Jo Harlan is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is passionate about improving healthcare access and health outcomes for youth. She is currently a student at IU Indianapolis, where she will receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2026, along with a minor in Medical Sociology. Jo is a member of several honor societies, including Sigma Theta Tau, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 undergraduate students at IU Indianapolis for 2026.

Jo currently serves as a Patient Care Assistant at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. She looks forward to beginning her career as a Registered Nurse post-graduation and exploring opportunities at hospitals throughout Indianapolis. Through both her academic work and clinical experience, she is committed to ensuring that young people receive compassionate, equitable care.

She believes every young person deserves to be seen and heard and that their past should never limit their future. Through NFYI, she works to advance child welfare policies that support youth health and well-being. She is also involved in state-level advocacy as a LEAD Ambassador with Foster Success, working to elevate youth voices and influence systems that impact their lives.

Outside of her advocacy work, Jo is deeply passionate about music. She enjoys attending concerts, collecting CDs and vinyl, and exploring Indianapolis’s local music scene. She proudly considers herself a “connoisseur of side quests” and is always eager for a new adventure. Jo lives by the motto, “Every day is a new chance.”

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, she hopes to build meaningful connections, grow in confidence, and further strengthen her advocacy skills.