LaTika Jefferies is a former foster youth who was adopted at the age of 21. LaTika is a strong advocate for youth in foster care and uses her personal experience, her voice, and positive attitude to make a difference. Due to her constant hard work and impact, LaTika was recently recognized as 2021 Spirit of Excellence and 2020’s Adoption Excellence award honoree. She works with the state of Virginia for various training needs and is an active member of the Youth Advocate Program where she serves as a mentor. She is also an active member of the AdoptUSKids speakers bureau and participates in a variety of national, local, and international media opportunities and other speaking engagements. In sharing her foster care and adoption story, LaTika wants to serve as a positive role model to those who are looking to adopt, or for individuals who want to share their life stories but are afraid to do so, encouraging them to be a positive voice for good. LaTika is also looking to create opportunities for youth who have aged out of foster care and make a difference for those both in and out of care.
LaTika lives in Maryland and is inspired daily by her two daughters, her husband, and German Shepard Puppy, Harper.