Role: Senior Los Angeles Organizing Intern

Background: Elizabeth is our Senior Los Angeles Organizing Intern and a member of the NFYI Los Angeles Chapter. She is a proud mother of an 8-year-old and an active advocate for her community.

As a young mother impacted by the child welfare system, Elizabeth encountered many challenges throughout her journey. As a part of a population of youth with children in the foster care system, she became aware of the urgent need for housing, higher education, mental health, and support within families and communities. The transition from foster care into independent living is a struggle for many youth who are faced with the challenges of navigating parenthood and adulthood. Her experiences have shaped her into the person and the advocate she is today.

She is currently a member of the California Youth Connection (CYC) and a contributing partner in a research study by CYC members focusing on the needs of current and former parenting youth involved in the child welfare system. With the data collected from community members, we can support others with reliable information on current issues and make policy recommendations.

Why you like working at NFYI: My passion is building a community that supports young adults with equitable resources and uplifts youth to be part of a significant movement by giving them the necessary tools to stay engaged and be successful.

Passions/Hobbies/Aspirations: Elizabeth’s future goal is to stay connected with policy and legislative work and continue her advocacy journey.

Fun personal fact: Elizabeth is very creative and loves making collages and collecting vintage antiques. Whenever she gets the chance she likes to hike and sit by the beach listening to her favorite playlist.