Parker, MSW (ze/zir)
Parker, a dedicated professional in the field of social work, holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. With a passion for transformative change, ze has found zir calling as a consultant with the University of California, Davis. In this role, Parker actively develops and facilitates training programs for various stakeholders, including counties, social workers, foster parents, and youth on a wide range of topics like Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, Wrap Around Services, Extended Foster care, and more.
Beyond zir academic accomplishments, Parker’s artistic talent shines through. Ze has garnered recognition for zir powerful poetry and spoken word performances, winning numerous competitions and being featured in prestigious publications like the Imprint and Riot Poetry Book, published by Journey House.
With over a decade of experience working with system-impacted individuals, Parker has made a significant impact through zir efforts in policy, advocacy, and training. Zir unwavering dedication to social justice and equitable change has made Parker an invaluable asset to the communities ze serves.
Gina Cabiddu, MSW (she/her)
Gina Cabiddu, MSW, is a program coordinator with Kids Mental Health Pierce County. In her role, Gina provides technical assistance and training to establish a Youth Regional Behavioral Health Navigation program across Washington state. Her previous experience includes working in public child welfare in Kitsap and Thurston Counties, statewide non-profit regional leadership in Pierce County, and board and coalition work spanning housing, business, behavioral health, violence prevention, and county policy. Her passion for her work stems for her experience as a foster youth adopted out of the system when she was nine years old. Gina enjoys going to concerts in different states and backpacking in the Pacific North West.
Arique Dross III, JD (he/him)
Arique, an attorney in New York and California, launched his career prosecuting child abuse/neglect cases in Manhattan, NY, and later handled criminal cases in Brooklyn, NY as an Assistant District Attorney. His own journey through nearly two dozen foster homes, the juvenile justice system, and Rikers Island, enriches his understanding of the personal and legal complexities families entangled with the system face. As an appointed member of New York’s Family Court 18B Panel, Arique regularly represents parents and children in a range of family law matters, from custody issues to child abuse/neglect matters. As the owner of a law firm, a father of three, and a former foster parent, Arique continues his personal and professional voyage within the system, blending unique personal insights with professional acumen to advocate effectively for his clients and impact change.
Danielle Whittaker, JD (she/her)
Licensed as an attorney in 2019, Danielle started her career as a Public Defender in the Alcovy and Atlanta Judicial Circuits before transitioning to the role of Judicial Staff Attorney in the Juvenile Court of Fulton County, Georgia. In her role, she serves as a liaison between the juvenile court judge and the public by providing legal advice and opinions to judges and drafting the orders of the court.
Danielle is a lifetime member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Incorporated, the Gate City Bar Association, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Georgia Supreme Court Committee on Justice for Children, and serves as a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Metro Atlanta.
Danielle earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum laude, from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and her Juris Doctorate Degree, Cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.
Kristen Powell
Kristen Nicole Powell is a passionate and creative community leader who co-founded The Lost & Found Institute (LFI) in 2023. LFI’s mission is Through healing and honoring our humanity we are eliminating the oppression of our people. The Lost & Found Institute works with youth and young adults who have been impacted by systems of care and trauma to help them navigate transformative organizing, liberation, and healing.
From a former foster kid and incarcerated youth to a survivor of human trafficking, Kristen is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Through the use of advocacy, public speaking and transformative organizing Kristen has inspired people across the country to make changes within their communities. Kristen has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Wichita State University, and has worked in various roles that involve survivor-informed, survivor-led services, holistic healing, journalism, and policy reform. Kristen has received multiple awards and recognition for her dedication and inspiration, such as the Light the Way Youth Award and the Soroptimist International Live Your Dream award.