board, chairing the Allocations Committee. It was a pleasure to learn more about and support the vision of CHUFSD teachers and administration to enrich the experience of all CHUFSD students. 

On a personal level, now that my children are graduating, I’ve gained first hand insights on the college application process. I believe in giving CHUFSD students the data and resources they need to realistically pursue their various goals. Our district supports many students confidently, but we need to build out our resources for students interested in diverse pathways and clearly communicate these possibilities to allow all students to pursue their unique futures. 

My Approach

I like digging into complex situations and getting to know people and their perspectives along with key details before coming up with solutions. I teach and apply the principles of design thinking.

Even though it can be slower, I actually like to actively listen to people who have different perspectives and needs and see how this information can actually develop into a more nuanced solution that is better suited to the people and institutions involved. Learn more about our platform

Other Experience:

Education Committee, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester

Girl Scout Leader

PTA Member at CET, PVC and CHHS

CET lunch program volunteer

Personal Experience and Croton Schools
I have been a Croton on Hudson resident for over two decades with my husband Steve Pollak, a special education and music educator in the Yonkers School District and songwriter for the rock band Phish and three children, Jesse ‘20, Jamie ‘22, and Jeremy ‘26, who have all gone through the CHUFSD school system.  As a mother of children with diverse needs and interests (lacrosse, band, tennis, finance competitions, etc.)  I have been an advocate for all students in the areas of strong academic standards, enrichment, better communication and diverse learning needs.

As a mother of two graduates, I have a comprehensive understanding of how student and parental clarity of curriculum choices and pathways helps build confidence in our students and enables them to have more choices upon graduation. I have enjoyed meeting with parents over the years to provide a forum of discussion regarding academics.  Our family established the Annual Districtwide Croton Harmon Chess Tournament (7 years ago) and have been longtime supporters and advocates of the Mandarin Program.  We have enjoyed supporting the PTA, Booster Club and other school initiatives. My work with previous administrators and faculty resulted in a math enrichment program for first graders (years ago) and the strengthening of a newly purchased math online program that wasn't operating correctly.  Lastly, I have helped families, including my own, to navigate resources for students with special needs.

As a graduate of New York City public Schools, I am committed to a high-quality public education for our children.  I am a proud graduate of Cornell University, where I have been an active alumna.  I have been serving as the co-chair for Westchester admissions the Cornell Alumni Ambassador Network for the past three years.

Professional and Educational Experience
I am currently using my strategic, financial and fundraising expertise to further the goals of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Westchester, an organization supporting, educating and advocating for individuals with mental health conditions, their families and the community at large. NAMI Westchester has provided free mental health programs to Croton Harmon schools for the past ten years.

Nearly three decades of experience in the philanthropic world (including 15 years in the education sector at the Horace Mann School and Yeshiva University), strategic planning, and non-profit board management have given me the valuable skills required to enable non-profit organizations to achieve their vision.  Additionally, my work as a financial representative and consultant for both non-profits and individuals allows me to purposefully examine financial situations to maximize value to budget-constrained organizations. 

My Approach

I believe in researching best practices and using national, state and local information and data to inform decisions.  I like to hear viewpoints  that challenge my own and hope to be elected as a Croton-Harmon Board of Education Board Member to be part of the meaningful conversations that will directly impact the children and families of the Croton-Harmon School District community.  Learn more about our platform