Sasha Stoppi creates Pudding Buddies to support neurodiverse children

Miami student Sasha Stoppi, a senior at New World School of the Arts, has been awarded a Hunter’s Fund grant to launch her business, Pudding Buddies—a line of plush toys designed specifically for neurodiverse kids. Each plush features built-in stimming tools that provide sensory input and comfort, helping children self-regulate in a fun, approachable way.

Neurodivergent herself, Sasha founded Pudding Buddies to combine creativity, compassion, and community. “I’m passionate about educating others and helping neurodivergent kids like me,” she shares. Her mission is to promote understanding and acceptance of conditions like ADHD, autism, and anxiety through both play and awareness.

The Hunter’s Fund grant will support her first production run, helping bring Pudding Buddies to market. Already, Sasha’s idea has earned recognition—winning multiple youth business competitions, including first place regionally among 23,000 NFTE applicants.

Her work embodies the spirit of Hunter’s Fund: using innovation and empathy to create meaningful change and make the world a more inclusive place for all children.