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.