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At just 20, Quaviona “Quay” Peeples has lived in over 60 foster and group homes, endured sibling separation, and faced what would break many—but she rose. Now a criminology student, artist, and passionate foster care advocate at the Florida Capitol, Quay brings insight, resilience, and hope in a powerful conversation with host Chéla Gage on the 1 Million Fosters Podcast.

What you’ll learn:

• Turning trauma into foster youth advocacy and leadership
• Why sibling connections in foster care are critical
• Support and strategies for youth aging out of foster care
• What allies and policymakers can do right now

If you believe that your past doesn’t define your path forward, or believe in resilience, this episode will inspire you. 
Timestamps:
 0:00 – Meet Quaviona “Quay” Peeples
2:30 – Life in 60+ foster/group homes
8:20 – Her calling to advocacy
15:00 – Legislative progress for foster youth
25:00 – Vision for foster care reform
35:00 – The power of community and support

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Florida Youth SHINE: http://bit.ly/41b8qds
Madi's Movement: https://madismovement.org/

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From foster care at 13 to CEO and global communications leader, Giselle Phelps joins the 1 Million Fosters podcast for a deeply moving and empowering conversation about identity, resilience, and owning your power.

In this episode, Giselle shares her journey from entering the foster care system as a teenager in Canada to building a thriving career in media, eventually founding Grand Rising Talent. She opens up about navigating racial dynamics in foster care, the life-changing power of intentional choices, and what it means to create stability when your world feels anything but secure.

This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. And your story matters.

🎙️ Highlights of this episode:

• Emancipating from foster care at 16 and living independently
• The role of mentorship, community, and "choosing your people"
• Why asking for help is strength, not weakness
• Learning to transcend statistics and rewrite your own story
• Embracing joy, storytelling, and reinvention in her 40s

💬 “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. You have agency—no matter what your circumstances.”
 💬 “We all need a Betty.” (Yes, you'll want to hear this story!)

Whether you’re a former foster youth, an ally, or someone walking through your own chapter of reinvention, this episode is a reminder that your story isn’t over—and you have the power to shape what comes next.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that uplift, connect, and empower.

🔗 Learn more about 1 Million Fosters:https://www.1millionfosters.com/
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @1MillionFosters
🌐 Connect with Giselle Phelps:
IG – @gisellejphelps
Agency – @grtagency
Website – grandrisingtalent.com

#FosterCare #FosterAlumni #Resilience #GisellePhelps #1MillionFosters #Podcast #Storytelling #Mentorship #BlackExcellence #QueerVoices #Leadership #Healing #Community #GrowthMindset #WomenInMedia

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I'm Chéla Gage the host of the 1 Million Fosters podcast, I give to you all of my experience in HR interviewing and hiring talent for fortune 100 companies and I bring to you my lived experience as a youth in foster care. 1 Million Fosters is the combination of all of that

In today's episode you'll gain 

• Inspiration and Hope: Learn how resilience is about dancing in the rain, not avoiding storms 
• Personal Growth and Gratitude: Discover the importance of starting each day with gratitude to lighten your load 
• Understanding of Resilience: Gain insight into how overcoming pain and heartbreak can lead to hope, healing, and gratitude  
• Deep Connection to Foster Care Experiences:Hear a powerful origin story that highlights the emotional impact of loss and abandonment 
• The Power of Trust and Forgiveness: Reflect on how childhood innocence and trust are vital for healing and how violations can cause lasting pain