2009 Outstanding Young Leaders

While in the foster care system, Anderson was forced to overcome educational and personal obstacles in order to achieve success. While in high school alone Anderson was placed into 5 different homes. This constant change and turmoil not only disrupted his educational status, but created a sense of negativity about... Read more

Council Term: 2012-2014 Linda Lee entered the Florida foster care system at age nine. She experienced three placements and spent nine years in foster care before aging out at 18 years old. Although foster care is a difficult experience for many young people, Linda was able to utilize her resources... Read more

Onchantho Am spent over 2 years in the Florida foster care system where she eventually aged out. At an early age she learned that life was filled with trials and tribulations that can seem endless. She found the courage to transform challenges to something more motivational, and sought refuge in... Read more

Roosevelt was in foster care since the age of 13. During his time in care he lived in two homes and was able to find permanency with his last home. He currently attends Hillsborough Community College with the goal of an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology. Roosevelt plans to... Read more

Sharita spent nine years in the foster care system in Washington DC. During that time Sharita was in two foster homes, emancipating in 2007. Sharita currently holds a position for the Young Women’s Project, specifically for the Foster Care Campaign. She was elected Sergeant in Arms, and in this position... Read more

Lily was removed from her biological parent’s home at the age of 12, subsequently living in five different placements. She emancipated from the system at 18. Her life experiences have helped to shape a dynamic and accomplished leader. She has served as an intern for the Orphan Foundation of America,... Read more

Wilfredo Soto is nineteen years old and is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut. He is expected to graduate with an Individualized Major in Child Development and Social Welfare Policy in 2011 and plans to obtain his Doctorate in Social Work in 2015. He has been a consumer of... Read more

Since the age of 4 Lisa has been in and out of foster homes, group homes, kinship care, and experienced a broken adoption. However, she has not been broken. Lisa demonstrates the strength and drive to not only survive her circumstances, but to use her experiences to strive for a... Read more

At the age of 16 Roshii was placed into care by entering a residential treatment facility. After 18 months, she was moved to a residential child care facility that provides an emphasis on independent living. She plans to move into her own apartment in the next six months prior to... Read more

Council Term: 2012-2014 Withelma, aka “T” has been in countless foster and group homes. T entered the foster care system as a baby and aged out the system when she turned eighteen. She lost connection with her siblings early on and one of her sisters passed away during her time... Read more