Sierra LaBate is a Washington, Indiana-based advocate dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding foster care and housing insecurity. As a current Human Services student working toward her associate degree, she uses both her lived experience and education to amplify the voices of young people who too often go unheard. Sierra serves as President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at her community college. She is also a LEAD Ambassador with Foster Success, where she works to support and empower students with foster care backgrounds to pursue higher education and long-term stability.

Guided by her core belief that everyone deserves someone in their corner, Sierra’s work centers on creating systems of support for older foster youth through policy, advocacy, and community engagement. In addition to her leadership roles, she is a student at Ivy Tech Community College, an active member of her church, a devoted mother, and a committed presence in her local community.

Outside of her advocacy, Sierra finds joy in caring for her homestead and animals, which reflect her deep value for responsibility, growth, and nurturing environments— the same principles that shape her work with youth.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, Sierra hopes to strengthen her ability to communicate with legislators, influence policy, and expand access to effective advocacy programs. Her long-term goal is to bring innovative, youth-centered policy solutions back to Indiana while also sharing successful initiatives from her state to help improve outcomes for foster youth across the state.