Amy Duarte is a child welfare professional, policy advocate, and former foster youth dedicated to improving outcomes for young people transitioning into adulthood. She currently serves as a Transitional Development Specialist with Los Angeles County, where she partners with transition-age youth to help them achieve stability in education, employment, housing, financial independence, and overall well-being.

Amy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, with minors in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies, and concentrations in Criminal Justice and Political Sociology. As a first-generation college graduate and Guardian Scholars alumna, she brings both academic training and lived experience to her work supporting youth who have experienced foster care.

Beyond her professional role, Amy serves as an Alumni Advisor with First Star and as a Youth Engagement Ambassador with the Child and Family Policy Institute of California’s Youth Engagement Project. Through these leadership positions, she collaborates with young people, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers to strengthen child welfare policy, expand educational opportunities, and elevate youth voice in systems change. She has facilitated youth discussions, contributed to independent living curricula, moderated conversations with community leaders, and advocated for policy improvements at the local and state levels.

Amy’s leadership has been recognized through opportunities such as serving on youth advisory initiatives, speaking at conferences and university events, and being selected for leadership development programs focused on child welfare and public service. Her work is grounded in the belief that lived experience, when paired with education and public service, can shape stronger policies and create lasting change for future generations.

Passionate about public policy and systems reform, Amy aspires to continue her career in government and nonprofit leadership, where she can influence legislation, develop innovative programs, and advocate for equitable opportunities for foster youth and underserved communities across California.