U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) this week paired up with Brittney Barros and Mario McLean from Ypsilanti, Michigan for the 6th Annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. Brittney and Mario joined more than 100 foster youth alumni from across the country who traveled to Washington, DC to shadow members of Congress to get a behind-the-scenes look at the House of Representatives and share their experiences in the child welfare system as a way to influence policy around foster care.
“These two young people are an inspiration for all of us,” said Dingell. “Brittney and Mario have overcome unbelievable challenges and both have a great outlook on life. I want to thank them for having the bravery to share their stories with me. No child should have to experience what they went through, and the fact that they want to use their lives to help others is a testament to their strength and spirit. We all must work together to ensure that our nation’s child welfare system enables every child to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment.”
"NFYI Shadow Day and Debbie Dingell have paved the way to create the building blocks needed to turn my advocacy into policy,” said Brittney. “After experiencing multiple life-threatening challenges while being in foster care, it became my life goal to make sure every foster youth has a safe home, quality life care, rights to stay in contact with siblings and access to funds that help them transition into adulthood. Oftentimes, our voices are left unheard and we are swept under the rug. Congresswoman Dingell and her staff made me feel my voice was being heard and for the first time, a priority."
"I had an absolute blast at Shadow Day,” said Mario. “This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I'm just so grateful that I could be a part of something that means so much to me. I was surprised how enthused Debbie and her staff were to meet me and get to learn a little bit more about my experiences in the foster care system. I'm definitely looking forward to furthering my relationship with Debbie and starting a foster care movement back home in Michigan!"
Brittney Barros, 18, works as a Peer Outreach Worker for Ozone Youth, a Michigan nonprofit organization for at-risk and homeless youth. She is also a voice for foster youth through the Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative, serving as president and state co-director for Park West Foundation, working to connect foster youth with federal and local programs and resources. Brittney spent four years in the foster care system and is currently pursuing a degree in music therapy from Eastern Michigan University.
Mario McLean, 23, is a graduate of Michigan State University and works for Frito-Lay as a District Sales Manager. He was involved in the Fostering Academics Mentoring Excellence (FAME) program during his time at Michigan State and now serves as a mentor in his local Big Brother Big Sister program. Mario spent five years in the foster care system and will begin work on his MBA in the fall.
