La-Torria Wright, (22) is a member of the 2024-2025 NJ DCF Youth Council. She has been in the DCP&P System both in Jersey and NC for over 5 years. Throughout her experience in the Foster care system La-Torria has made it her goal to be a help and advocate for all youth and young adults. Though she has faced some tough times herself, La-Torria is always willing to help others with building their resumes, employment, housing and calls herself an "unlicensed therapist" due to the many people who come to her for advice. She is determined to help make a difference in the Lives of all people and create a better system for youth coming into the child welfare system, as well as for those who are aging out. During her free time, La-Torria enjoys writing poetry, editing inspiring videos, and trying new food. 

Akeem Douglas, (19) was born in Jamaica and came to the US when he was 13 years old. Akeem currently attends college for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Akeem is still in the system, but he recognizes that it helps him to be the person he is today. As a member of the DCF Youth Council, Akeem’s goal is to make sure that kids in the child welfare system know that they are not alone in this. “I want to help make changes for the youth to better the system and the kids who are dealing with it. My mission as a youth council member is to help youth and young adults understand that their voices are really important for speaking out.” Akeem is looking forward to kicking off the 2024 youth council and helping every kid out there use their voice to make a better life for themselves.

Jeremiah La’Porte, (17) is an Author, Poet, Speaker, and Gov. Communications Strategist. Former Deputy Director of the Voters of Tomorrow NJ Chapter and Founder of the House of Hearts Network, Jeremiah has worked effortlessly to engage the youth vote while also promoting mental health programs and public policy. He is making great efforts to improve and implement mental health productive and proactive policy throughout his state.

Fernanda Cruz, (19) was recruited on to the DCF Youth Council in September 2023 and is focused on building a platform for the Spanish speaking community within DCF. She is currently a Sophomore at Montclair State University pursuing a degree in Italian and a minor in Psychology. Fernanda plans to refine her foreign language skills to be able to be worthy advocate for those that can’t stand up for themselves and hopes to join the FBI after completing her education. 

Trenoir Bowman, (17) says, "Love is my way of life." With joining the NJ DCF Youth Council, Trenoir plans to continue with an open mind, open heart, open ears, and open arms, whilst conquering battles ahead with drive and passion. Trenoir is happy and optimistic about how experiences will play out.

Massai Ramey (Sai), (22) is a new member of the DCF youth council. Sai is currently a sophomore in college at William Paterson University majoring in criminal justice and minoring in sociology. Sai has been a part of the system since childhood, although being in the system has always been difficult for Sai, he has always kept a posture attitude and is a light for everyone he meets. Sai is very excited to be on the Youth Council and hopes to bring some positive outcomes from the experience.

Katrina Smith (21) is a former foster youth who currently attends the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Growing up in the foster care system shaped her life’s perspective and led to a passion for mental health services. She currently conducts research on child welfare resources and public policies centered around sustainability. Katrina aims to use her lived expertise to shape future policies and practices of the NJ foster care system and promote the wellbeing of those who are involved with it.

Sandy Harvey, (24) is strongly passionate about advocacy and networking within the community and at work. As a manager in the restaurant industry, Sandy believes that maintaining authenticity and proper leadership skills serve a high purpose. Sandy worked as a peer navigator with the EnlightenMENT program in 2022. Since then, Sandy has found a passion for mentoring aging out foster youth to help them normalize their story and assist in navigating the transition between their DCP&P experience and independent adult life. 

Queen’Dasia Allah Davis Billingsley (23) is an independent, goal seeking, spiritual (womb)man who aspires to be a social worker. With a history of being in and out of foster homes & group homes operating under DCF programs she plans to use the experiences and knowledge to help aid in her role as a voice on the NJ DCF Youth Council. Queen says, “I enjoy drawing, painting, meditating with my cat, cooking and feeding the homeless, volunteering and just being my true authentic self.” 

Alexis Stiener, (20) joined the DCF Youth Council not just to better the system but to support the connection between DCF and families in New Jersey. She believes it’s important to have a safe space for families and caseworkers to voice their needs. Alexis plans to continue her education as an ultrasound technician.

Courtney Anderson, (20) is actively on the youth council as of 2024 and is currently in her first year of college studying online to work in the medical field. She’s had experiences in the foster care system, group homes, as well as adoption, since birth. She enjoys getting to know new things, binge watching, and being a stay-at-home mother to her little one.

Zoey Zabelski (16) is currently a Highschool student with hopes of attending Rowan University for Environmental Sciences. The experiences that Zoey has encountered in foster care and with DCPP overall helped to shape her into who she is today. These experiences have helped her build deeper connections with those surrounding her and the earth she journeys upon daily. Zoey hopes to be of help to others in their journey

Maya Zabelski, (16) is a junior in High School, has been involved with DCPP since she was four years old. At fourteen, Maya was finally adopted after six lengthy years in foster care. Maya constantly advocates for their peers and is involved in the Biomedical Magnet Program at her school. They strive to help those in care with racial equality between caseworkers and children and to aid fellow transracial adoptees.

Marisol Alejandra Nunez (23), was born in Colombia and is bilingual. She enjoys painting, drawing, and crafts. Marisol has participated on Youth Council’s in the past while living in Colombia and was a student counselor in her senior year of high school. Marisol hopes to attend college to become a clinical social worker and to help kids who are in foster care or going through the adoption process by relating to them through her own life experiences.

Sky Soto (19) joined the Youth Council in November 2023. She is a resilient entrepreneur who dedicates her time to creating change and pursuing her passions. Her goal is to do it all, which includes helping create a system that youth can rely on. She believes we can change the world with hard work and dedication, but it starts with people caring enough to fight for what’s right. She uses her experiences in the system as a way to speak for those who can't and stand up for those who aren’t able to. She is living proof that you can come from nothing and still create something, therefore she wants others to absorb that same reminder.

Kaliyah McKnight, (22) is currently a student at Rutgers University New Brunswick. She is also an aspiring filmmaker and screenwriter. Using her firsthand experience in the foster care system she hopes to strengthen community outreach.

Askar Mirza (19) is a Political Science student at Bergen Community College, and joined the DCF Youth Council in 2024. He interns with the United States Agency for International Development and has previously served as both a legislative intern and volunteer coordinator for various political offices in Bergen County. Askar hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy and continue to serve in government and advocacy in the future.