Debbie Dingell joins up with former Ypsilanti foster youth for Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day in DC.

In a May 25 press release from the Debbie Dingell office, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI 12) teamed up last week with Brittney Barros and Mario McLean from Ypsilanti for the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. According to the press release, "Brittney and Mario joined more than 100 foster youth alumni from across the country who traveled to Washington, DC to shadow members of Congress to get a behind-the-scenes look at the House of Representatives and share their experiences in the child welfare system as a way to influence policy around foster care."

According to Dingell, "These two young people are an inspiration for all of us. Brittney and Mario have overcome unbelievable challenges and both have a great outlook on life."

Brittney Barros, 18, works for Ozone House as a peer Outreach Worker and is also an advocate for foster youth through the Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative, and serves as president and state co-director for Park West Foundation working to connect foster youth with federal and local programs. Brittney is enrolled in the music therapy program at Eastern Michigan University.

Mario McLean, 23, graduated from Michigan State University and is a District Sales Manager for Frito-Lay. While at MSU, Mario was active in the Fostering Academic Mentoring Excellence program. Mario currently mentors in his local Big Brother Big Sister program.

Jeff Brown
Editor / Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.