Pilar Ortega is a former foster Youth and youth advocate from San Luis Obispo County, CA. Pilar is a youth ambassador and chair president of the San Luis Obispo County Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) where she uses her lived experience of growing up and aging out of the foster care system to empower and inspire others. Through her work with YEP, engages with youth, school systems, and schools to facilitate the human trafficking curriculum, The Cool Aunt Series. In addition to this work through YEP, Pilar has also supported projects related to cultural inclusivity and community advancement to provide ongoing support to child welfare agencies. Pilar Ortega was also involved in the National Foster Care Awareness Month video for her county. She spoke at her County’s Board of Directors meeting when they proclaimed May as National Foster Care Awareness Month and this video was debuted. Pilar Ortega is also an AmeriCorps partner where she serves as a youth mentor and partners with county agencies focused on family strengthening and linkages. As a youth mentor, she provides peer support to foster and at-risk youth. Pilar is passionate about making a difference in the foster care system and in the community. In her free time, Pilar is an artist and enjoys going to the beach with her family and friends where she can be outdoors and in nature.