Intern Spotlight: Meet Laticia

Laticia Aossey has been involved with AMP since she was 13 years old. Now, she’s an intern for the program.

Led by YSS, AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential) is an Iowa foster care youth advocacy council that empowers youth and young adults to unleash their full potential, in addition to providing life skills for a healthy and independent life.

“There was no other organization where I would have rather interned,” Laticia says. “Since I first joined AMP when I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to work for the program one day.”

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Laticia always knew she wanted to make a difference in youth lives. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently working toward her master’s degree through Capella University.

Last fall, Laticia began exploring her passion for foster care advocacy as a Future Leaders in Action (FLIA) Fellow at YSS. She and four other FLIA Fellows worked to provide strategic recommendations to YSS and the Iowa Aftercare Network Services to reach more foster care youth and distribute their pandemic relief funds.

Following the fellowship, Laticia stayed involved with the organization as an AMP intern this spring semester. She says she is excited to make connections, learn more about the child welfare system, and explore ways to improve it.

When asked which of YSS’s core values she relates to most, Laticia did not hesitate to answer: compassion.

“I found my passion through the program in helping current and former foster youth find their voices and advocating for improving the foster care system,” Laticia explains.

Learn more about YSS internship opportunities.