Joshua Encinas

Joshua, 23, serves on the YES Board in Oklahoma. During his sixteen years in foster care, he lived in 15-20 homes, including group homes, family placements and shelters. Despite those challenges, Joshua was part of National Honor Society in high school and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. He served as a legislative page at the Oklahoma House of Representatives while in care. For his community, he’s coached fast pitch softball and tutored for the Bristow Elementary School. He is described as being a strong advocate for his siblings and other youth who are still in care. He currently speaks at events for Oklahoma Lions Boy’s Ranch and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. He is a member of the U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart from injuries sustained during three IED blasts over seas. He is currently stationed at Ft. Riley in a wounded warrior placement while undergoing surgeries. During his recent military deployment, he was a team leader of four other soldiers, and has just returned home on March 16, 2012. In the future, Joshua plans to continue his path of speaking for foster kids, build motorcycles for enjoyment, and retire from the army.