Mark your calendars! Come join NPAC and Tony Parsons, one of C.A.S.E.’s Emerging Leaders, discuss the challenges of being a person of color in the foster care system and as an adoptee through the lens of lived experience. Tony is a dynamic speaker with a background in education and policy advocacy. We are delighted to have him join our NPAC Live series – please plan to join us!

Tony Parsons has built a career working on behalf of children, youth, and families across multiple systems. He began as an intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute where he produced a policy report with recommendations for increasing permanency for foster youth. After graduating from Michigan State University, he worked in education. As an academic advisor for educationally gifted students in a low-income community, he drafted curriculum, elevated student voice in the decision-making process, and convened stakeholders to improve educational outcomes. He also worked in a systems level change capacity with the Michigan College Access Network, helping low income, first generation, and/or students of color realize their potential of accessing higher education. Currently, Tony manages a diverse youth policy portfolio including the Family First Prevention Services Act, Medicaid, education, and juvenile justice among others for Youth Villages. Youth Villages is national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health committed to building strong families, delivering effective services and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. Additionally, Tony serves as a Young Adult Consultant for the Capacity Building Center for States.

Contact: Rachel Wegner, wegner@adoptionsupport.org