Arizona

Ryan Young

Ryan Young is an international adoptee, former foster youth turned into a fierce advocate for his peers in and out of the foster care system has the distinguished honor of serving as a Young Leader at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) selected by the Assistant Secretary Lynn A... Read more

2020 All-In Youth Engagement Team

Jillian Clark-Duteil

Arizona

Jillian Clark-Duteil, age 20, Arizona’s Child Welfare system. Jillian entered care at the age of 15 and experienced kinship/relative care. She was placed with a good family friend where she and her sibling got to maintain their connection. Throughout her experience in foster care, Jillian and her sister were forced... Read more

2019 Outstanding Young Leaders

Cieanna Smith

Arizona

3 years in Arizona Foster Care System Cieanna is a 20-year-old from the state of Arizona. She was in care for three years until she turned 18 including two kinship placements, a crisis center, a treatment facility, and a group home. She then decided to stay in extended care until... Read more

2018 All-Stars

Frank Smith III

Arizona

Frank Smith III was in the Arizona foster care system and was released at the age of 17. Due to the lack of parental support, he was placed in care. His foster placement was plagued by abuse and neglect. However, Frank has used his life story and knowledge to advocate... Read more

2018 Outstanding Young Leaders

Dimon Sanders

Arizona

Dimon Sanders has been in foster care in Arizona since the age of eight. She was placed in 13 different placements before being adopted out of the system in 2014. Dimon began competing in pageants through the Miss America Organization because she had low confidence and low self-esteem. In June... Read more

2018 Outstanding Young Leaders

Cynthia Alaffa

Arizona

Years in care: 7 Growing up, Cynthia spent time in three different homes that she can remember. From ages 1-6, she wasraised in the care of her godmother. When she was about six and a half, she was sent to stay with one of her relatives for about six months... Read more

2017 All-Stars

Maria Rodriguez

Arizona

Maria Rodriguez has been in foster care for about seven years and got adopted at the age of 16. She moved to eight different high schools from freshman year to the end of sophomore year and eventually graduated last May. Currently, she has enrolled at Gateway Community College located in... Read more

2014 All-Stars

2014 Outstanding Young Leaders

Marcus Tutoatasi

Arizona

Marcys Tutoatasi spent 6 years in Arizona's foster care system. Marcus was placed into care as soon as he was born. He was adopted, but it didn't go as planned. Separated from his sibling, Marcus experienced homelessness at the age of 15. After staying with friends, Marcus was able to... Read more

2017 Outstanding Young Leaders

Elijah Lucas

Arizona

Elijah Lucas spent 14 years in Arizona's foster care system Elijah entered care at the age of 6 and he experienced many placements. He struggled to maintain friendships because one thing that is consistent while being in the system is change. Elijah became active in advocacy and nonprofit organizations; this... Read more

2017 Outstanding Young Leaders

Lindsay Briese

Arizona

Lindsay spent 2 years in Arizona's foster care system. The level of mistreatment and poor choices surrounding Lindsay’s home life developed an unhealthy living environment, making it difficult for her to lead a stable and successful life. Realizing her potential, she left home in search of something more. She couched... Read more

2016 All-Stars

Arizona

Ryan Young

Jillian Clark-Duteil

Cieanna Smith

Frank Smith III

Dimon Sanders

Cynthia Alaffa

Maria Rodriguez

Marcus Tutoatasi

Elijah Lucas

Lindsay Briese

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