2023 Outstanding Young Leaders

Tegan G She/Her/Hers 17 Years Old Ohio “As someone who has been in the system and can give an inside perspective of how things work, I plan on becoming an activist for foster kids rights and fixing our broken system. The system is all we have, and if it's broken,... 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

Raven W She/Her/Hers 21 Years Old Ohio “I feel like I have a purpose to fulfill. I am in the final stretch of college, and I am hoping to make changes in the foster system so that those after me can live their lives without some of the struggles that... Read more

Ovvarshia G She/Her/Hers 24 Years Old Michigan “I’ve always wanted to help people, give back to the community, provide resource education and connect people to local agencies that will assist their everyday needs to improve their livelihood.” Ovvarshia made the decision to pursue social work as a career, because she... Read more

Nia D She/Her/Hers 22 Years Old Minnesota “I believe that the fact that I continue to move forward focusing on helping others despite what I faced in the foster system and the disadvantages I've been dealt in life is what makes me resilient. The fact that I continue to reach... Read more

Michael F He/Him/His 23 Years Old Georgia “One thing I’d really like to change about foster care is placement instability. It is very stressful for youth to have to move constantly, and it makes it difficult to build meaningful connections and a support system.” Michael knows first hand how life... Read more

Josh B He/Him/His 22 Years Old Connecticut “I think former foster youth could become available as role models and/or mentors and provide hope through sharing our backstories. I truly believe I could have benefitted from that, rather than learn the hard way.” Josh has found many opportunities to share his... Read more

Jeremy K They/Them/Their 21 Years Old Texas “I get to use my following on social media to encourage political and social change, and to mobilize young voters like me to utilize our voices at the polls. Not only have I been able to inspire people online but I have also... Read more

Ian K He/Him/His 18 Years Old California “I want to unlock more opportunities to help others, and to share my story and stories of how other foster youth can overcome their trauma and difficult circumstances. My goal is to help these kids and young adults unlock their true potential as... Read more

Gabriella M She/Her/Hers 25 Years Old Michigan “I can help advocate for change by continuing to be an ambassador, going to speaking engagements and local campaigns to help advocate for former and current foster youth.” Gabriella is the co-chair of a youth leadership ambassador board in her community, where she... Read more