Billie Nadean Brannon, based in Wichita, Kansas, is passionate about addressing the lack of resources for foster youth as well as the separation of siblings in the child welfare system. They dedicate their time to advocating behind the scenes through the Kansas Youth Advisory Council as well as advocating head-on while interning with a fourth-grade class.

Believing that everyone deserves a voice, including foster youth, and that being placed in the foster care system doesn’t mean you are incapable of success, Billie channels their passion into action through NFYI. Their advocacy focuses on ensuring every youth in care has access to basic needs and safety, as well as tools to be successful. They are also involved in interning at an elementary school in their community as well as regularly donating to the non-profit “his helping hands” and volunteering at their local domestic violence shelter.

Beyond their advocacy work, Billie enjoys competing in beauty pageants, reading, acting and running shows in her school’s theater program, and spending time with kids. Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, they hope to gain further leadership and advocacy skills and learn how to further help those inside and outside of their community.