Background: Mariah Craven first joined the NFYI team as the 2019 Shadow Day Manager before transitioning to managing the organization’s communications. She has more than 10 years of experience in telling stories and organizing people to create change in their communities.

Mariah has a background in doing traditional and digital communications for political campaigns, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations. She’s supported campaigns for VP Kamala Harris, Rep. Karen Bass, Sen. Alex Padilla, and was the executive director of Sea Change Leadership PAC and designed its summer youth voter outreach program. She’s also an award-winning volunteer/youth mentor.

Before working with campaigns and communities, Mariah covered those very same issues as a TV news journalist and documentary filmmaker. She has a BA in English from Boston University and an MA in Journalism from New York University. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband, son, and rescue dog.

Why you like working at NFYI: The people! The young leaders, staff, board, legislators, and donors all play critical roles in lifting up foster youth voices — and their passion for what they do is inspiring.

Passions/Hobbies/Aspirations: Mariah gets excited about writing, cycling, boxing, and binging TV.

Fun personal fact: Mariah is the co-host of a podcast focused on helping people become activists.