Minnesota

Shawna Bullen-Fairbanks she/her/hers Shawna is a young Biexual indigenous woman from Minnesota. She advocates for change through many organizations and has been a panelist for many foster youth related webinars. She has testified for the foster youth Ombudsman bill for Minnesota. She loves to volunteer in her community and loves... Read more

Z 9 years in Foster Care 21 years old Z is completing dual Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice. From there, they will pursue a Master’s degree in either Social Work of Political Science. Z plans to have a career in the policy and advocacy sector related to... Read more

Michael Kelly 6 years in Foster Care 24 years old He/him/his Michael Kelly is a medical student at the University of Minnesota, and dreams of one day becoming a rural family practice doctor. To achieve this goal, Michael plans to find a residency position in family medicine or primary care... Read more

Malcolm Leal He/His/Him 25 Years Old Minnesota Foster Care System Malcolm’s educational goals and dream is to get into Cybersecurity. He’s always been really good with technology. Computers, phones, tablets, TV’s, game consoles, etc. Family and friends have always gone to him whenever they need any technological needs, so he... Read more

Kala Beasley, 19, currently in Minnesota’s foster care system. Kala has experienced a foster home and kinship home, which she is still currently in. At Kala vacation Bible school, she led a group of children for two weeks. Through a program at her school, she volunteered at Feed My Starving... Read more

Vivianna Castillo-Roybal 8 years in Minnesota’s foster care system 20 years old She/Her/Hers Vivianna was placed into care at 13 with her two younger brothers. They separated her and her siblings upon entering care. She lived in foster homes, group homes, relative homes, and psychiatric hospitals. It was at 17... Read more

Manilan Houle grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. An enrolled member of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Manilan is also a product of the Foster Care System. After graduating High School in 2012 Manilan jumped into political activism fighting for issues like Marriage Equality and Indigenous Rights at... Read more

Kyra Harris was in the foster care system in Minnesota. Kyra went through many placements which caused struggles during her time in care. Her experience of troubles motivated her to persevere to become a strong and successful young woman. Currently, Kyra, is employed as a school teacher at a recording... Read more

5 Years in Minnesota’s Foster Care System Devon Jenkins is a 20-year-old foster youth from Minnesota. Devon encountered his first out of home placement at the age of 13. Since then he has been in five out of home placements and three congregate care facilities. Although his experience in congregate... Read more

Years in care: 4 At the age of 14, Jessica was placed into foster care, going through several traditional foster homes and one kinship placement, she finally found her family at the age of 17. With the support of her family, she started out college at Minnesota West Community and... Read more