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 direct involvement 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:
Betty Bajika
Betty Bajika is a youth advocate, healthcare professional, and former collegiate athlete whose experience aging out of foster care inspires her commitment to creating meaningful change in her community and beyond.
Betty holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a master’s degree in Health Informatics. She plans to begin nursing school with the goal of earning a doctorate and becoming either a Family Nurse Practitioner or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
A graduate of the Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC), Betty remains active with the TNOYS through PEAKS Camp and the TELB. Drawing on both her lived expertise and professional background, she is passionate about mentoring youth and serving underserved communities through healthcare, advocacy, and faith-based leadership.
Caitlyn Truitt
Caitlyn Truitt is a junior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies.
Drawing on her experience in the foster care system, Caitlyn is committed to expanding educational access and support for former foster youth. She has served as a panelist for UTRGV’s Fostering for Success program, helping raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities experienced by students with foster care backgrounds.
Caitlyn currently serves on the TELB while also working as the university’s mascot handler. She is passionate about creating pathways that empower youth to thrive in higher education and plans to pursue a master’s degree to continue advocating for vulnerable communities.
Dahlia-Rose Alexis
Dahlia-Rose Alexis is a passionate Public Policy student at The University of Texas at San Antonio, with a strong focus on public policy, youth services, and community development. Committed to fostering opportunities, she aims to build a career in public service that centers on creating policies and programs to empower communities and improve access to vital resources.
As an active member of the Texas Emerging Leaders Board through the Texas Network of Youth Services, Dahlia-Rose collaborates with youth leaders and professionals statewide to advocate for enhanced support systems for young people. Her involvement includes contributing to critical discussions on youth services, mental health, and policy challenges affecting young adults. Through this role, she has honed her leadership, advocacy, public speaking, and collaboration skills.
Dahlia-Rose’s personal experience as both a student and youth leader fuels her passion for amplifying youth voices in policymaking and building supportive communities where young people can thrive.
Daisy Fowler
Daisy Fowler is passionate about supporting her community and using her lived expertise to uplift others. Having grown up in foster care, experienced family separation, and navigated the juvenile justice system, she understands many of the barriers Opportunity Youth face.
Drawing on those experiences, Daisy has worked to build a positive future for herself and her children while advocating for others facing similar challenges.
As a member of the TELB, Daisy is committed to strengthening her leadership, sharing her story, and advocating for youth across Texas. She hopes her journey demonstrates that resilience, support, and determination can help break cycles and create lasting change.
Dana Williams
Dana Williams is a native of El Paso, Texas, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Social Work from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Drawing on her experience in the foster care system, Dana is dedicated to ensuring young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her lived expertise navigating instability and adversity has shaped her passion for advocacy and her commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable youth.
As a member of the TELB, Dana works to elevate youth voices and promote meaningful systems change. She believes every young person has the potential to succeed when given the support, guidance, and opportunities they deserve.
Daniela Williams
Daniela is a Houston native and TELB member. Prior to joining TNOYS, she served on the Young Adult Action Advisory Council (YAAAC) with Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC), where she developed leadership skills and contributed to youth advocacy efforts.
Drawing on her lived expertise, Daniela is passionate about expanding access to resources and opportunities for underserved youth. She also has a strong interest in art and drawing, using creative expression to explore psychology, mental health, and personal growth.
She is committed to continuing her leadership journey while using both her voice and creativity to make a positive impact in her community.
Jasmin Romano
Jasmin Romano serves on both the TELB and the YAAAC with GHOYC. She is also a graduate of the 2025 Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) cohort.
Drawing on her experiences with housing insecurity and mental health challenges, Jasmin is passionate about advocating for youth and young adults facing similar circumstances. She hopes to connect others with the resources and support they need to succeed.
During her time with YALC, Jasmin received the Positive Perspective Award. She plans to earn her GED and continue her education by studying social work.
Katherine Squires
Katherine Squires graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Professional Writing and Rhetoric and is passionate about research, advocacy, and policy impacting Opportunity Youth and youth impacted by foster care.
Her work includes serving as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, participating as a panelist at the Selfless Love National Think Tank, and co-authoring Driving Change in Adoption with Chapin Hall. Drawing on her commitment to elevating lived expertise, Katherine hopes to inspire others to pursue their goals and help shape national child welfare policy.
She enjoys gardening, poetry, pottery, and volunteering in her community and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in a related field.
Noah Otote-Ingram
Noah Otote-Ingram is a student at Texas A&M University studying Agricultural Leadership with interests in community development, education, and public service.
Drawing on his experience mentoring youth and participating in community outreach, Noah is passionate about improving systems that serve young people and underserved communities. He has been involved with organizations including GHOYC and BridgeYear, where he has supported youth leadership and civic engagement.
As a member of the TELB, Noah contributes to youth-focused initiatives that promote leadership, opportunity, and community impact. He is committed to empowering others and creating lasting change through service and advocacy.
Jasalyn Franco
Jasalyn is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. She is passionate about building community, supporting student success, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Through her work with local nonprofits and youth programs, she has developed experience in mentorship, community engagement, and program coordination.
These experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping others grow both personally and professionally. Outside of UT, she enjoys hiking, exploring Austin’s food scene, trying new recipes, and spending time with her bunny. She is excited to be part of TELB and looks forward to connecting with young people throughout the year.