Posted on 05/10/2024
![Foster Youth](/sites/g/files/wph2021/files/styles/portrait_medium_350x467_/public/2024-05/IMG_5596.jpg.webp?itok=br8i2LGj)
On the inaugural Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day, Councilmember Price was partnered on May 7 with a remarkable young leader named Mercedes.
From the shadows of homelessness, Mercedes has emerged into the light—a vibrant, determined young woman who now stands on the brink of a bright future. With a home of her own, keys to her car, and the halls of UCLA awaiting her this fall, she is a testament to the strength that lies within.
This special day, the first in the City of LA, was originally initiated by Mayor Bass during her time in Congress and was crafted with a noble purpose: to grant former foster youth a front-row seat to the mechanisms that can ignite meaningful change.
“Mercedes joined me at the heart of civic engagement, attending a City Council meeting and various other meetings designed to peel back the curtain on the intricate dance of governance and policy-making,” said Councilmember Price. “As the day unfolded, it became evident that this was not just an opportunity for Mercedes to learn; it became a profound learning experience for me, as well.”