Leila Krotchie is the founder of The Next Seat, a student-led interview platform dedicated to connecting the next generation with the leaders shaping our world. A student at BASIS Oro Valley, one of America's top-ranked high schools, she is deeply interested in public service, education, leadership, and civic engagement. Through The Next Seat, she brings students into conversations with policymakers, educators, physicians, innovators, authors, and public officials, creating opportunities for young people to engage directly with the people influencing the future.

Inspired by the belief that students should have a voice in the discussions that affect their lives, Leila founded The Next Seat to bridge the gap between emerging leaders and established decision-makers. By asking thoughtful questions and highlighting diverse perspectives, she hopes to encourage curiosity, informed dialogue, and greater civic participation among young people. Her mission is simple: to ensure that the next generation is not merely prepared for the future, but actively involved in shaping it.