A New Chapter for Foster Nation
Over the past decade, with your belief and generosity, Foster Nation has grown from a daring idea into a powerful force for connection, healing, and opportunity for young people impacted by foster care. What began with my personal story and a dream for impact has become a thriving community, shaped and sustained by every donor, volunteer, supporter, and partner who chose to stand with us. We would not be here without you — and I carry immense gratitude for the way you helped turn possibility into reality.
It is with a heart full of both excitement and quiet reflection that I share some significant news. I am stepping down as the Executive Director of Foster Nation and I am passing the torch to Alec Marcellin, who has served the organization in various capacities for more than five years. Alec understands this work from the inside out, and I have full confidence in his vision, integrity, and leadership. He is the right person to guide Foster Nation into its next chapter and to take this organization to an even greater level of impact.
Building Foster Nation has been my greatest challenge, filled with beautiful lessons and the most joyful and satisfying moments of my life. While there is a natural sadness in shedding this professional skin, it is eclipsed by a deep sense of relief and an unshakable belief in Alec’s ability to amplify and lead this organization into its next great era of growth.
Looking back, this journey has felt like an entire lifetime. From the first fundraiser and the shaky-voiced public speaking, to raising millions with nothing but a story and an idea, to supporting thousands of young people that have aged out of foster care, Foster Nation has been the crucible that forged the person I am today. It taught me how to alchemize the pain of my own foster care experiences into something precious, how to lead with vulnerability, and how to believe in the impossible.
Though my title is changing, a part of me will forever be with this organization. I am stepping away to explore what it means to be "fully me" beyond these walls, untethered and ready for new possibilities. Thank you for walking with me through every failure, every triumph, and every moment of magic. I am so honored to have shared this light with you, and I cannot wait to see how brightly Foster Nation shines under Alec’s guidance.
Foster Nation is, and always will be, a love letter — to every version of myself who once needed someone to believe in her, to every young person who carries more light and magic than they yet know, and to every one of you who chose to stand with us. Thank you for trusting me with your resources, your time, your encouragement, and your hearts. Whatever unfolds next, please know that the foundation of this work is unshakable: love made visible through belief and possibility. And that is because of you.
With Gratitude,
Maggie
