Lydia Vinson
She/Her
9 Years in Care
Lydia Vinson entered the child welfare system in Georgia as a young child. After periods in care and reunification to family, she moved to Texas, where she experienced instability before reentering foster care in 2015. Over six years, she navigated multiple placements while staying focused on her education, graduating high school a year early and attending the University of North Texas through the P.U.S.H. Summer Bridge Program. She earned a cum laude degree in Integrative Studies with concentrations in Anthropology, Biology, and Spanish.
Lydia has applied her education and experience to advocacy and research, serving as a Research Assistant for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute on projects related to trauma-informed pedagogy and mental health access for transition-age youth. She recently completed a Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership, integrating Public Health, Management, and Health Policy, and currently works as a Community Engagement Intern at a socially conscious real estate firm.
A National Foster Youth Institute Congressional Leadership Academy delegate, Lydia has participated in Shadow Day on Capitol Hill and served in student leadership roles throughout college. Committed to giving back, she is building relationships with policymakers and advocacy leaders, with plans to attend law school to influence systemic change. Outside of work, she enjoys puzzles and lifelong learning
