Marcella Middleton (she/her) is a connector, motivator, and survivor. It is through personal and professional experiences that Marcella has gained the confidence and knowledge to challenge society’s ideals of success. Her evolution through consistent adversities has shifted her values which empowers greater self-awareness and awareness of the world around her. Marcella fights every day for freedom, equity, and protection for all people. Marcella is book and street smart, which supports her ability to assess real world problems and provide real world solutions. She has advocated for 16 years for youth in foster care and other nontraditional living arrangements. Career goals would include promoting transformational change where youth and young adult leaders are experts in making the necessary decisions to change the systems that serve them.