In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to siblings Stephanie and Beatriz who were separated during their time in foster care. With 8 years between them, they had very different experiences and only lived in the same household with a relative for a very short time. They are now very close and also maintain relationships with their other 4 siblings. Listen as they talk about the struggles their biological mom faced and how they overcame all of the challenges in their young lives.

Stephanie recently graduated from Towson University and is part of the 3% of former foster youth who go on to graduate from a four-year college. She entered the foster care system at the age of 10 and lived with two families during her time in care. Now, she hopes to do anything she can to help other marginalized groups of people.

Beatriz: “I grew up with my mother until the age of seven, when I was taken into foster care. I spent one year with an amazing foster family. I was later taken in by my aunt, who would go on to be my guardian until I was fifteen years old. I returned to living with my mother, as my aunt could no longer care for me. I graduated from high school and went on to attend a community college, which I then dropped out of. I currently live in Washington, DC with my dog, Yumi. I recently began upcycling champagne bottles and turning them into homemade luxury candles. I’d like to turn this into an official business, providing more than candles. I also would love to have proceeds of the sales go to a foundation of my choice. I have huge dreams and goals, despite all that I’ve been through in life. My main purpose is to help others as much as I can and in any way that I can.”