Asiah Wotring is from Massachusetts and is based in Boston. She is passionate about juvenile justice reform and dedicated to ensuring that foster youth aging out of the system acquire essential life skills. These skills include identifying abuse, enhancing financial literacy skills, access to education and training, and developing soft skills– all while fostering civic engagement. Asiah devotes her time to being a well-rounded creative, a devoted big sister, a committed public servant, and volunteering with local organizations.

Inspired by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s belief that “those closest to the pain should be closest to the policy,” Asiah channels her passion into action through the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), advocating for life skills reform for foster youth. In addition to her work with NFYI, she serves as the Mattapan Liaison for Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Neighborhood Services. She has also formerly been co-chair of Rise Above’s Young Adult Advisory Board and is a former member of the Department of Children and Families Youth Advisory Board. Additionally, Asiah completed an internship with DCF Legislative Affairs, where she presented a policy reform proposal to former Commissioner Linda Spears aimed at improving the state’s Preparation for Adult Living (PAYA) program. In 2023, she was invited to serve as a Federal Child Family Services Review Stakeholder for Massachusetts, contributing to the past CFSR Final Report. 

Beyond her advocacy work, Asiah enjoys aerial yoga, creating art, and singing for her friends. She lives by her motto, “You belong in big rooms where big decisions are made.” Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, she hopes to gain insights that will enhance her civic leadership and help her make an impact in the significant environments she aspires to enter.