California

Eric Morales, age 20 Pronouns: He/Him 8 years in California foster system Eric is from San Bernardino, California. He is a student at Cal State, San Bernardino, with future plans to pursue a Doctorate in Education. Eric wants to become a high school English teacher, and eventually a school district... Read more

Brandy Harvey, age 24 Pronouns: She/Her 7 years in California, Michigan, and New York foster systems Brandy is from San Diego, California. She is a college student majoring in Studio Art, with a long-term goal of getting a PhD in Animation. Brandy wants to use her art to help exotic... Read more

Luna Busch 6 years in Foster Care 21 years old She/her/hers Luna Busch is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at UC Berkeley. After she graduates, Luna plans to pursue either a Master’s degree in Public Policy or enroll in law school to prepare her for a political... Read more

Erial Pierr 3 years in Foster Care 24 years old She/her/hers Erial Pierr is currently working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, and intends to continue school to earn a Ph.D. on track to becoming a college professor. She is passionate about the field of anthropology and understanding... Read more

Karen Esparza Lopez 2 years in Foster Care 22 years old She/her/hers Karen Esparza Lopez is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, and plans to continue her education to obtain a dual degree: a Master’s in Public Policy, and a Juris Doctor. Karen is committed to higher education, and sees... Read more

Izzy Moncada 24 Years Old They/Them California Foster Care System Izzy Moncada entered the system at the age of 5 months and aged out at 21 years of age, currently waiting for permanent placement. Izzy is very involved in advocacy work, and identifies as being a part of the LGBTQ+,... Read more

Brana Phillips She/Her California Brana Phillips resides in Los Angeles, Ca. She is currently a sophomore at the University of California, Merced majoring in psychology with the hopes of being a juvenile probation officer. Her interest in this degree, sprouted from her personal experience of not receiving reliable and trustworthy... Read more

Hannah Vargas She/Her/Hers 19 Years Old California Foster Care System Hannah is from Los Angeles, California and first entered the state’s foster care system at age 6 for about one year under kinship placement. She was reunified with her mother at age seven, yet re-entered the system at age 16... Read more

Special Fleming-Patterson She/Her/Hers 23 Years Old California Foster Care System Special Fleming-Patterson is currently a sophomore at Los Angeles Southwest College studying psychology. Her educational goals include obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, master’s in LCSW/LMFT, and perhaps pursue her doctorate in the future. Special loves learning new things from... Read more

Marciela Rodrigues She/Her/Hers 19 Years Old California Foster Care System Marciela first entered the foster care system when she was only a few days old and has spent 18 years in the foster system. She has experienced 15 plus placements but is now currently attending the University of California Berkeley... Read more