Meet our Fair Futures Heroes!

Youth Advisory Board
(YAB)

The Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board is dedicated to advocating for New York City's foster youth in providing them with the necessary supports they deserve.

As a coalition of 100+ organizations, Fair Futures developed the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to successfully coordinate current and former foster youth with strong voices to advocate for their needs.

Mission

"We believe that all youth can learn, attain greater independence and shape their futures. The Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board believes that each youth should lead with purpose and integrity. The board wants to ensure that youth reach their full potential, exercising their right to advocate and to reach an audience on their behalf." 

Key YAB Accomplishments

In FY23, $30.7 million was baselined in the NYC budget for young people ages 11-26 to have access to the Fair Futures model, making NYC the first in the nation to serve young people in foster care through age 26 with public funding!
 Organized the first rally supporting Fair Futures with more than 400 people in attendance 
Fair Futures secured $10M of public funding for young people in foster care ages 11-21
YAB attended eight council hearings testifying on behalf of the impact of Fair Futures on NYC foster care youth 
After NYC cut Fair Futures funding to $2.7M in the FY21 Budget, the YAB's hustle helped restore funding to $12M!
Met with with the New York City Mayor and Deputy Mayor as well as Mayoral Candidates for the upcoming election
Organized a trip to Albany, with 100+ young people, and met with New York State policymakers and elected officials
Met with the leadership of the Progressive Caucus, BLAC Caucus, Women’s Caucus
Despite COVID-19, the YAB's persistent advocacy helped secure $20M for Fair Futures in NYC's FY 2022 Budget!
$12 Million of the $20 Million secured in 2022 was BASELINED in the NYC budget!

Stories that matter, advocacy with impact.

Meet the YAB

Anthony Turner

YAB Coordinator

Tony provides guidance and leadership, recruits members, and coordinates with the Fair Futures Steering Committee.

Tony is a graduate of Columbia University and hosts a weekly Podcast about experiences in the foster care system.

Learn More

Alonzo Forde

HeartShare St. Vincent's Services


Jahlika Hamilton

Forestdale inc

A recent graduate of Queens College who has been advocating for foster care for the past 10 years, working with fair futures from the beginning to help and support her fellow youth.

Chantal Fernandez

Coalition for Hispanic Family Services

10th Grade Student.
Instagram: @fairfutures_advocate

"Pleasure to be part of the board."

Danny Washington

HeartShare St. Vincent's Services

"Hey y’all, my name is Danny Washington. I believe that what we can’t accomplish on our own we can accomplish together."

Kelsie Minaya

Catholic Guardian

"My name is Kelsie and I am dedicated to helping underprivileged youth. I am proud to be part of such a hardworking team!"

Jaylen Fitzpatrick

SCO Family of Services

"I currently attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice, majoring in Psychology. My goal for the future is to become a social worker so that I can continue helping foster children around the world."

Wilmary Rodriguez

Graham Windham

Wilmary Rodriguez is an NYC foster care alumnus with international experience in the child welfare system. After graduating from Bard College in 2018, she worked in India, Uganda, Costa Rica, Peru, and the Philippines during a year-long fellowship as a Watson Scholar. She currently works as a Socio-Therapist with children in NYC's foster care system and is pursuing her Masters degree in Social Work and Public Policy.

Dylan Tatom

Graham Windham

Dylan Tatom is a LaGuardia Community College student and a recent John Jay College graduate. Dylan has spent her time using her experience to improve the lives of those who are currently in foster care. Dylan is dedicated to using her voice to empower others and make changes to the child welfare system.

Cheyanne Deopersaud

HeartShare St. Vincent's Services

Hi! My name is Cheyanne Deopersaud and I'm currently a sophomore at John Jay college pursuing a Human Services and Community Justice major and following my dreams of being a professional and meaningful advocate for others and myself.

Additional Members of the YAB Include:

Marcus Diego

Dashawn Johnson

Nick Vasquez

Want more YAB?

Follow us on Instagram! @fairfutures_yab