Why I Joined the Board: I joined the Young Adult Leadership Board (YALB) because I want youth to know that it is not them against the entire system. I want to create change in Arizona’s child-welfare system and I believe I can do that through the opportunities the YALB have given me.
My Experience in Foster Care: I entered care at age 14 turning 15 and aged out at 21. I experienced life in a group home and in a foster home. Group are was incredibly stressful and harmful, even given that my placement was “not the worst” compared to other group care horror stories I would hear and continue to hear. I thankfully was able to be placed with one of my younger siblings during my senior year. By then a lot of damage had been done and I had experienced much more than I ever thought I would. Since then, I’ve learned that I am not my story but it is still an immense part of me that will need continually healing. As evidence of that, I have moved out, graduated with a degree, built healthier relationships, and will continue to learn, grow, and advocate.
My Passion: I want to make change for youth. I do that through my teaching of elementary age students and by engaging in the foster care community. I also participate in opportunities to inform for the benefit of the queer community. Overall, I want youth to experience equity as they grow and navigate our world.
The Unique Perspective I Bring to the Board: I experienced care as an indigenous, queer youth wanting only the best for my siblings and sacrificed a lot for myself in the process. I know that from my experiences how lost and powerless youth can feel in the system and I want to change what youth experience in care into something better.
