Catherine spent 7 years in Maryland's foster care system.

Catherine entered foster care at the age of 13 and remained under the state's care till 21. Even though she experienced instability and struggled with her studies in during foster care, she will join the 3% of former foster youth that will graduate college. Catherine graduates in May of 2017 with her Bachelors in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. She joined Kappa Delta sorority in college and speaks highly of the work that she is engaged in including raising money to prevent child abuse in their regions and empowering young ladies through Girl Scouts of America. Trained with the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC), Catherine used the opportunity to learn and share her own experiences. She has spoken to legislators on her experiences in foster care through multiple outlets and continues to develop upon her knack for being a leader. She wants to continue sharing her story and hopes to be featured in a TEDTALK one day. Catherine plans to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California-Annenberg for Broadcast Journalism and work at a prominent news studio.

Quote: I believe giving back is important because the same way someone or something has touched your life and been a light when it was so dim, you can be that same light to someone who can't seem to find a flashlight

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2017 Outstanding Young Leaders
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