4 years in Texas Foster Care System
Zoë entered the foster care system at 13 years old with one of her brothers, due to physical and sexual abuse. Being placed in foster care prevented Zoë from seeing her 6 other siblings. Going into her second placement, her and her brother were separated. Despite her circumstances, Zoë graduated from Cedar Hill High School in the top 25% of her class. After four years in care, she aged out at 18 and has rebuilt relationships with her biological family.
Zoë has facilitated many conferences, summits and seminars that advocate and empower foster youth. She was awarded the PAL Region 03’s Shining Star in 2016. Zoe is a 2020 graduate of Sam Houston State University, achieving a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and a minor degree in Political Science. She is currently applying to law school, aspiring to become an attorney, practicing criminal and family law. Zoë believes that her circumstances in the past do not define her story; it was merely just a chapter in her book.
It is Zoë’s mission to dismantle racial injustices and disparities within the child welfare and criminal justice system. She will use her platform to elevate standards of living for foster youth and raise awareness of prejudicial policies towards minority groups. Zoë strives to change the governmental structure for the betterment of societal unity and preservation of children.
