For Immediate Release
For Immediate Release
Washington DC and Los Angeles — Kidsave, an organization that advocates for change in child welfare systems so children can grow up in families and connected to caring adults, is pleased to announce Keri Richmond's appointment to Kidsave's Associate Board.
Keri Richmond is a passionate advocate for children and families in both her personal and professional life. After being in Ohio's foster care system off and on for four years, and having a chaotic and traumatic childhood, as an adult Richmond has become an active leader for foster care reform. Richmond credits her success to all of the caring adults who stepped into her life, calling mentors “a magical wand for foster care.”
“As someone who was once in foster care, I know the saving grace of just one caring and loving relationship in a child's life,” says Richmond. “Kidsave's unique approach to connect kids with caring adults is just what the system needs to help more kids not feel so alone. It is an honor to join the Associate Board and continue to support Kidsave's work, as they are true champions of change for children.”
In 2020, Keri joined the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to serve as the organization's first-ever, Manager of Child Welfare Policy in Washington, D.C. In addition, Keri also serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit, FosterStrong, an organization comprised solely of alumni of the foster care system. FosterStrong is dedicated to changing the negative narrative surrounding foster care through storytelling.
“We are delighted to invite Keri, a wholehearted and passionate advocate for foster kids, to our Associate Board,” says Kidsave President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Randi Thompson. “Using her own voice and experience, she shines a light on the plight of children in foster care and works with policymakers to create change in the child welfare system.”
Prior to her work with AAP and FosterStrong, Richmond worked as a lobbyist in the policy shop at Arnold & Porter, focusing on child welfare, education, technology, and defense policy. Richmond attended Kent State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, served as the Director of Government Affairs, and interned for the nonprofit, Together We Rise, to change the way vulnerable youth experience foster care. In University, Richmond held over 12 leadership positions and found a voice to advocate for others using her foster care experience as a motivating force. Her advocacy led her to Washington, D.C., where she served as an intern for the United States Senate and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.
Richmond has given a TEDx talk on her foster care experience and has presented her research and policy recommendations to Members of Congress and the Obama Administration's White House Domestic Policy Council.
Kidsave, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, helps older children and teens living in U.S. residential facilities, foster homes, group homes, and orphanages overseas, find loving parents and lifelong mentors through our unique Family Visit Model. A volunteer-driven effort, Kidsave works with governments and communities worldwide to see that no orphan or foster child is forgotten, and every child grows up in a family with love and hope for a successful future.
