Kodi Baughman / FCAA (Foster Care Alumni of America)
Kodi’s lived experience in foster care inspired him to help others through his personal story to create change in the system and give youth a chance to be heard. He strives to effectively impact practice and policies relating to children and families. Kodi served as a facilitator for Breakthrough Series Collaborative and a certified Family/Youth Team Decision Meeting Facilitator for the State of Iowa. Kodi is/was a member of the Iowa Cultural Equity Alliance, National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council, and has worked extensively with Foster Care Alumni of America to elevate the youth voice across multiple systems.
Kodi has been working with Foster Care Alumni of America to remove the barriers that older youth with lived expertise face. Shedding light on these experts and elevating their voices beyond just their story. While doing this, engaging key stakeholders to bring awareness around barriers and challenges that youth in foster care face every day.
JaDa Brigman / Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP)
Jada Brigman is a CARES ambassador where she has worked closely with the Center for the Study of Social Policy for the past three years as an advocate for policy reform. Jada works on high level agendas with other ambassadors with lived experience to push and highlight the need for policy change. She's currently pursuing a degree at Georgia State University in public policy to continue to change lives for youth in and out of care.
Kyra Brisson / Youth Villages
Kyra has worked as a Licensed Nursing Assistant for six years and is working toward a degree in nursing. She balances work, a full-time job and volunteering at Live and Let Farm in Chichester, NH. With a strong commitment to personal growth and mindfulness, Kyra strives to use her journey and experiences in the foster care system to inspire meaningful change in both healthcare and foster care to support change for vulnerable populations.
Owen Bros / NFYI (National Foster Youth Institute)
Owen is a Junior Political Science major at Monmouth University in New Jersey. He is an experienced advocate, and participated through the National Foster Youth Institute as a Congressional Delegate. This gave Owen the opportunity to speak to members of Congress about housing issues, mentorship programs, and educational opportunities for foster youth.
Tiffany Cannon / Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP)
Tiffany is a CARES Ambassador. She is passionate about advocating for policies that promote healing, well-being, and strong family connections. A special focus of her advocacy is addressing the disparities faced by Black communities and increasing access to culturally competent care. She is committed to working with policymakers to create a more equitable and supportive system for all.
Natalie Clark / Foster Club
Natalie spent 6 years in Utah’s foster care system which propelled her life into advocacy at the age of 15. Natalie is a Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of the 1999 Collective non-profit organization. It is led and designed by young people with lived experience to serve transition-age foster youth across the state of Utah. In addition, Natalie is a member of the SLCO Youth Action Board, a FosterClub Lived Experience Leader, Board Member of the National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy and a Master of Social Work Student at the University of Utah.
Hope Coudayre / FosterClub
Hope is currently the Director of Youth Development at the statewide foster care nonprofit organization, Fostering Great Ideas, supervising foster alumni life coaches working with current and former foster youth ages 14-26 as they become the best versions of themselves through relational support, career, education, finances, housing, health and wellness, transportation, and community opportunities. Hope's national child welfare advocacy experience includes being a member of the Foster Youth & Alumni National Policy Council representing South Carolina (SC) from 2022 to currently.
Her statewide child welfare advocacy experience includes co-leading the SC Department of Social Services (DSS) Youth Engagement Advocates (YEA!) Council as a nonprofit community partner from 2020 at its inception to currently. This council focuses on child welfare reform in SC, with members ages 14-26 currently or previously in foster care. Hope also has experience as the SC Consultant for the National Association of Council for Children working on the Council for Kids campaign in SC to implement legal representation for every child in foster care in SC and the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s SC DSS and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) reform workgroup for foster youth with experience in the DJJ system to design new approaches to serving teens and their families with both DSS and DJJ involvement involving truancy, behavioral issues stemming from untreated trauma, parent child conflict, and running away. Hope represented SC with the Jim Casey Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) in 2021.
Elijah Counts / Think of Us
Elijah Counts is 18 years old and currently lives in Oklahoma City. Elijah was seven years old when he entered into DHS custody, spending most of his life in the foster care system. Elijah’s passions are sports such as baseball and football as well as encouraging and helping others who share his experiences with foster care.
Jada Cuttriss / Journey to Success, Foster Success
Jada has worked in a range of agencies and organizations in national and federal sectors of child welfare for several years. She served as a family case manager with the Indiana Department of Child Services, Young Adult Consultant, and Peer Navigator. As a consultant with a commitment to amplifying the voices of youth in foster care, Jada aims to bring attention to their struggles and use her personal and professional experience to build a system that promotes the continuous quality improvement and well-being of children and families.
Brianna Deason / Journey to Success
Bri has over 15 years of experience within the child welfare system, having spent seven years in foster care across eight placements in Iowa. She has become a passionate advocate for policy change, particularly focusing on extending foster care to age 21 and improving support for youth in transition. Bri has collaborated with Iowa's National Youth in Transition Database team to implement data-driven practices and has established direct support calls to connect youth with resources. She has previously served as the coordinator for the State of Iowa's Youth Advisory Council & Iowa Youth Congress, helping to create legislation for Iowa youth. Currently, she is finishing her final year in political science and pre-law and recently began a new role as program assistant with a philanthropic foundation that invests in strengthening community well-being by addressing social determinants of health. Bri is dedicated to improving the lives of others, having facilitated youth engagement initiatives, co-presented at the Iowa Youth Engagement Summit, advocated and informed for legislation both nationally and locally, and represented Iowa in panels advocating for Chafee reforms in Washington, D.C. Her future aspirations include continuing her advocacy for older youth and youth homelessness, ultimately aiming for a political office where she can further advance legislative change and show the importance of lived experience in decision making spaces.
Garrett Dolin / Youth Villages
Garrett is 19 years old and lives in Connecticut. He has been involved with the child welfare agency since age 8 and has been in foster care since age 12. For the past 2 years, Garrett has been a part of the Youth Advisory Board in his state, where he informs the child welfare agency about things they can do better for the children in foster care and what children and youth in foster care need. Last year, Garrett was asked by his LIFESET worker to advocate at the state capital for funds for the LIFESET and TSEA programs. Garrett has a younger brother who is still in the system — so his advocacy helps his brother and other kids in the same situation.
Ziigwan Frazer / Journey to Success
Ziigwan is a 24-year old mom of two. Her nine years of experience in foster care and juvenile detention have fueled a deep desire to serve and uplift others through local, state, and federal advocacy efforts. To envision and create a better serving system for Fosters, by Fosters. After graduating in 2022 with her BSW, Ziigwan obtained her current role as a policy & advocacy manager for a non-profit in Minnesota elevating Fosters expertise and vision for change through state policy and organizing efforts.
Leyda Garcia / FCAA (Foster Care Alumni of America)
Leyda is a Criminal Records Relief Lawyer with the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy. She obtained her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was a ChildLaw Fellow. Prior to law school, Leyda attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. As a student, Leyda was an active DCFS Youth Advisory Board member. Additionally, Leyda served as President of the Foster Care Alumni of America – Illinois Chapter. In that time, she assisted with policy and legislative initiatives alongside other county-wide, statewide, and national organizations. More recently, Leyda has published research on moral injury in the context of child welfare and the need for a right to counsel for youth in care. When she is not working or studying, Leyda enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and cooking.
Gwendolyn Golding / Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP)
As a former foster care youth, Gwen is passionate about policy advocacy that amplifies the voices of those in the foster system. Drawing from her personal experience of navigating life independently since age 17 while balancing school and full-time work, Gwen strives to create meaningful change that addresses the challenges foster youth face. Gwen focuses on influencing policies that promote stability, support, and opportunities for foster children and young adults transitioning out of the system. Her dedication is rooted in empowering others with the resources and representation needed to thrive. Gwen has been working with CSSP for four years creating anti-racist policies meant to aid the transition from the foster care system to adulthood.
Katherine Gordon / FosterClub
Katie advocates for positive changes in child welfare policy at the state and federal level. Having spent 7 years in foster care, her experiences provide unique insight into how to improve the child welfare system.
Jewel Vaughn / IFOSTER
Jewel is currently a trainer and producer for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, facilitated through Ohio’s University Consortium for Child and Adult Services. She instructs caseworkers, foster parents, and caregivers on vital issues impacting youth in care. With over a decade of experience in advocating for young people in care, she is passionate about cultivating systematic change to improve outcomes for young people experiencing the child welfare system.
Mercedes Jackson / NFYI (National Foster Youth Institute)
Mercedes is a dedicated advocate for foster youth, actively involved in supporting current and former foster youth through her involvement with various organizations. She has worked extensively to connect youth with critical resources, including education, housing, and mental health support. Currently, Mercedes contributes to initiatives that focus on trauma-informed care, economic success pathways, and community-building for foster youth. Her advocacy is fueled by her lived experiences, and she strives to empower youth to navigate challenges and create stable, independent futures.
La Tika Jeffery / FCAA (Foser Care Alumni of America)
La Tika brings both personal and professional experience from the child welfare system. Her career is dedicated to empowering youth through comprehensive training programs and strategic initiatives. La Tika has a rich background in partnering with organizations such as Virginia Department of Social Services as the Youth Development Specialist/ SPEAKOUT Liaison, AdoptUSKids, the Children's Bureau, Health and Human Services and others. Working with these organizations, she advocates for the integration of youth voices in policymaking and practice. She has facilitated national events, delivered impactful keynote speeches, and supported trans-racially adopted families. Her work in federal grant reviews and community organizing demonstrates a commitment to systemic change and community resilience. Driven by her own lived experience, La Tika strives to create meaningful improvements in the Child Welfare System.
Gyavonna Kiernan / Youth Villages
Gyavonna is guided by a belief and passion that advocacy involves standing up for the rights and needs of others, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. It carries the responsibility of being informed, pushing for positive change as time goes on. There are always going to be people after us who need some inspiration.
Russell Lang / IFOSTER
Russ is a passionate advocate and current iFoster TAY AmeriCorps Intern at Adoption Network Cleveland, where he uses his experiences in the child welfare system to support foster youth, connecting them with essential resources and amplifying their voices. Having spent over fourteen years in foster care, Russ is committed to creating pathways for youth who have navigated similar challenges.
A recent graduate of Cleveland State University with a degree in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Biology, Russ consistently earned academic honors, including the Sullivan Deckard Scholar of the Year award. He also served as a brand ambassador for CSU, where he was recognized by the university’s President for his contributions to campus life.
In addition to his advocacy, Russ founded Russ Lang Photography, a platform that has gained attention from outlets like Cleveland Magazine, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and CSU. His work, known for showcasing the beauty of Cleveland, has gone viral several times, reaching over 2 million people on Instagram. Russ’s journey—from earning a NASA Glenn internship to influencing child welfare policy—is one of resilience and determination. Today, he leverages his voice and creative talents to advocate for systemic changes that create opportunities, healing, and empowerment for foster youth.
Shanell Lavallie / CCAI (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute)
Shanell is currently teaching elementary school in Great Falls, Montanta, while also pursuing her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy, Excellence, and Equity. Shanell spent a total of 17 years in foster care. She is passionate about being a voice for Native American foster youth in the education system. In 2021, Shanell completed the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Foster Youth Internship and published two policy reports on Expanding Cultural Connections and Educational Supports for Foster Youth in Tribal College and Revitalizing Indigenous Communities and Culture by Strengthening Child Welfare to Meet the Needs of Tribal Youth. In 2022, she received the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) 25 under 25 Award. In 2023, Shanell shared her experiences and recommendations alongside peers with the United States Supreme Court in an amicus brief submitted in Brackeen v. Haaland. Shanell currently sits as a board member on Montana's QIC-EY Team with Lived Expertise. As part of her role on the Team with Lived Expertise, she is a part of discussions that are intended to help the Montana Child and Family Services Division understand strengths and needs related to how children and youth are engaged in permanency planning and other decision-making processes. She is also a member of the Montana State Advisory Council (SAC). SAC is viewed as an integral partner in the state’s efforts to improve the lives of children and families involved in all aspects of the child welfare system.
Adam Matthews / IFOSTER
Adam is the Student Voice and Resource Navigator for the Nevada System of Higher Education Fostering Success Initiative, a role he began in May 2023 through the TAY AmeriCorps iFoster Jobs Program. A recent graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Adam is passionate about advocating for students with foster care histories and strengthening systems of support for these young people. Before stepping into this role, Adam was the founding president of UNLV’s Fostering Community, a student-led organization that supports peers with foster care experience. He has also been involved in statewide foster care initiatives, including serving as a student representative at key retreats and providing feedback on the development of the Fostering Scholars program at UNLV. As part of his ongoing work, Adam continues to collaborate with campus and community partners to create more inclusive and effective resources for youth transitioning from foster care. He is committed to furthering his career in social services, with plans to pursue clinical work and expand his advocacy for foster youth.
James McIntyre / FCAA (Foster Care Alumni of America)
James is a passionate advocate for youth in foster care, currently serving as the Chapter President for the Foster Care Alumni of America - Illinois Chapter. With extensive experience in government affairs and child advocacy, he is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families involved in the foster care system. In his role, James works to empower former foster youth, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and promote policies that support their needs.
As the Senior Director of Government Affairs for CASA of Cook County, James has been instrumental in expanding services for children in foster care and increasing volunteer engagement. His leadership has led to significant growth in advocacy programs, ensuring that every child has a voice in the system.
James is committed to creating a supportive community for foster alumni and believes in the transformative power of advocacy and mentorship. He continues to collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to drive meaningful change and foster a brighter future for all youth in care.
Diamond Richardson / FosterClub
Diamond has 10 years of experience in foster care in Oregon. Her interest in youth advocacy began after receiving Christmas presents from a nonprofit organization called Howard’s Heart and being invited by the organization to speak about her experiences. The opportunity made an impact on her given how she and her sister were not given the opportunity to life up their voices while in foster care. Other impactful experiences during her teen years included a shopping experience at age 14 sponsored by Project Lemonade, where she enjoyed a full shopping experience picking out her own clothes.These events sparked Diamond's interest in building a career where she helps others. Diamond is doing just that.
Diamond has interned and worked at Project Lemonade where she gained valuable experience at Project Lemonade and helped carry out the nonprofit's mission of connecting youth in foster care with clothes, accessories, and school supplies. She is also proud of facilitating a Teen Voices event with Howard Heart's Youth Advisory board, which focused on listening to the needs of youth and fostering a sense of community and connection.
As a Peer Navigator, she hopes to provide resources and help youth become their best selves, offering the kind of connection she would have appreciated during her time in care.
Diamond currently attends Portland Community College, studying Family & Human Services.
Jala Richardson / Youth Villages
Jala, age 21, works part time as a bookseller while attending school for Social Work, Social Policy and Public Communications. She entered the foster care system at age 16 along with her younger brother and sister. She was placed in a long-term placement until she aged out at 18 to extension of foster care. In addition to focusing on work and education, she enjoys spend her free time having fun and laughing with family, collecting vinyl records, and exploring places such as coffee shops, farmers markets, and bookstores. As a volunteer and advocate, she leverages her experience in foster care to educate decision makers and child welfare professionals so they can help make positive changes. Her career goals include working in the service sector where she can help others. She also plans to continue her advocacy efforts.
Idelia Robinson-Confer / CCAI (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute)
Idelia holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania. She utilizes her professional experience and lived expertise to design impactful youth programs and lead initiatives that drive policy change. Her advocacy focuses on amplifying youth and family voices, promoting permanent connections, and addressing youth and young adult homelessness. In Pennsylvania, she played an essential role in securing a $3.7 million grant from the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and a $1.4 million Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement Program funding application to drive systemic changes for youth in Pennsylvania. Previously, Idelia served as a congressional intern in the United States Senate, where she provided policy recommendations for improving our foster care system to the Biden Administration, the Department of Health & Human Services, and Congress. She regularly participates in speaking engagements, sharing insights on the impacts of parental incarceration and substance use, strengthening youth-adult partnerships, and economic mobility.
Naomi Sterling / Youth Villages
Naomi is a college senior and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, improvements to the foster care system, and addressing the impacts of emotional and psychological abuse. She has advocated locally and at the state level in Massachusetts.
Jacey Stuckey / Journey to Success, Foster Success
Jacey spent four years in foster care in South Carolina until aging out and relocating to Indiana. She was introduced to Foster Success in Indiana through the Education Training Voucher (ETV) Program. She graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Indianapolis with a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a minor in Economics.
With Foster Success, she serves as a peer mentor and co-facilitator in their financial empowerment program, Opportunity Passport, and their career readiness program, Works Wonders. Professionally, Jacey worked as a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she developed skills in teaching financial literacy, financial problem solving, building credit, protecting and growing savings, paying down debt, developing sound financial judgment, and budgeting by working with hundreds of clients from diverse backgrounds.
She currently holds the position of Associate Director of Capital at a real estate development company, where she has acquired in-depth knowledge on creating housing, addressing unique barriers in different types of affordable housing, and fostering public-private partnerships with municipalities. Additionally, she volunteers her time with several organizations teaching workshops in finance & mentoring students from diverse & disadvantaged backgrounds.
Autumn Taylor / IFOSTER
With robust community support, Autumn has cultivated a successful track record in Project Management across various sectors, bringing valuable expertise to the realm of social impact.Her nonprofit journey in Los Angeles County has enriched her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the community. Autumn has successfully managed a diverse range of initiatives, from educational and health programs to global film festivals, consistently aiming to create a tangible and sustainable impact.
Additionally, a strong background in philanthropy, participatory grant-making and resource navigation equips her with the skills to navigate sources effectively, ensuring resources are allocated where they can make the most difference. Autumn excels in dynamic environments, utilizing exceptional planning and organizational skills to adapt strategies that drive desired outcomes. Her collaborative and empathetic approach not only fosters inclusivity but also empowers teams to achieve collective goals, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the process.
Shi Taylor / IFOSTER, NFYI (National Foster Youth Institute)
Shiann is a carpenter and foster youth advocate, working at local, state, and national levels to improve the foster care system. She has spoken at the Los Angeles mayor’s residence to amplify foster youth voices. Through her work with the National Foster Youth Institute, she has helped create and build supportive shared living spaces for youth transitioning out of care.
Elizabeth Villa / Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP)
Elizabeth is honored to serve as a CARES Ambassador through the Center for the Study of Social Policy. In addition, she holds the position of Education Rights Advocate for the Alliance for Children’s Rights and is an active member of the National Foster Youth Institute. Elizabeth was privileged to have the opportunity to shadow Mrs. Karen Bass during LA Shadow Day.
Devin WIlliams / CYC (California Youth Connection)
Devin's passion to have a positive impact on the lives of those around him started at an early age. As an active participant in group activities in middle and high school—including in Peer Resource and Leadership—and in holding different positions from Director of Elections to Student Body President. Devin also brings his positivity to the sports arena, having coached both basketball and flag football. As a young adult, his drive and passion continue to fuel his active engagement in community issues, an internship with Pamela Price, Alameda County District Attorney. For the past year, Devin has worked as a Core Organizer for California Youth Connection in the Bay Area, organizing and empowering other foster youth to use their voice to fight for the change we’d like to see in the system!
Aliyah Zeien / FCAA (Foster Care Alumni of America), FosterClub
Aliyah graduated from St. Helena Central High School in Greensburg, LA in 2013 and continued her education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2017 and a Master's Degree from LSU. She's the eldest among six siblings, and her role as an older sister brings her immense joy. Her experience as an alumna of Louisiana's foster care system sparked a passion for advocacy. She's made a signficant impact in shaping child welfare policies, programs and practices through her many roles. In 2018, she completed the annual LICF legislative internship at the Louisiana State Capitol, advocating for youth and testifying in front of the Louisiana Senate to support the passage of Senate Bill 109, which officially extended foster care in the state. During this time, she also served as the Vice President for the Louisiana State Youth Advisory Board (2021-2022). She served as a State Youth Ambassador to DCFS from 2021-2023.
Aliyah leverages her personal and professional experiences to develop and lead educational presentations for child welfare professionals across Louisiana at statewide conferences such as “Together We Can” and most recently “Foster the Connection.” Additionally, she has expanded her advocacy efforts by presenting at national conferences such as the NCJFCJ and NACC, focusing on youth’s rights, access to legal representation, and permanency. She is a consistent member of the National Foster Care Alumni Policy Council and an active participant in FosterClub’s National Knowledge Management Team. Over the last year, she has presented workshops with fellow council members at several national conferences including AECF Policy Labs, OJJDP, and CWLA.
Aliyah is a Licensed Social Worker and currently employed as a Community Mental Health Counselor.
Josh Boykin / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Alexia Nechayev / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Alexia Nechayev serves as the Events and Meetings Chair for Florida Youth SHINE, where she is dedicated to organizing impactful events and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue around foster youth advocacy. With a deep passion for social justice, Alexia is committed to amplifying the voices of foster youth and ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed. Her work in this role is driven by a future ambition to become a lawyer, advocating for vulnerable communities and advancing policies that support youth in the foster care system.
Aliyah leverages her personal and professional experiences to develop and lead educational presentations for child welfare professionals across Louisiana at statewide conferences such as “Together We Can” and most recently “Foster the Connection.” Additionally, she has expanded her advocacy efforts by presenting at national conferences such as the NCJFCJ and NACC, focusing on youth’s rights, access to legal representation, and permanency. She is a consistent member of the National Foster Care Alumni Policy Council and an active participant in FosterClub’s National Knowledge Management Team. Over the last year, she has presented workshops with fellow council members at several national conferences including AECF Policy Labs, OJJDP, and CWLA.
Aliyah is a Licensed Social Worker and currently employed as a Community Mental Health Counselor.
Alondra Patino / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Alondra is a youth advocate with Georgia EmpowerMEnt who serves on the Amerigroup Youth Advisory Council. She is committed to achieving structural change and is very passionate about improving the lives of as many individuals as possible.
Axel Pecero / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Axel Christian Pecero serves as a dedicated advocate for foster youth. Currently employed by California Youth Connection (CYC) and honored to represent foster youth as the speaker for Los Angeles County of Education (LACOE), Axel is deeply committed to empowering and uplifting his community. He is pursuing his education at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, striving to expand his knowledge and skills.
Clarissa Peña / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Clarissa entered the foster care system at a young age and experienced around 40 different placements. She graduated with 600 hours of community service with California Youth Connection and other nonprofits in 2021, and was able to move into on-campus housing at California State University Long Beach later that Fall. Clarissa is now pursuing a career in science and has participated in numerous clubs around campus. She continues to work with CYC (California Youth Commission) as a Core Organizer and hopes to venture onto new opportunities as well.
Caitlin radigan / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Caitlin is a Juvenile Justice Commissioner and foster youth advocate dedicated to empowering system-impacted families through intentional parenting support and community-driven solutions. Caitlin is also an artist business owner, book author, and triathlete committed to creating equitable opportunities for youth and families to thrive.
Nyayien Rial / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Nyayien is representing the Nebraska Children’s and Families Foundation, whose board members advocate for unconnected youth across the state. She is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a Criminal Justice and Criminology major, planning to minor in social work. Throughout her advocacy, Nyayien focuses on the importance of mental health resources, treatment, and awareness.
Aaron Polanco / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Natalie Watson-Todd / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Natalie is a dedicated member of the Youth Leadership Advisory Team, where she works to empower and advocate for young people in foster care. In her role as an ambassador, Natalie is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of children in foster care. She focuses on amplifying youth voices and ensuring that all young people in care have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Jaxon WOod / Foster Youth in Action (FYIA)
Jaxon is a part of CYC (California Youth Connections) and YEP (Youth Engagement Project). He has been on the design team within CYC and a volunteer core organizer for the Butte chapter. Jaxon also attends Shasta College. His advocacy focuses on SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) rights and transitional resources and support.