2011 Outstanding Young Leaders

Samanthya Amann spent around 6 years in Iowa's Foster Care System. Samanthya Amann is President of InSight Youth Advisory Board in Iowa. She must be especially proud of winning this award because it was her closest collaborator who nominated her, InSight YAB Vice President. It is often a power struggle... Read more

James McIntyre spent 5 years in Illinois's Foster Care System. James McIntyre’s life was not like that of most other children growing up in Illinois. When he was just 5 years old, he was removed from his biological family’s home and put into the foster care system. From that day... Read more

Regina Austin spent 6 years in Arizona's Foster Care System Maybe Regina Austin from Arizona learned the value of hope, perseverance, and respect during one of her mission trips to Brazil, El Salvador or Mexico. Or maybe she learned it volunteering to tutor young children in a group home. Or... Read more

Former foster child Angela Campbell is on a mission to change the system, and she won’t let anyone stop her. She spent six years in foster care starting at the age of twelve and worked her entire way through high school purchasing her own shoes, clothing, and anything else she... Read more

Andrea Pointer spent 7 years in Oklahoma's Foster Care System High-school senior Andrea Pointer is nothing short of a community-activist and volunteer extraordinaire. She has travelled as far as Mexico and Louisiana on missions trips where she volunteered in local churches and orphanages, went door-to-door giving away food, and helped... Read more

At the age of 5 years old, Brandi was placed in Foster care due to her parens having their own obsticles. She was placed in over 21 placements over the course of her life, including foster homes, group homes and treatment centers. During her time in the childwelfare system both... Read more

Kamille entered care at the age of 14 and remains in foster care today. She is currently enrolled at the University of Michigan, and hopes to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Kamille's long-term goal is to obtain a Masters degree in Social Work. Kamille works with the Blavin... Read more

After attempting numerous kinship placements, Brittany was placed in 5 foster homes and 2 group homes. She has used her experiences in foster care to advocate for youth still in the system through her youth board SAYSO (Strong and Able Youth Speaking Out) . Brittany is also very active in... Read more