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Contact: Mariah Craven | [email protected]

Foster Youth Leaders Head to Washington, D.C. to Share Lived Experience and Policy Recommendations with Congress

Foster Youth Activists From 16 States Share Personal Stories and Learn About Life in Congress

WASHINGTON, DC — On June 12, young adults from across the country will be in Washington, D.C. to meet with Members of Congress, share their lived experience in foster care, and offer their policy recommendations for improving the child welfare system. Their visit is part of the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.

These young leaders are all members of the National Foster Youth Institute’s Congressional Leadership Academy, a selective 9-month program focused on professional development, leadership, and civic engagement for current and former foster youth ages 18–30.

“Each year, Shadow Day shows what’s possible when lived experience informs public policy,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO of NFYI. “These young people are shaping the future of foster care in this country — and they deserve to be heard at every level of government.”

These young adults are not only telling stories — they’re bringing actionable recommendations to the table and are prepared to speak on the systemic challenges they’ve faced and the solutions they want to see implemented.

“The Congressional Leadership Academy is about building power and community among young people who have too often been excluded from the decisions that impact their lives,” said Blade Oestreich, NFYI’s Congressional Leadership Academy Director. “Shadow Day is a powerful moment for our youth and for every Member of Congress who hears them.”

Quotes from Participants:

“I believe that every young person deserves access to resources and that the voices of foster youth deserve to be heard. I’m excited to channel that philosophy into action through NFYI and focus on improving transitional services and advocating for legislative changes that support foster youth.”

 — Aliyana Montevirgen, 24, Fairfield, California

“Fewer than 1% of youth with foster care experience (YFCE) earn a Master’s degree or higher. As YFCE myself, and now a Ph.D. student in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware studying how YFCE navigate the transition to and through postsecondary education, I’m committed to making that journey less isolating, more supportive, and more accessible. Few expect us to make it this far—and when we do, we’re often navigating higher education without the support and systems we need. College should be more than a test of resilience; it should be a place where YFCE are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive—not just survive.”

— William Woelki, 25, Congressional Leadership Academy Participant

About NFYI

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) brings together foster youth and policymakers to transform the child welfare system. Through programs like the Congressional Leadership Academy and Shadow Day, NFYI helps build a pipeline of young leaders prepared to create lasting change in their communities and across the country. Learn more at www.nfyi.org.

To schedule an interview or request more information, contact:
Mariah Craven, [email protected]