Indiana

Rowan W. Grae, Age 19 Pronouns: They/Them Rowan lives in Lafayette, Indiana but the only thing hoosier about them is their love for ranch dressing. They love to play Fallout 76, spend time with their partner playing Uno, creating art, and advocating for foster care reform. They became interested in... Read more

Taniyah Williams, Age 18 Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Taniyah Williams is from Indianapolis, Indiana and a graduate from Lawrence Central High School. She enjoys dressing nice and looking fresh, while still working hard in academics and athletics! Taniyah became interested in foster advocacy when she transitioned into foster care and first hand... Read more

Stephaney K She/Her/Hers 24 Years Old Indiana “I have a big passion for youth who are still in residential care, which has helped navigate the many conversations I have about my own experiences and how we change those for future youth and the current youth who are affected by it.”... Read more

Elva Martinez, age 18 Pronouns: She/Her 4 years in Indiana foster system Elva is from Lafayette, Indiana. She has obtained her CNA certification and is currently going to Ivy Tech Community College for her Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. Elva has a passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures. Elva... Read more

Cheyenne Von Hoene She/Her/Hers 20 years Old Indiana Foster Care System Cheyenne Von Hoene is a 2021 All-Star Intern. She is a senior at Indiana University, pursuing her B.A. in Media Science, and works as a waitress. Once Cheyenne completes her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue pursuing her education... Read more

Kaeyoni Phillips Her/ hers/she 20 years old Indiana’s Foster Care System Kae’yoni Phillips currently attends Ivy Tech Community College, where she is a second year sophomore in hopes of graduating on time from there with her associates degree and certificate in addictions. After community college she plans to transfer to... Read more

Justin Hayden Indiana’s Foster Care System 21 years old he/him/ his Justin experienced five years in Indiana's foster care system. From the time he entered care at age 14 he was in four different placements up until he graduated high school. Justin is currently enrolled at Purdue University Northwest, where... Read more

Vita Short 8 years in Indiana’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Vita experienced eight years in the foster care system. One thing she would like people to know about the foster care experience is that the system lacks support and resources for older youth that are aging out... Read more

Justin Hayden 5 years in Indiana’s Foster Care System 20 years old He/Him/His Justin experienced five years in the foster care system. He is from Northwest Indiana and is currently a student at Purdue University Northwest. He is a communication major with a focus in public relations and a minor... Read more

Jada entered the Indiana Child Welfare system when she was 16. Jada describes her experience in foster care as “crazy”! She “moved every year since 10th grade” because of multiple failed attempts at reunification. Jada began volunteering in high school to support other youth and bring youth voice to Indiana’s... Read more