2010 Outstanding Young Leaders

Jasmine was been in foster care since she was 4 months old. She lived in a couple of foster homes until she moved in with her grandparents at age 5. Jasmine lived with her grandparents until leaving for college last fall. Jasmine enjoys volunteering in her community through her church... Read more

Olivia entered foster care at age nine until she was 15, at when she was adopted by her foster parents. Her foster parents adopted her younger sister at the same time. Olivia's nominator states, "Olivia is my hero! She exemplifies what a role model should be to current and former... Read more

John Paul Horn, LMSW, spent ten years in the foster care system, living in seven foster homes and eight group homes. During his time in care he was a member of California Youth Connection, where he served as the Kern County Chapter President. In addition to his advocacy efforts at... Read more

Ralph was placed in foster care at the age of four. After 4 placements, he stayed with a family who became his parents after they attained legal guardianship in 1996. Ralph has been Chairman of the Striving Black Brothers Coalition, President of the Black Student Union at Chabot College and... Read more

Ivis says about the power of youth voice: “It is those of us who have been in the system before that have the voice our current brothers and sisters in care will be willing to listen to, the voice that will tell them they are worth more than some may... Read more

Ashley Howell spent 1 year in Washington's foster care system. It took Ashley Howell three years, five cities and six placements before she landed in the house that she will forever call “home”. Ashley was ten years old and met her mom and dad who would help turn Ashley into... Read more

Ashley was removed from her home at the age of 15, lived in four different placements, then was adopted at the age of 17. She says, “Once the paperwork was complete, I lived with my new family for 6 months, and on February 1, 2006 I was adopted! I had... Read more

Antron relocated to seven different schools during his elementary years, not by choice, but due to caseworker instability. Antron experienced anger and confusion during his youth until compassionate and wonderful foster parents came along. These parents gave him the love and care that was missing which has influenced his current... Read more

Amanda entered foster care at the age of 2 and experienced 15 different placements. At the age of 17 she attained a job and graduated from high school with little contact from the state. This separation gave her the knowledge of what she wanted to do in her life. “After... Read more

Candice is a college graduate from the University of Central Florida. She has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Mass Communication, English, and Sociology. Candice plans to get her Master’s degree in Public Relations. Candice is very involved with the National Association of Black Journalists and volunteers her... Read more