Michaela “MEHAA” Martin has lived experience as a former foster youth, justice impacted individual, and single mother of one. She has 10 plus years of experience, in community outreach and human/social services, working with a multitude of diverse populations within underserved communities.

She has earned an AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences and an AA in Sociology. She is a full-time student at Cal Poly Pomona, pursuing a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. In 2024, she shared the stage with LA City Mayor Karen Bass in a one-to-one fireside chat to talk about issues impacting the foster youth community in the areas of homelessness, mental health, parenting, and juvenile justice.

She was also a member of the 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. and is participating in NFYI’s 2025 Shadow Day, alongside Members of Congress to advocate for policy change at a federal level. Her professional goals are to reconstruct the DCFS Independent Living Program (ILP) class curriculum and own a foster care agency and transitional living program.