Foster America offers the opportunity to work with distinguished leaders and leadership coaches, providing opportunities for both personal and professional growth and
Changemaker Circles
ABOUT THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CIRCLE: In all our efforts to transform child welfare, Foster America is committed to amplifying the voices of those with personal experience in the system. The National Leadership Circle is a unique fellowship created by and for lived experts, a learning community that fosters both growth and healing. Through this experience, we provide resources and support that empowers fellows to harness the power of their experiences to transform the very system they experienced. These intersectional professionals work together to tackle issues that continue to plague our system, all while building a community that promotes belonging. ABOUT THE FISCAL LEADERSHIP CIRCLE: Our nation is experiencing a profound shift in child welfare policy. While agencies have historically directed more funding to foster care than any other intervention, a new federal law has made prevention programs eligible for increased financial support. Requirements to access these new funding streams, however, are stringent, and the process, incredibly complex. Our Fiscal Leadership Circle brings together finance professionals from across family-serving systems who are committed to helping their agencies navigate and maximize this opportunity. Fellows receive a comprehensive understanding of how the system works and how to leverage it strategically to fund programs that address the root causes of family instability — before children are ever removed from their homes.
I had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of individuals who have used their
Today, Foster America’s best-in-class coaching and development programming is reaching more changemakers than ever before. Recognizing the power of collaboration and collective expertise, we foster an environment where leaders can share ideas and take risks as they work together to advance projects aimed at transforming the child welfare system. By convening professionals with shared interests and experiences, we help fellows build meaningful relationships while tackling some of child welfare’s most pressing problems. Each 12- to 15-month fellowship follows a hybrid model of both virtual and in-person programming taught by some of the brightest minds in our field.
development. This transformative experience instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and commitment to effecting meaningful systemic reforms. J.P. Bombardier, Cohort 2 Foster America Fellow The Fiscal Leadership Circle is an opportunity for like-minded people to build some momentum and start tipping the scales on a conversation in child welfare. Right now, most of our resources go to foster care. I was interested to connect with leaders who are trying to use innovation and finances to support families in better ways . Dustin Koury, FLC fellow Strategic Initiatives Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
adverse experiences to inform and create platforms dedicated to improving outcomes
for future generations. This experience has reinforced that centering lived experience in all aspects of social change work is more than important – it is necessary for equity to take place. Denicia Carlay, EdD, LCSW, PPSC
NLC Co-designer & Facilitator Owner of Village is Possible
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