Linda Lee entered the Florida foster care system at age nine. She experienced three placements and spent nine years in foster care before aging out at 18 years old. Although foster care is a difficult experience for many young people, Linda was able to utilize her resources around and excel through community, social and academic outlets. During high school Linda held seats in student government and became involved in organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America and Best Buddies International. Linda saw the need to give back to her community and volunteered on the United Way of Plant City’s Board of Directors as a student representative, participated as a partner in Special Olympics of Florida and held a seat on the Connected by 25 Youth Board in Tampa. In 2008, the Holocaust Museum of St. Petersburg, FL awarded her the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award. Linda is currently attending Florida International University and intends to major in Public Administration. Her desired career path has been influenced by her past experiences in the foster care system and her interest in public policy and government. She has worked with Connected by 25, the child welfare providers and legislators in Florida to pass bills that will ensure that current and former foster youth get services that are needed be successful, productive adults. Linda realizes that a mutual movement has been initiated by adults and youth to reform the foster care system in the nation and hopes to contribute her experiences and service to this cause also.
