Meet Our Speakers

As a transracially adopted person (I am Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), raised in a predominately white environment, I live a life where it is imperative that I gracefully and safely move through circumstances and situations related to differences of race, class, and culture. My beginnings of separation from my family of origin, being a brown girl in a white family, and the life experiences I have accumulated over time have created a blend of authenticity, curiosity, empathy, and whole lot of grit.

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My New England upbringing taught me about labor, my white family taught me about love, and I had to teach myself about life as a woman of color. Through the very poignant and often misunderstood experiences of adoption, I weave elements of the journey thus far into my work as a writer, podcaster, speaker/trainer, coach, and consultant. Today, I am fiercely dedicated to developing healthy identity, building stronger relationships, and elevating our collective ability to navigate differences of race, class, and culture.

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Tyler Hunter is a child welfare and behavioral health consultant, practicing psychotherapist, and advocate based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminology and a Master of Social Work from Western Kentucky University.

Tyler's commitment to child welfare reform is rooted in his lived experience. After spending time in kinship care and foster care, he was adopted at age 16. Since beginning his advocacy work at age 19, he has helped advance child welfare policy at the state and national levels, co-founded Wright & Hunter Consulting, LLC, and served in a variety of behavioral health roles supporting children, youth, and families.

As both a practicing psychotherapist and a foster care alumnus, Tyler is passionate about ensuring that individuals with lived experience have a meaningful voice in shaping policy and practice. He believes lasting child welfare reform is achieved through collaboration, community partnership, and empowering young people to lead change.

Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.

Mayda Berrios, Founder and Owner of "In Her Shoes LLC," is a distinguished professional speaker traveling the United States, recognized for her award-winning presentations. A graduate of Delaware State University, she holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work. Formerly the President of the Delaware Youth Advisory Board, Mayda actively engages in the Child Welfare realm as a now Foster Parent Licensing Specialist where she works diligently to recruit foster families. 

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Mayda entered the foster care system at the young age of 15 and remained in state custody until she aged out at 18. As one can imagine, being separated from everything you once knew can be a challenge. Mayda went through various challenges in her home including abuse of all forms. She began finding her place and voice in this world during her time in foster care. Luckily, Mayda had an experience like none other in Foster Care. The positive experience she had is the reason she now shares her message across the world, in hopes of changing the narrative of Foster Care. 

Mayda's passion and commitment to youth advocacy have made her a valuable asset to her community and an inspiration to all who know her. As she continues to pursue her education and professional goals, she is sure to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.

Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.