Tori Ikeda is from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and is passionate about improving the child welfare system and expanding access to harm reduction resources for those impacted by substance use. She dedicates much of her time to providing peer support to system-involved youth by utilizing her lived experience to support youth through their own unique journey. In addition to her direct support work, she serves on the Hawai‘i Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council Youth Committee, where she helps shape policies and practices that prioritize prevention, diversion, and healing for young people. As a fellow with the Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy through Safe Project, she furthers her advocacy in addiction, mental health, and recovery by implementing an impact project on her college campus.

Guided by the principle, “Nothing about us, without us,” Tori is committed to ensuring youth have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Through NFYI, she focuses on strengthening transitional planning, promoting family stability, and ensuring secure housing for young people aging out of care. Outside of NFYI, she is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to further her impact.

Outside of advocacy, Tori loves trying new things and exploring new places. Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, she hopes to deepen her understanding of the legislative process and collaborate with policymakers to drive systemic change for youth and families who have yet to be heard.

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, Hailey hopes to gain a true understanding of what foster youth need and start a nonprofit for Foster Youth. Her nonprofit will have a crucial role in supporting foster youth by offering services for long-term success through education, employment, independence and emotional support.