A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome: Celebrating the NPC’s Annual Transitions

System Change Team
May 2, 2025
 | 
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LEx Leadership
Group photo of the National Policy Council standing in front of the Washington DC Capitol Building with the text: Thank you and Congrats to our departing and new members.

As we reflect on the incredible contributions of our outgoing National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council members, we’re filled with gratitude and admiration. Their dedication, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our work. At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome a new cohort of advocates who will carry the torch forward.

Celebrating Our Outgoing Members

 

To Tina, Kristianna, Michael, Daysha, Catherine, and Hope: thank you for your unwavering commitment to uplifting foster youth voices in policy. Your legacy lives on in the ripples you’ve created.

Here’s a glimpse of the love shared during your roll-off celebration:

To Tina:

  • “Your energy is welcoming and uplifting. You cast stones that create ripples of change.” - Rowan Arquette, NPC Council Member

  • “A beautiful soul with an abundant journey ahead.” - Maria Kelley, NPC Council Member
  • “The best selfie-taker and a resilient advocate!” - Aliyah Zeien, NPC Council Member

To Kristianna:

  • “You make motherhood and advocacy look effortless. Rooting for you always!” - Hope Coudayre, Past NPC Council Member

  • “Your joy is infectious, and your growth has been an honor to witness.” - Angel Petite, FosterClub Staff

To Michael:

  • “Your grounded approach and medical expertise brought invaluable perspective.” - Rimy Morris, NPC Council Member

  • “Showing up boldly during medical school? You’ll move mountains.” - Kristianna Moore, Past NPC Council Member

To Daysha:

  • “A powerhouse who balanced grad school and advocacy with grace.” - Rimy Morris, NPC Council Member

  • “Your quiet strength and thoughtfulness inspired us all.” - Angel Petite, FosterClub Staff

To Hope:

  • “Never stop pushing—you’re a force of nature!” - Aliyah Zeien, NPC Council Member

  • “Your vulnerability and strength are a beacon for fellow moms in advocacy.” - Kristianna Moore, Past NPC Council Member

To Catherine:

  • “Your empathy and devotion to uplifting others are unmatched.” - Aliyah Zeien, NPC Council Member

Each of you has shaped the NPC’s work in profound ways. As Hope shared,

“Policy can be intimidating, but the National Policy Council breaks it down—and you’ve all been part of that mission.”

Skills and Memories Carried Forward

Outgoing members highlighted the transformative impact of their NPC experience:

  • Daysha: “This community changed my life. I wouldn’t have pursued grad school without your support.”
  • Tina: “I gained confidence to speak up, whether from a script or the heart.”
  • Kristianna: “I’ll cherish the roundtable processes, Canva skills, and lifelong connections.”
     

Welcoming Our New Members

A warm welcome to Maddy, Louie, Rowan, Maria, and Brittany! Your unique perspectives and passions will fuel the next chapter of the NPC’s work. As Rowan wisely noted,

“We can’t become what we don’t see.”

Your presence ensures more foster youth see themselves reflected in leadership.

Looking Ahead: The Work Continues

As we turn this page, we’re reminded that advocacy is an ongoing journey. To our departing members: your contributions have strengthened the foundation of this work. To our new members: we’re excited to see how you’ll build upon it.

As Daysha shared:

“The most rewarding part was being around other former foster youth—it gave me my first real sense of community.”

This is the heart of the National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council. Together, we’ll continue creating spaces where lived experience shapes policy and every voice matters.

The conversation doesn’t end here. Connect with us as we:

  • Amplify youth voices in policy discussions
  • Build skillsthrough roundtables and workshops
  • Celebrate each other’s growth

Follow our journey on Facebook and Linkedin and join us in saying #ThankYou to our outgoing members while welcoming the new team!

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