Indiana

Elva Martinez, age 18 Pronouns: She/Her 4 years in Indiana foster system Elva is from Lafayette, Indiana. She has obtained her CNA certification and is currently going to Ivy Tech Community College for her Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. Elva has a passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures. Elva... Read more

Cheyenne Von Hoene She/Her/Hers 20 years Old Indiana Foster Care System Cheyenne Von Hoene is a 2021 All-Star Intern. She is a senior at Indiana University, pursuing her B.A. in Media Science, and works as a waitress. Once Cheyenne completes her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue pursuing her education... Read more

Kaeyoni Phillips Her/ hers/she 20 years old Indiana’s Foster Care System Kae’yoni Phillips currently attends Ivy Tech Community College, where she is a second year sophomore in hopes of graduating on time from there with her associates degree and certificate in addictions. After community college she plans to transfer to... Read more

Justin Hayden Indiana’s Foster Care System 21 years old he/him/ his Justin experienced five years in Indiana's foster care system. From the time he entered care at age 14 he was in four different placements up until he graduated high school. Justin is currently enrolled at Purdue University Northwest, where... Read more

Vita Short 8 years in Indiana’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Vita experienced eight years in the foster care system. One thing she would like people to know about the foster care experience is that the system lacks support and resources for older youth that are aging out... Read more

Justin Hayden 5 years in Indiana’s Foster Care System 20 years old He/Him/His Justin experienced five years in the foster care system. He is from Northwest Indiana and is currently a student at Purdue University Northwest. He is a communication major with a focus in public relations and a minor... Read more

Jada entered the Indiana Child Welfare system when she was 16. Jada describes her experience in foster care as “crazy”! She “moved every year since 10th grade” because of multiple failed attempts at reunification. Jada began volunteering in high school to support other youth and bring youth voice to Indiana’s... Read more

Rimy Morris 10 years in Indiana’s foster care system She/Her/Hers Rimy aged out of care in January 2019 and has fiercely pursued a career in foster care advocacy. Rimy is a student at Purdue University Northwest where she majors in Communication. Rimy’s passion for foster care advocacy stems not only... Read more

Makayla Waughop was placed in the Indiana foster care system in 2012. During Makayla’s time in foster care she went through five or six different homes before finding a permanent home. While in these home she discovered so many thing about how the real world works. Makayla was able to... Read more

Brittany P. Mihalec-Adkins is a former foster youth (Indiana) and Lived Experience Expert. Brittany is completing her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University (expected: August 2022), where she has also completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychological Sciences and Law & Society,... Read more