2011 Outstanding Young Leaders

Wilner Twedt spent 5 years in Minnesota's Foster Care System Wilner Twedt serves as a leader in his community in many areas despite still being in high school. He currently serves as editor and writer for his school paper and yearbook, and is involved in football and baseball where he... Read more

Triana Santiago spent 7 years in New York's Foster Care System High school student Triana Santiago is proud to be a foster youth who is actively involved and making a difference in her community. As an active member of her local youth board, Youth In Progress, she leads forums at... Read more

Travis Haass spent 3 years in Delaware's Foster Care System. So what can you conclude about a young man in foster care who, despite multiple moves and the lack of a consistent support system, has managed to maintain perfect school attendance? Well, certainly he must be dedicated. Smart? I’d say... Read more

Timothy Robinson spent 15 years in North Carolina's Foster Care System. Timothy has had to deal with a lot challenges in his life. Almost his entire life has been spent in the foster care system; he has lived in a wide variety and large number of placements, including a failed... Read more

Tara Dinoski spent 5 1/2 years in Florida's Foster Care System Tara Dinoski is not only active in a youth board, but also founded and formed one. According to an adult supporter, “Tara is a humble advocate with a huge passion for finding ways to supply foster youth and youth... Read more

Stevette Blackbear spent 6 years in Wyoming's Foster Care System. Stevette Blackbear is in college getting her certificate in medical billing and plans to work her way up to being a doctor or nurse anesthetist. Stevette’s level of determination is demonstrated by the fact that she is continuing to pursue... Read more

Sonia Aldape spent 4 years in California's Foster Care System Sonia Aldape is person willing to fight for those who need it most. Her passion extends to all underprivileged groups and she plans to pursue a career in case management or counseling incarcerated individuals and individuals challenged by drug abuse... Read more

Slade Martin spent 14 years in Alaska's Foster Care System. Slade Martin didn’t choose to be in foster care, but now he is choosing to play a part in reforming the foster care system. Slade is currently working towards certificate in Human Services and plans to pursue a career aimed... Read more

Samantha Martell spent 6 years in Montana's Foster Care System Samantha Martell and her two sisters were placed in foster care two years after her mother passed away and her father was not able to fill the void. Says Samantha about entering the system, “Foster care for me was a... Read more

Rose Mascarenas spent 4 years in Montana's Foster Care System Rose entered the foster care system at age 11. She stayed in several group homes before moving into the first of 2 foster homes at age 15. Living in these settings taught Rose about the value of teamwork, and the... Read more