2022 Outstanding Young Leaders

Hailie Sanders 7 years in Foster Care 19 years old She/her/hers Hailie Sanders is a student at the University of Arizona, where she also works as a peer mentor for Fostering Success. In this role, Hailie provides mentorship, emotional support, and basic needs items to students who have experienced homelessness,... Read more

Autumn Robertson 2 years in Foster Care 21 years old She/her/hers Autumn Robertson is a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, studying economics and sociology. She intends to continue her education and seek out a Master’s degree after graduation, with the goal of using her knowledge to support large... Read more

Jaquelyn Reyes Alonzo 3 years in Foster Care 23 years old She/her/hers Jaquelyn Reyes Alonzo is working on a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Warner Pacific University. She plans to take the LSAT and enroll in law school after she graduates. In the future, as an attorney, Jaquelyn wants to... Read more

Winther Polk 5+ years in Foster Care 25 years old She/her/hers Winther Polk earned a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College as a first generation college graduate in 2020. She plans to return to school to obtain a Master’s degree in Library Applied Science or Information Science, with the hope of... Read more

Erial Pierr 3 years in Foster Care 24 years old She/her/hers Erial Pierr is currently working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, and intends to continue school to earn a Ph.D. on track to becoming a college professor. She is passionate about the field of anthropology and understanding... Read more

Kristianna Moore 3 years in Foster Care 26 years old She/her/hers Kristianna Moore is pursuing degrees in Respiratory Therapy and Social Work. Once she finishes, she plans to continue her education to achieve a Master of Social Work. Kristianna recognizes the need for an increased caliber of healthcare workers, and... Read more

Tiffany Leveille 3 years in Foster Care 19 years old She/her/hers Tiffany Leveille will enroll at a university in Massachusetts, where she will major in Psychology with a minor in Musical Theatre. She aspires to a career in a psychology research field, and would particularly like to study how childhood... Read more

Celeste Lafond 3 years in Foster Care 23 years old She/her/hers Celeste Lafond is working to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and plans to continue with school to earn a Master of Social Work after graduation. Celeste is a member of the National Honors Society and is on... Read more

Maddie Gariti 2 years in Foster Care 17 years old She/her/hers Maddie Gariti is graduating high school in 2023, after which she plans to take either a gap year to join the Unaltered Ministry or go right to college. Maddie wants to enroll at a university and work her way... Read more

Karen Esparza Lopez 2 years in Foster Care 22 years old She/her/hers Karen Esparza Lopez is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, and plans to continue her education to obtain a dual degree: a Master’s in Public Policy, and a Juris Doctor. Karen is committed to higher education, and sees... Read more