Kay Riley is from Cleveland, Ohio and is passionate about empowering former and emancipated foster youth. As a ministry leader and social worker, she brings both lived experience and professional perspective to her advocacy, working to ensure that young people impacted by the foster care system have the support, stability, and opportunities they deserve.

Believing that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, Kay channels her passion into action through the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI). Her advocacy centers on elevating the voices of youth with lived experience and advancing policies that strengthen transition supports, expand access to resources, and improve long-term outcomes for young people aging out of foster care. Kay is committed to ensuring that those most impacted by the child welfare system have a seat at the table in conversations that shape policy and reform.

Kay’s leadership is grounded in resilience and determination. While pregnant, she remained focused on her goals and graduated from The Ohio State University a year early while completing an internship. Her journey reflects perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to service. She uses her story to mentor and inspire youth facing adversity, encouraging them to recognize their strength and pursue their goals.
Outside of her advocacy, Kay serves in ministry, mentors young people, and strengthens connections within her community. She lives by the principle:
“I turned my survival into someone else’s hope.”

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, Kay hopes to strengthen her policy advocacy and leadership skills to help advance reforms that ensure foster youth across the nation can thrive.