WIlliam Woelki
He/Him
William entered the Tennessee foster care system as a young child and, like many youth with foster care experience, navigated multiple placements that impacted his education, relationships, and stability. Determined to break cycles and create a different path, he pursued higher education despite barriers, earning undergraduate and master’s degrees and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. His dissertation uses Participatory Action Research (PAR) to partner with other YFCE, identifying systemic barriers and co-developing solutions to improve college access, retention, and success.
Beyond academia, William is a national advocate for youth, working with the National Foster Youth Institute and the National Network for Youth on initiatives related to education and housing. Through NFYI’s Congressional Leadership Academy, he partnered with Rep. Greg Landsman to support legislation expanding campus housing for students with foster care experience. He also founded See You Backpacks, a grassroots initiative providing care packages to youth experiencing homelessness across multiple states.
William combines research, advocacy, and community engagement to uplift youth voice, transform systems, and create opportunities for the next generation of YFCE. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he credits the sport with providing joy, confidence, and community throughout his journey.
