Jennifer Rodriguez

In this March 4, 2015 photo, Jennifer Rodriguez, executive director of the Youth Law Center, poses for a photo in San Francisco. A former foster child herself, she says traditional recruiting has often failed to identify the people who would be best at parenting troubled children. (AP Photo/Sophia Germer)

Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Youth Law Center, where she focuses on ensuring that youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice system live in conditions that meet their developmental and emotional needs, and are provided with the opportunities they need to build a foundation for a healthy adulthood. In her work on behalf of system-involved children, Jennifer employs a range of strategies, including developing and drafting legislation; participating in state and national workgroups; working collaboratively with state and local agencies to improve programs and services; and providing training and technical assistance to professionals, youth and families. Jennifer’s work also reflects her passion for engaging involved youth and families as the agents of change and having them centrally involved in advocacy efforts.