Nicole Crawford is based in San Diego, California, and is passionate about foster youth
advocacy, supporting transitional-aged youth, and improving long-term outcomes for young people impacted by the foster care system. She dedicates her time to working directly with youth and helping them access the resources and opportunities needed to build stable and successful futures.

Believing that lived experience should help guide policy and that every young person deserves stability and opportunity, Nicole channels her passion into action through her work as a Foster Futures Coordinator. In this role, she works directly with foster youth, helping them navigate pathways toward higher education, employment opportunities, and long-term stability. She is committed to empowering youth as they transition into adulthood and ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.

Through her involvement with the National Foster Youth Institute, Nicole hopes to elevate the voices of young people with lived experience and advocate for policies that strengthen support systems for foster youth and transitional-aged youth.

Outside of her advocacy work, Nicole enjoys focusing on personal growth, wellness, and building meaningful connections within her community.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, she hopes to strengthen her leadership skills, expand her network, and deepen her knowledge of public policy and legislative advocacy so she can continue advancing meaningful change for foster youth and the systems that support them.