I am Lillie Vaks, and I am currently based in Newark, New Jersey. I am passionate about child welfare reform, housing access, and improving outcomes for youth aging out of foster care; guided by my belief that every young person aging out of DCF care deserves the same chance at stability as any other young person. I channel this lifelong commitment through NFYI and beyond to build and see to stronger living/independent living supports, accessible mental health resources, and protections for survivors of DV and sexual abuse. As well as noticing the need for resources for my peers who are young mothers and part of other vulnerable populations. I hope to strengthen my policy and leadership skills through the Congressional Leadership Academy so I can better advocate for change to build and reform systems that truly support all youth aging out of foster care.