Women on the Rise: Advocating for Youth Through Education with Sharon Dunlevy
In this powerful Women on the Rise episode, Blaque Diamond sits down with Sharon Dunlevy , a passionate educational advocate for children in foster care. Sharon shares how her journey from children's ministry to policy-level education reform has transformed the lives of countless youth, especially those aging out of the system.
Together, they unpack:
- The urgent need for trauma-informed practices in schools
- The misconceptions about foster care and educational access
- The lifelong impact of unresolved trauma on children in the system
- Sharon’s real-world success stories of foster youth rising above their circumstances
- How everyday people can support and advocate for children in foster care—without being a foster parent
Blaque Diamond also shares a piece of her own powerful story of childhood trauma and vision loss due to abuse, bringing raw emotion and deep relatability to the conversation.
Whether you're a foster parent, educator, survivor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference—this episode is a must-listen. Learn how resilience, advocacy, and community can break generational cycles and uplift children who deserve a fighting chance.
Resources Shared:
- Download Sharon’s educational report: www.fostercareort.com
- Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Dunlevy
- Follow the podcast & subscribe for more empowering stories!
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Sharon Dunlevy
Foster Care Educational Advocate
Sharon Dunlevy (Duhn-lehvy) is a passionate advocate for the educational success of children in foster care. With a mission to bring systemic change to policies and practices affecting foster youth, she equips foster parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate educational laws, ensuring these children have the support they need to graduate and succeed beyond the system.
Her work extends beyond training—she is an influencer in the foster care space, using her voice to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. As a dynamic speaker, Sharon has taken the stage in multiple speech competitions and professional conferences, demonstrating her ability to engage, inspire, and mobilize audiences. Her writing has appeared in blogs, educational publications, and advocacy platforms, where she shares practical guidance, stories of impact, and insights that challenge systems and uplift foster families. Through her written and spoken work, Sharon continues to lead a growing movement to improve outcomes for children in care.