Felicia believes foster youth need support to achieve independence when aging out of the foster care system. After living in 63 different foster homes over 17 years, Felicia saw the underbelly of NYC child protection. She successfully made it to college and beyond, ultimately earning her doctorate in Public Administration 2023. 

1,000+ young people age out of the NYC foster care system every year. These 19-21 year-olds are leaving the system to independence, not returning to their original homes or being adopted. Foster care agencies struggle to help these youths navigate the transition; only a lucky few get a housing voucher or much beyond a Metrocard.

In 2021, Felicia developed a new model for supporting young people who are aging out. What About Us is a roadmap for the essential skills and resources a young person needs to leave care and thrive, including housing and education, employment and financial literacy. Felicia’s secret weapon is the team of foster alumni she’s enlisted to deliver the program. They bring a unique and powerful perspective to supporting young people, having once stood in their shoes.

Since winning The David Prize, Felicia has hosted extensive parent development training for child welfare agencies to assist, guide and educate foster parents in New York City’s five boroughs. As a consultant, she has also provided guidance to outside organizations that work with foster families and has been able to revamp her core offering to serve mothers, babies, and expectant mothers. 

Now, Felicia is working on her parenting book for special needs parents and has received trademark approval for Customized Parenting, Coaching & Consulting this year. Starting in Fall 2024, Felicia will begin her journey to become a certified Parent Educator with the Adelphi University Institute of Parenting, where she received her PhD.