Emily Villagomez
She/Her
8 Years in Care
Emily entered foster care as an infant and faced many challenges, including multiple placements and feeling disconnected. Throughout her journey, she worked hard to overcome her struggles and stay focused on her future. Despite experiencing instability, she graduated high school and has continued to push forward in her education and career.
Now, as a full-time student at the University of Houston-Downtown, Emily is working toward her Bachelor’s in Social Work, with plans to continue her education with a Master’s. She’s been honored with a spot on the Dean’s List and is a member of the Honor Society and NSCS. Alongside her studies, Emily works full-time with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), where she gives back to the system that shaped her.
Emily has also dedicated herself to advocacy, speaking on panels, volunteering with several organizations, and helping raise awareness about foster youth issues. Her long-term goal is to use her personal story and passion for social work to support vulnerable youth and help reform the systems that impacted her
