The 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy
The 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy cohort is driving change in child welfare—from their communities to the national stage. After months of sharpening their advocacy skills and grounding their work in lived experience, they’re heading to Washington, D.C. to engage directly in the conversations shaping policy.
Meet the 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy Delegation
Alyssa Davis
Amber Rosado-Esteves
Angelica Rivas
Anthony Vizcarrondo
Ashley Carter
Chaida Bango Bango
Cierra Draper-West
Emily Williams
Emma Espinoza
Ericka Mickelson
Huyanna Clearwater
Ivory Bennett
Jennifer Martinez
Jennifer Thonrithi
Jesse Fager
Joseph Mariscal
Junely Merwin
Leroy Berrones Soto
Lucinda Langley
Mary-Lynn
Myriah Smiley
Nancy Konjo
Natalia Campbell
Paige Daniels
Quijai “Jay Jay” Johnson
RaDawn Austin
Richard Liu
Saphire Woodruff
Sapphire Murphy-Powell
Selena Bermejo Romero
Timothy Woody
Tina Harris
Xandra Vaughn
Mansoora Ameri
Alexander Ballantyne
Ella Bat-Ami
Jonny Bartlett
Billie Brannon
Sierra Burns
Dejah Carlock
Maya Chandler
Michalann Clark
Monica Contreras
Ciera Cooper
Nicole Crawford
Frances Davis
Brianna Deason
Caitlyn Eccles
Evelyn Flores
Taneil Franklin
Melvin Gaye
Karlena Hamblin
Jo Harlan
Eric James
Kaja Just
Ella Kadis
Sierra LaBate
Cameron Lewis
Stephanie Meza
Tyree Angelique Nelson
Leigh-Anna Nielsen
De Patterson
Matthew Peiffer
Sarai Rojas
Kay Riley
Amiagh-Jade Scott
Serena Skinner
Karstyn Sissney
Shi’Ann Taylor
Skylar Thompson
Carolyn Torres
Rachel S. Turay
Lillie Vaks
DeOnyae-Dior Valentina
Liza Varboncoeur
Shawn Washington
Rosella Willhelm