4
FYI Alumni Spotlight


Nyanja Nzabamwita Brodin

2004 Foster Youth Intern

 

nyanja photo

 

 

 

 

 

As a survivor of Genocide in 1994, I left Rwanda at as a ten-year-old and was taken into the foster care system in the United States.  In 2004, I participated in CCAI’s Foster Youth Internship program.  Through this program, I was placed in Senator Inhofe’s office to learn about federal child welfare policy and share my own story of growing up in the foster care system.  Because I understand the importance of permanency in the lives of children, I knew I needed to help children in the U.S and my home country of Rwanda.

 

Since this internship I have returned back to my home town in Rwanda, as I was determined to assist vulnerable children like I had once been.  As an advocate, I have realized that things are often made more complicated than necessary.  I devote much of time to working on behalf of children living in institutions and promote adoption and formal care.  I founded ISHAMI Advocacy for Children, Rwanda.  Through this, over 70 children were adopted in Rwanda.  I have also worked closely with the Orphan Institute and to my joy have spoken at numerous events as the keynote speaker.  I currently live with my husband and two children in Sweden.     

 

 

 

 

 
 


Where Are They Now?

 

mason

Mason McFalls, FYI 2008


"Spending all summer in Washington, DC advocating for foster youth all over the nation will forever be one of the greatest memories in my life"

 

 


keshia_new

Keshia Morall, FYI 2009

 

"CCAI opened doors and provided incredible opportunities for me" Keshia shared her personal story and as a result had her recommendation for improving foster care encated into law through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

 


christina

Christina Miranda, FYI 2007


"I returned home to PA and became a Child Protective Services.  I am currently pursing a Master of Social Work.  My plan is to return to DC and help improve the child welfare system and adoption laws.  I am currently active in helping advocate for improving the foster care system." 



andre

Andre Cooley, FYI 2006

 

"I have been working with leaders within the MS Dept. of Human Services, national organizations, and Congress on foster care issues. It is important to me to remain a catalyst for change for youth. CCAI equipped me with the tools needed for effective communication to the leaders of this great nation."



chris

Chris Angelin, FYI 2003

 

"Since being in DC, I graduated with Bachelor of Social Work and have been involved in several conferences to re-educate foster parents, have been instrumental in affecting policy changes in my state concerning the foster care system, and have mentored.



lisa

Lisa Foehner, FYI 2003

 

"After the internship I used my new relationships to stay in DC working for Sen. Landrieu and OFA. Since then I’ve returned home to St. Louis, dabbled in graduate school, worked in local government, and for Sen. Claire McCaskill. I continue to be involved in local foster care advocacy efforts."

 
marjory

Marjory Turner, FYI 2007

 

"My experience as a FYI intern equipped me with the skills necessary to impact the lives of youth.  As a result, I have started my own non-profit organization L.I.F.E. (Leading Individuals through the Foster care Experience) to advocate for the overall well-being of youth in foster care."