Lukas is from San Antonio, Texas, but currently resides in Austin. He is a graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council and is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Austin Community College. His goal is to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. He hopes to… Read more »

Des currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. She is a graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council and is pursuing a bachelor of science in Nursing. Her goal is to become a nurse and be an advocate for youth with experience in homelessness and other systems-involvement. She is passionate about leadership and being an inspiration… Read more »

Bri is a 24-year-old from Austin, Texas, and a graduate of TNOYS’  Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC). As an emerging young adult leader on TNOYS’ YALC and LifeWorks’ Impactful Voices program, Bri has shared their story with many across the state, from legislators at the Texas Capitol to youth-serving providers. They believe that young people… Read more »

Covenant House Texas (CHT) is a Houston-based nonprofit that has provided housing and support services to youth experiencing homelessness for over 40 years. A longstanding member of the TNOYS network, CHT offers an extensive continuum of care for youth and young adults (YYA), spanning mental health and substance abuse counseling, educational and vocational training, transitional… Read more »

We want to send a heartfelt “thank you” to the many members, stakeholders, and youth and young adult partners who worked alongside us this year. While 2025 presented many challenging obstacles for youth, young adults, and the providers who serve them, we were also reminded of the incredible achievements that are possible. When we collaborate… Read more »

Sydney is from Dallas, Texas and a graduate of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council. She is passionate about using her voice to spread awareness for youth and young adults struggling with their mental health. By sharing her lived experience, she aims to amplify youth voices by spreading education and knowledge to create systems-change. Her involvement… Read more »

Zahda Hodges currently resides in Austin, Texas. She is a graduate of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council and is currently pursuing a career in real estate. With her experience working in customer service and fast-paced environments, she prides herself in her work.   Zahda recently worked with TNOYS on a blog post about her experience with… Read more »

Diamond is from Houston, Texas, but currently resides in El Paso. She is a graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her goal is to attend law school and become a family attorney to support children and families. She… Read more »

Mikyra Bisby is a graduate of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with the goal of helping those in need, especially youth in foster care. As an advocate for youth and young adults in foster care, she shares her story to create systems-change.  Mikyra recently worked with… Read more »

Sine die, on June 2, marked the close of the regular Texas legislative session. TNOYS is immensely grateful to the many members, youth and young adult partners, and other stakeholders who showed up with energy, expertise, and unwavering dedication during the 89th legislative session. As we reflect on the session’s wins and challenges, we’re excited… Read more »