Sierra Burns, the First Lady’s Guest at the State of the Union 2026, is from Greenville, SC, and is passionate about free education for foster youth. They dedicate their time to working as a Referral Specialist at Prisma Health, pursuing graduate studies in Advocacy and Social Policy at Furman University, and serving as a YEA! (Youth Engagement Advocates) Program Assistant with the University of South Carolina.

Sierra believes that foster youth should be supported until they can stand confidently on their own two feet, rather than aging out of support. They channel their passion into action through NFYI, focusing on advancing policies such as free tuition for current and former foster youth in South Carolina, and building student organizations on college campuses that foster connection and support for students with foster care experience. Outside of NFYI, they are also involved in foster care advocacy through testimony, community engagement with youth in care, and continued policy discussions focused on education and housing accessibility.

Beyond their advocacy work, Sierra Burns enjoys going on runs, reading, and gaming.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, they hope to gain insight into working effectively with policymakers and navigating systemic change, and applying it to improving accessibility and long-term support for foster youth transitioning from care into adulthood.