She/Her
1 year in care
Charissa is a passionate advocate for foster youth, deeply committed to creating meaningful change within the system. After feeling unheard during her own time in foster care, she made it her mission to reform the system, determined to ensure that no other youth would face the same struggles she did. A recent graduate with honors from Clark College, Charissa is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences at Washington State University, focusing on Criminology, Psychology, and Political Science, with a minor in At-Risk Youth. Charissa is a strong voice for policy reform within the Washington state legislature. She actively connects with senators, sits on panels, and collaborates on various projects to influence legislation. She has testified before the Senate and contributed to the development of training materials for the NTI Training Curriculum, playing several key roles in enhancing Washington’s Extended Foster Care Program and addressing critical issues within group and foster homes. In her free time, Charissa enjoys postcrossing, tending to her garden, and traveling. Her commitment to social justice drives her career goals, as she aims to ensure all foster youth receive the support they need to succeed.
