Briana is a very unique young lady who has already made her mark on Santa Clara County's foster care system, after experiencing it first hand. She is very humble and modest, always recognizing others. She is a founding member of the Santa Clara County's Foster Youth Resource and Community Center, called “The Hub.” Her contribution has been extremely valuable and a key part of the success of the center. Briana has become a role model for other youth and is a shining example of how a youth who was once in the system can give back to the very system of which they were once a dependent.

Briana worked as a partner in the planning, implementation, and opening of The Hub, providing her lived experience and expertise as a foster youth to inform decisions being made by the county in the development of the center. Today, she serves as staff at the center as a peer mentor and advocate, encouraging and assisting other youth in accessing services. Briana also serves on various committees and workgroups, providing input from the youth perspective and youth voice. She has been a member of The Hub's Steering Committee, DFCS' Dually Involved (Probation and Child Welfare) Youth Committee, and DFCS' Receiving Center (former shelter) and Re-Design Workgroup.

The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits' (SVCN) Everybody Wins Award recently was presented to Briana after the Board of Directors unanimously chose her to be one of their 2013 awardees. An embodiment of the SVCN theme “Everybody Wins” Briana is: “a visionary leader, values participation in public policy and is a role model in service to our community.” Brianna continues to represent youth issues at various policy committees including School Linked Services, Cross-Over Youth and others. Her thoughtful voice to remind policy makers about the needs and interest of youth involved in the social services system brings forward the true purpose of the work of The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits.

State(s)
California
Team(s) or Cohort(s)
2013 Outstanding Young Leaders