Cheyanne Deopersaud

Cheyanne is a fierce advocate for young people with child welfare involvement. At Next100, Cheyanne is developing innovative, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of housing instability among youth in, and transitioning out of, the foster care system. Her advocacy is fueled by her personal journey in foster care in New York, which has given her a profound understanding of the challenges and systemic barriers faced by youth in similar situations.

Cheyanne, a Fair Futures Advocate since 2020 with the Youth Advocacy Council, was instrumental in securing $30.7 million in public funding for a program directly impacting over 3,000 young individuals in care. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services and community services at CUNY John Jay in New York, with an anticipated graduation in May 2024, her academic pursuits are deeply intertwined with her passion for social justice and systemic change.

Cheyanne’s personal connection has been a driving force behind her commitment to transformative policy work highlighting the critical need for more comprehensive and empathetic policies in child welfare and supportive housing. Looking forward, Cheyanne aims to leverage her experiences and insights to influence housing policy at a broader scale. Her vision includes creating policies that ensure safe, supportive, and affordable housing options, along with access to essential resources and opportunities for youth in care.