Jaleshia Brown receives the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award

Congratulations to Jaleshia Brown for receiving the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award, and many thanks to Caidyn Bearfield, who was last year’s recipient.

The Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award is a way to honor a former foster who goes above and beyond in advocating and in supporting the voices of today’s foster youth. It is a “pay it forward award” in that each year’s recipient can choose who to recognize next year from a different county. Ohio has 88 counties and in them, there are 88 different experiences.

This award was named in honor of Nikki Chinn, who was literally the Erin Brockovich of foster care, when it came to tracking down police records, working with reporters and shutting down Pomegranate. As well as so much more when it comes to foster care advocacy and the Columbus State Scholar Network.

In the words of Caidyn Bearfield:

• Couldn’t think of anyone else I wanted to give this award to more!  I am so impressed with Jaleshia's hard work and feel heartened to know her and see Nikki’s legacy in action.

• When I think of my dear friend Nikki, I think of someone who doesn’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to youth safety and stays respectful and collected in conflict, who moves forward gracefully in uncertainty, who builds up the peers around them, and who can still laugh at the end of a long day.  Jaleshia, you’re doing it!  Absolutely crushing it!  Thank you!!!

In the words of Jaleshia Brown:

• Such an honor to receive the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award! This award honors a former foster youth who went above and beyond in advocating for and supporting the voices of today’s foster youth.

• Nikki Chinn left a legacy of making a difference in the face of obstacles. I am grateful to be recognized for my efforts to make a difference for current and former foster youth of Hamilton County and Ohio.

• The behind-the-scenes of advocacy work is not always easy or obvious, but I will continue to forge a path for my brothers and sisters of the system by putting their voices, their needs, and their experiences first! I'll continue to lead this work with purpose, vision and hope! 💪🏾