2018 Outstanding Young Leaders

4 years in Virginia's foster care system 18 years old He/Him/His While in the foster care system, Melvin has done some extraordinary things. He currently serves as President on an advocacy group called SpeakOut which helps to bring many issues in Virginia’s foster care system to Legislature. Melvin is also... Read more

Nicole Velez experienced 6 placements in the state of Massachusetts. Currently, she is working 38 hours a week as a Shift Manager, while also going to school at BBC. Nicole works with new foster parents to help them better understand younger children that are in the foster system. She has... Read more

Manilan Houle grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. An enrolled member of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Manilan is also a product of the Foster Care System. After graduating High School in 2012 Manilan jumped into political activism fighting for issues like Marriage Equality and Indigenous Rights at... Read more

Lannette Harris, started in the foster system at the age of sixteen, but was under different guardianship at the age of fourteen in the state of Tennessee. Lannette, cared for by her basketball coach, was able to stay in school and received many scholarships for college. Although there was a... Read more

Kyra Harris was in the foster care system in Minnesota. Kyra went through many placements which caused struggles during her time in care. Her experience of troubles motivated her to persevere to become a strong and successful young woman. Currently, Kyra, is employed as a school teacher at a recording... Read more

James Sheard was in the foster system in the state of Washington for four years before aging out. While in the system James worked with many organizations including the Mockingbird Society and the Accelerator Y. James has had the opportunity to work with foster families and foster youth to help... Read more

Kevin Lynn was in foster care for four and a half years. He was placed in 36 different homes and 8 group homes. He has overcome many obstacles. From emancipating himself, to having his apartment burn to the ground, and having cancer. He has helped raise tens of thousands of... Read more

Jose Gibson spent 10 years in the Oregon Foster care system. While in foster care Jose experienced 16 fostercare placements and was adpoted out of the system to a wonderful home. Jose participated in organizations like YoungLife and The Well. In 2015, Jose received the "Marsha Hoffman" award. He experienced... Read more

Jenaya Meyer entered Nevada’s child welfare system at the age of 16. She transitioned to multiple placements including congregate care and kinship placement. While in care, Jenaya balanced working and volunteering with Ron Wood Family Resource Center. Not only that, but she graduated highschool with honors, and advanced placement classes... Read more

Destiny Sweeney has been in the foster care system in both New Mexico and Tennessee since the age of six. Destiny then aged out and became apart of the extension program. Destiny is close to graduating from college and is managing a Sprint store. She has been involved in the... Read more