Jamerika Haynes was five years old when she entered foster care. And she longed for her birth family, through two placements, and her eventual adoption at age 13. Jamerika was determined, that once she turned 18, she was going to be responsible for her life. She turned to beauty pageants to earn money for college, and found a safe space of belonging, sisterhood, and strength. Jamerika is the current Ms. Evergreen State, and uses her platform to advocate for foster youth, and families in crisis.