2009 Outstanding Young Leaders

Tammy is an emancipated foster youth from Northern California who entered the foster care system at age 9. She was in 20 placements between the age of 9 and 18. Tammy aspires to attend college and is considering a career in law. Always a strong advocate for youth rights, she... Read more

Kevin West was in and out of the foster care system from the time he was born until 18, when he transitioned from care. “I lived in 5 foster homes, 2 group homes, spent time in shelters, juvenile hall, and mental health facilities until I left my last group home... Read more

"One difficult challenge I had to face during my foster care experience was feeling invisible." Jessica, despite having been in foster care for most of her childhood with time in the juvenile justice system, has been able to overcome and is an outstanding young leader. What defines Jessica as an... Read more

When Chio emancipated from foster care at age 18, he lived in a homeless shelter for more than six months before coming to First Place for Youth, a non-profit organization that houses emancipated foster youth. He is a member of EYAB, where he works both on a team and individually... Read more

RaMieya was in foster care for 11-12 years. She has lost count of how many placements she was in but it was approximately 9-10 placements. RaMieya invests her time, energy, and leadership skills into young teenage girls. She connects with teenagers in the South Sacramento area through her local church... Read more

Michelle is an emancipated foster youth who became a ward of the State of California when she was 12. Before she aged out of the system upon graduating high school, Michelle had over 10 foster care placements. The most devastating blow came when three of her 7 siblings - with... Read more

As a child Jennifer moved frequently, due to foster care placements and multiple family moves. She lived in 4 states and attended over 15 schools by the time Jennifer graduated high school. Living arrangements were often stark, including a period of time where the family of 6 lived in a... Read more

George White 16 years old, California 2009 Outstanding Young Leader “George is, by far, the most incredible young man I have ever met. He is honest and patient. He loves with his whole heart.” This is the personal observation of George’s nominator. During his sophomore year he moved three times,... Read more

Janay entered the foster care system as a young adult at the age of fifteen because of her mother’s long and devastating addiction to drugs. She and her sister were blessed enough to stay together when they were placed with their grandmother. Janay is very grateful for the opportunity to... Read more

Sofia was born and raised in Russia. After immigrating to California with her mother, she was placed into the system at the age of 14. She was in 4 different foster care placements and attended 3 different high schools. Despite the constant moving and instability, Sofia graduated as class valedictorian... Read more