Hailey McDowell is from La Puente, California and is passionate about advocating for foster youth. She dedicates her time to raising awareness and offering free guidance and support to those in need. Hailey currently works for the Foster Kinship Care Education at Citrus College, her role is to contribute a positive impact to the system.  She protects and supports children in foster care ensuring they have the chance to thrive. Believing that every child matters Hailey says, “We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending”. She channels her passion into action through NFYI, focusing on prioritizing youth’s engagement to support shaping an empowered foster care community. Outside of NFYI, she also engages in public speaking for foster youth, unhoused and CSEC communities,providing her positive personal perspective for younger generations experiencing challenges within these systems.

 Beyond her advocacy work, Hailey enjoys gardening, cooking, shopping and being outdoors with her two Dogs. She lives by the Disney movie quote, “No matter how your heart is grieving, If you keep on believing, A dream that you wish will come true” – Cinderella. 

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, Hailey hopes to gain a true understanding of what foster youth need and start a nonprofit for Foster Youth. Her nonprofit will have a crucial role in supporting foster youth by offering services for long-term success through education, employment, independence and emotional support.