Speaker's Profile

Alejandra Gomez (she/her) is a dedicated human rights activist and child welfare advocate, focusing on racial equity within the child welfare system, Indigenous self-determination, and youth homelessness prevention. As a former foster youth, Alejandra uses her lived experience to inform her policy advocacy work, which extends beyond her college campus into national and international platforms. In 2024, Alejandra was selected to participate in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, where she championed the rights of Indigenous youth and emphasized the importance of self-determination. She was also invited to the White House Policy Youth Summit to address youth homelessness prevention and discuss systemic improvements for at-risk youth. In recognition of her efforts, she received the 2024 Young Innovator in Behavioral Health award. Alejandra’s advocacy is rooted in a commitment to racial equity. She focuses on building community support and advocating for structural investments to transform the child welfare system and empower Indigenous youth. Her work aims to create sustainable change