Florida’s Children First (FCF), a statewide advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights of at-risk and foster care children, is proud to announce the addition of Maria Batista as the Florida Youth SHINE (FYS) Statewide Coordinator.
“We are delighted to welcome Maria to the FCF team,” said Geori Berman, Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Director. “Maria was the most recent Statewide Chair of FYS and we are fortunate to have her on board now as a full-time staff member.”
Founded in 2005 by FCF, FYS is a statewide youth-driven, peer-led organization that empowers current and former foster youth to become advocates for all youth in care. As the Statewide Coordinator, Batista will focus on strengthening the advocacy network that protects the rights of children throughout Florida. She will work with FYS members to educate, inform, and advocate for critical public policy changes and resources required to generate positive outcomes for Florida’s most vulnerable youth and families.
“I’m ecstatic to be a part of FCF and the incredible work this organization does to advocate for the rights and protection of children in our state,” said Batista. “I’m proud to have been a strong advocate for Florida Youth SHINE for many years, which built the foundation for this next chapter in my life.”
Maria’s personal background of living in the foster care system equips her with the tools, skills, and perspective to empower youth. She wants to make sure the youth have an authentic voice and are included in all discussions and decisions about the child welfare system and their lives.
Batista graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice. Prior to this role, she worked at the Guardian ad Litem program and with youth experiencing homelessness at Vita Nova.
About Florida’s Children First
Florida’s Children First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth, especially those in foster care. Uniquely positioned as Florida’s premiere independent advocacy organization, our mission is to seek full representation of children and youth and obtain meaningful and sustainable improvement in Florida’s child serving systems. http://www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/
