Starr Kirkland Email & Phone Number

My passion and love for social work and the advancement of at-risk youth seems to be part of my gene makeup. I grew up in a large household including my parents, 2 biological brothers, and at times, 25 other teens (my brothers and sisters). While my parents never adopted legally, any and all teenagers were welcomed into our household if they had a desire to do better for themselves and encourage the people around them to reach their goals. My family is a hodgepodge of people from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, religions, and socioeconomic positions. Some come from abusive homes, absent parents, and a myriad of other situations but they all grew up to be successful, contributing, loving citizens of the world from the DEA agent to the lawyer, to the police officer and the fashion designer, instilling in me perseverance and the vision that absolutely nothing is impossible. I have been a voice for homeless and runaway youth on local and national levels, speaking to the San Diego City Council and lobbying on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. I sat on the board of two national groups dedicated to championing the needs of runaway, homeless, and other disconnected youth through advocacy, innovation, and services. Some of the other programs I have worked with include: street outreach with The Storefront, an emergency shelter for youth; and Take Wing Transitional Living Community, a transitional living community specifically designed to break the cycle of homelessness for youth. My goal is to improve the lives of youth and my community through art, advocacy, education, and service.

Listed skills include Fundraising, Community Outreach, Public Speaking, Youth Development, and 32 others.