Dasha Fritz Mikhailova spent 7 years in the Loudoun County, Virginia foster care system.
Born in Ukraine, Dasha came to the United States leaving behind majority of her family. After enduring abuse and neglect, Dasha entered the foster care - an experience that fuels her desire to help others and drives her to be strong. Currently, Dasha is set to graduate this spring from Roanoke College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthrophony. She is active in the Northern Virginia Independent Living Network and has interned with the Roanoke Social Services Department. As Dasha works towards a Masters of Social Sciences, she refuses to be a victim. A powerful speaker, she regularly shares her experiences in foster care with other foster youth and industry professionals. Dasha was adopted by her foster family of seven years before aging out of care at 21 years old.