Elyzabeth Andersen earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Education. She is currently enrolled in a teacher credentialing program at California State University, Northridge in order to obtain her Foundational Mathematics and Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs) Credentials and pursuing a Masters in Special Education. She has experience supporting students in both the K-12 system and higher education settings.

She is also a member of the Reproductive Health Equity Project’s Youth Advisory Board, where she aims to promote a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive approach to reproductive and sexual healthcare for foster youth.

In 2024, she participated in the National Foster Youth Institute’s Congressional Leadership Academy, where she engaged with legislators and utilized her lived experience to drive policy initiatives aimed at systemic improvements in the child welfare system. Her advocacy efforts also led her to craft a federal policy proposal centered around enhancing foster youth voice in healthcare with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

She is passionate about removing systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to the education and healthcare systems, especially among underserved and underrepresented communities. Her future goal is to further pursue opportunities to be involved in healthcare and education related policies.