Council Term: 2012-2014
2 years in Iowa’s foster care system.
Janessa entered the Iowa foster care system at the age of 14 years old. Her placements included youth shelters, group homes, and several foster homes over a short period of time. Janessa is very proud foster care alum and is now working on a documentary called NOT.SO.TV , where she shares some of her experiences growing up in the foster care system and how it has shaped who she is today. Janessa is currently a junior and social work major at the University of Northern Iowa. Her future plans include getting a BA in Social work and a Masters degree in Social Work. After that she intends to return to the Wellington Heights Community of Iowa where she grew up and start a Youth and Family Center, providing childcare and various services to low income children and families. Janessa is an aspiring social entrepreneur, athlete, child advocate, and a foster kid.