2020 All-Stars

Kristianna is a multi-generation Idahoan, currently residing in Boise. She is 26 years old and uses she/her pronouns. Kristianna has a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy and will complete her Master of Social Work once funds are secured. She currently works as a Respitory Therapist at her local hospital... Read more

Teshiana Smith-Nichols 6 years in Pennsylvania’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Teshiana Smith-Nichols is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She experienced 6 years in kinship care. As a Foster Youth Advocate, Teshiana is here to share her insight on the changes she believes are necessary to ensure that foster youth... Read more

Cyphrian Daud 3 years in Vermont’s Foster Care System 18 years old He/Him/His Cyphrian entered foster care in December 2017. He lived in 3 different foster homes before he aged out of care in July 2020. Cyphrian will be starting his freshman year in the spring of 2021 at St... Read more

Jonathan DeJesus 8 years in New York’s Foster Care System 20 years old He/Him/His Jonathan is from NYC but was born and raised in Ecuador for half of his life. His dream job is to become a public speaker and advocate for youth around the world. His life experience motivates... Read more

Mayda Berrios 4 years in Delaware’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Mayda is from Wilmington, Delaware, where she experienced 4 years in the Foster Care System. Despite being a runaway at 15, Mayda did not let that stop her from achieving greatness. Fast forward, Mayda is a junior... Read more

Sommer-Rose Calsadillas 5 years in Washington’s Foster Care System 19 years old She/Her/Hers Sommer-Rose experienced 1 year in California's foster care system and 5 years in the Washington state foster care system. For three years she was moved to 12 different placements. At the age of 16 years old she... Read more

Nijeria Peterson 4 years in Michigan’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Nijeria experienced four years in foster care in the state of Michigan. She is a first-generation college student studying at Western Michigan University majoring in Business Law, working at Foster Club, and planning for law school. One... 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

Nicole Shaner 6 years in Kansas’s foster care system 21 years old She/Her/Hers Nicole entered the foster care system at the age of thirteen and moved roughly thirteen times. While in care, she was told that she would never make it in life. Instead of taking these statements as a... Read more