Sierra Burns M’29 made headlines at February’s State of the Union for her advocacy of the foster care system

Furman University recently highlighted Sierra Burns M’29, a grad student pursuing her master’s degree in advocacy and social policy. On Feb. 24, Sierra was seated in the gallery in Washington, D.C., next to First Lady Melania Trump and members of the Trump family, a special guest invited because of her advocacy for youth in foster care. Sierra’s advocacy work is what ultimately caught the attention of federal officials searching for a voice to highlight during the State of the Union.

Sierra is currently pushing for policies that expand resources for foster youth, including extended support funding and free college tuition for students leaving the foster care system.