My name is Karlena Hamblin, I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I am a resilient leader, parent, and advocate whose work is deeply rooted in lived experience. Growing up in foster care profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership, justice, and the power of community. Experiencing family separation firsthand gave me insight into how systems designed to “protect” children often create lasting trauma for families. Rather than allowing those experiences to define me negatively, I transformed them into purpose.

As a parent, my perspective deepened. My experiences with ACS strengthened my commitment to advocacy and reform. I witnessed how marginalized families are often surveilled and punished instead of supported. These experiences fueled my dedication to challenging what many call “the family policing system” and advancing abolitionist approaches centered on prevention, community-based resources, and family preservation.

Throughout my journey, I have developed resilience, empathy, and the ability to lead with both strength and compassion. My leadership philosophy is grounded in service—centering the voices of directly impacted parents and youth in policy conversations that shape their lives.

I am particularly passionate about strengthening my leadership skills in spaces like Washington, D.C., where policy and practice intersect. I seek to work alongside decision-makers to better understand legislative processes and advocate for equitable reforms that keep families safely together.

My long-term goal is to help dismantle harmful systems and build ones rooted in dignity, accountability, and true support. I stand not only as someone who survived foster care, but as a leader committed to transforming systems so that families are preserved, empowered, and heard. I am focused on learning and gaining the insight needed to start my own grass root nonprofit organization and I have networked with other organizations to combine ideas and support lobbying and reformed abolition. This nonprofit, #EndSystematicAbuse; is dedicated to providing education and advocacy for social justice and abolitionist movements. Based in Brooklyn, NY, the focus is solely on community and social services, empowering individuals and communities to take political action against systematic abuse.