TNOYS’ Texas Emerging Leaders Board (TELB) was developed in partnership with the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions and Young Invincibles.
The TELB is made up of young people who have lived experience in systems and who have also faced disconnection from school or work. Throughout a 12-month term, TELB members advise on the creation of better pathways to career and academic success for systems-impacted youth and young adults. Learn more about the TELB here. Read more about this year’s cohort below:
Anaya Carter, she/her
Her lived experience includes involvement with CPS, CSEY, and homelessness. Anaya is motivated in building herself up and healing others. She is dedicated to showing the youth and young adults that they are supported and loved and that they can all have a voice in all walks of life. She is excited to be a part of the TNOYS’ TELB and looking forward to now utilizing her leadership qualities so that she can further engage hands-on within her community.
De’Asia Wiggins, she/her
De’Asia Wiggins is 21 years old from Washington DC but currently lives in Houston, Texas. She is currently in school for political science graduating in May 2025. De’Asia also works full time with The Harris Center as part of a small program called YES waiver to provide different therapeutic services to youth. She has done contract work with the National Center for Sexual Exploitation and did a summer internship with them as a research policy intern. De’Asia has a vibrant passion for foster care reform and would like to work as a youth advocate in policy.
Isaiah Washington, he/him
Isaiah Washington is a 21 year old from San Antonio, Texas, who is a part of the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS). Prior to joining TNOYS, he was presented with an opportunity to become a Junior Brand Influencer for an organization called Limitless who was committed to serving youth and adults on their journey of achieving personal and professional goals. Now as a young adult with his interest and love of basketball, Isaiah wants to continue to help his community and be a good mentor for the youth through the game of basketball.
Kirsten Comparetto, she/her
Kirsten Comparetto is a 22-year-old who resides in Abilene, Texas, and is currently an undergraduate senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. She has about two years of experience in advocacy work, with previous experience as a YALC member and alumna with TNOYS, as well as her current position as a TELB member. Kirsten utilizes her lived experience of being in foster care as a teen to help advocate for other former and current foster youth. She is also very passionate about advocating to make mental health and higher education more accessible and easier to navigate for youth and young adults aging out of care. Kirsten intends to continue to use her voice and platform as a TELB member to help advocate for system changes that benefit the well-being of opportunity youth in her local community and at the state and national levels. Kirsten’s long-term goal is to become a professional social worker for a nonprofit organization that works to create and promote positive system changes.
Kyren Jackson, he/she
Kyren is from Houston, TX. He currently serves as a member of the TELB and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology as well as cyber security certification. His lived experience includes homelessness, including experiences such as sleeping on the street, in cars, and enduring multi–hour commutes to school. Kyren takes every moment he can to exhibit perseverance and resilience. He aims to be a light in the world, with a passion to spread inner peace and be a service to all walks of life. Long term, Kyren aims to become a CSI and advance his leadership skills so that he can be disciplined, independent, and continue to inspire the world.
LaBraia Owens, she/her
LaBraia Owens is a dedicated advocate, student, and nonprofit professional with over seven years of experience in youth empowerment, philanthropy, and leadership development. She is pursuing a double major in Business Computer Information Systems and Economics to further her impact in community and economic development. LaBraia serves on the Texas Emerging Leaders Board with the Texas Opportunity Youth Network and TNOYS, advocating for young people disconnected from education or employment. Her work is shaped by her hands-on experience at Workforce Solutions, where she spent two years supporting youth and promoting economic mobility. She also brings strong skills in event planning, public speaking, and collaboration, having led and supported community fundraisers, youth forums, and more. A graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council, she leads with empathy and purpose. Outside of her work and studies, LaBraia enjoys church, watching The Bachelor, and taking drives with music playing—always grounded in service and heart-led leadership.
Marvin Terry, he/him
Marvin Terry is a youth advocate and college student majoring in Information Systems with experience helping young people and leaders support youth transitioning into adulthood. A graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC), Marvin specializes in youth engagement, advocacy, and tech-driven problem-solving. He uses his public speaking experience to influence policy, uplift lived experiences, and create solutions that help young people thrive.
Tee (Telisha) Wakefield, she/her
Tee (Telisha) Wakefield is 23 years old from Tennessee but currently staying in Dallas, TX. She is currently joining the navy and has many lived experiences across housing insecurity, shelters, and foster care. Having experienced these different obstacles, Tee aims to inspire and lead other young individuals. She also aims to be a voice and support to people that are not brave enough to do so. Long term, Tee aims to be a police officer.