Russell Lang - Photographer | Advocate for Foster Youth | Environmental Sciences GraduateAs an emancipated foster youth, my journey has been defined by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to reshaping my narrative. I’ve combined academic excellence, professional experience, and a passion for advocacy to build a unique skill set that spans multiple fields. Through hard work, I secured an internship at NASA Glenn and earned a full-ride scholarship to Cleveland State University, where I graduated with a degree in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Biology.In addition to my academic success, I founded Russ Lang Photography, a platform that has gained significant recognition from platforms such as Cleveland Magazine, ImFromCleveland, and Cleveland State University. Starting 2024 with just over 500 followers, my community has grown to over 10,000, with my content receiving over 1 million interactions. I specialize in capturing the beauty of Cleveland, countering misconceptions through my lens.During my time at CSU, the university’s President honored me for my contributions as a Brand Ambassador, and my artwork was featured in the exclusive 2nd Annual Office of the President Exhibition at Cleveland State University.With a strong foundation in photography, customer service, data management, and advocacy, I am dedicated to empowering foster youth and advocating for systemic changes within the child welfare system. I aspire to continue growing both personally and professionally by expanding my influence in these areas and creating opportunities for others in the foster care community.Future Goals: I aim to further develop my photography business, create impactful social media campaigns, and continue using my platform to drive positive change for foster youth.