2013 Outstanding Young Leaders

Gernani Yutob Jr spent 4 years in Hawaii's foster care system Gernani is a young man with a knack for inspirational leadership. He is an for other young people, currently working as a facilitator with EPIC ‘Ohana Inc., helping other’s living or aging out of foster care with their transitional... Read more

KeRon Williams spent over 9 years in Missouri foster care system. A member of Chafee, Aging Out and the St. Louis Youth Board, as well as a volunteer for Epworth Children and Family Services, eighteen-year old Ke’Ron is a powerful advocate for youth in foster care. His caseworker describes him... Read more

James Williams spent 19 years in Utah's foster care system James is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Southern California. He plans to become a professor to teach and conduct research, or potentially work with the Congressional Research Services (CRS) and provide advise to Congress in crafting... Read more

Barry Bartlett spent 16 years in California's foster care system Barry Bartlett is finding ways to combine his experiences, interests and talents for a unique approach to connecting with foster youth. When he was just a little guy - four years old, his parents abandoned him. From then on, he... Read more

Anthony Vasquez spent 10 years in South Carolina's foster care system Anthony, now enrolled in college and from California has super goals of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic, he knows he must work to provide for himself, and he takes this very seriously. Anthony’s parents left him when he was five years... Read more

Spent 4 years in Montana's foster care system So how do you go from being a middle school student who attended only 80 days of school to being a successful college student with perfect attendance your senior year? Ask Aurelia Tait! Aurelia, a student at the University of Montana, credits... Read more

Frank Sutton spent 16 years in Ohio's foster care system Frank Sutton has always had a knack for leadership. Starting in his early years, Frank was usually the captain of his sports teams in elementary, middle school and high school. When given the opportunity in science fair projects or other... Read more

Ashleigh Shelanskey spent 4 years in Oregon's foster care system Ashleigh, age 17, wants to own a business wants day and dreams of having her own law firm. Once she graduates from high school, she plans on pursuing a degree in law. Ashleigh is an active participant in the My... Read more

Elontai Sampson spent 8 years in Delaware's foster care system Eiontai is an ambitious young leader, committing over 400 hours of service in the past year and a half. During his sophomore year in high school, Eiontai began an anti-bullying group called the Gay-Straight Alliance. The group provides a safe... Read more

Briana is a very unique young lady who has already made her mark on Santa Clara County's foster care system, after experiencing it first hand. She is very humble and modest, always recognizing others. She is a founding member of the Santa Clara County's Foster Youth Resource and Community Center,... Read more