2018 Outstanding Young Leaders

Alison Myers was 13 years old when she entered care and she had subsequent experiences with foster home placements, kinship care, and shelter placements. Alison is currently a junior at Illinois State University, where she is part of the Student Advisory Council for the School of Social Work and working... Read more

During Alexis Obinna’s time in California’s foster care system, volunteering at church was fun and better than staying at home. During college, Alexis was able to grow and learn more about groups and organizations that available to youth in foster care. Each year, Alexis helps run an annual event called... Read more

Olivia Burris spent a year in the Pennsylvania foster care system. During Olivia’s time at Valley Youth House Warminster Youth Shelter, she achieved resident of the week, month awards, house representative, as well as organized groups and outings for the fellow youth. Olivia was also apart of The Synergy Project... Read more

Alexis Lenderman entered the Michigan foster care system and her 9th school in the 7th grade. While in care, she testified in court against her father, learned that her mother passed away by suicide, and another loved one became ill and passed. She is a Nsoro and Seita Scholar at... Read more

Alexandria Maldonado has been in the foster care system since the age of 14 in the state of California. Alexandria created the Foster Care Awareness Month for the city of Commerce and Irvine. While working on double majors at UCI, Alexandria still finds time to volunteer for Together We Rise,... Read more

Alexander Andersen spent three years in the Utah Foster Care System. Alexander attended Bridgerland Applied Technology College, where he was enrolled in a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course. After completing the course, passing the state test, and completing 48 hours of clinical non-paid work at a nursing home, Alexander received... Read more

Alejandro Torres was placed into the foster care system in California during his junior year of high school and subsequently experienced six different placements during his time in the system. He currently attends college full time at Mt. San Antonio and works part-time with foster students on campus. Alejandro has... Read more