Emmerald Evans is graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. As a foster youth alumni, Emmerald found her passion in child welfare and mental health advocacy, to create change in a system she once endured. As an advocate for John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), she played a key role in impacting housing, education, and health policies for foster and homeless youth throughout California. Emmerald is also one of the founders of the Youth Advisory Board with Seneca Family of Agencies, a Bay Area program that provides a broad continuum of permanency, mental health, education, and juvenile justice services.
Emmerald has experience in leadership, training and development, youth mentorship and case management. She remains dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for youth and families to be successful.