Shayla Martis has been in foster care in Virginia since the age of twelve and will be aging out this year. She currently attends school full time at Wytheville Community College, where she plans to attain an associate’s degree in human services followed by a transfer to Radford University to complete a bachelor's degree.
Shayla served as her Student Council President and is an active member of Future Business Leaders of America. She currently serves as the president of Virginia’s Foster Youth Advisory Board.
Shayla worked at the Mount Rogers Community Service Board for three years helping with children who have disabilities. Shayla plans to serve in the Peace Corps one day.