NKIA RICHARDSON is the Executive Director of CASA of San Mateo County. With a legal background advocating for children and families, she previously served as a dependency attorney in Los Angeles County and later as a senior deputy city attorney for the City of San Jose, specializing in employment and civil rights cases. She is shedding light on the impact of human trafficking while sharing her story. Her “Free 2 Dream Big” initiative is a comprehensive project that aims to spread awareness of and prevent human trafficking.
JASZMEN HAWTHORNE, Social Service Supervisor at the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services, is working to create a mentoring program for older youth in foster care. She plans to offer mentors to assist youth while they are transitioning out of care, ensuring they feel encouraged and guided throughout their journey.
TKEYAH (KIA) DUPCLAY is a dedicated human rights champion who leverages her personal experiences in foster care and her background in electrical engineering to integrate technology aimed at dismantling broken systems and providing innovative solutions. With a portfolio of awards recognizing her advocacy efforts, Kia advocates for justice with love, compassion, and integrity. Kia is currently working to secure stable housing and employment benefits for survivors while providing them with a comprehensive education, blending traditional learning with vital life skills. She is working to integrate innovative technology seamlessly into her approach to better support survivors.
FRANCESCA GONZALEZ is the Executive Director of Freedom Forward, an initiative that targets systems contributing to youth sexual exploitation. She is also working to implement the HYPE center, a resource hub. She has already launched a pilot program, providing vital assistance to four young individuals.
YALANIS VÉLEZ GONZÁLEZ is the founder and CEO of OCA (OverComing Adversities), a nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico committed to the catalyzation of personal and professional growth for young adults with foster care experience. OCA communicates strategies that encourage young adults with foster care experience to navigate their circumstances and achieve economic and life satisfaction. Yalanis also serves as Operations Manager at Right to Democracy.
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www.foster-america.org
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