From Greenville to D.C.: Foster Care Advocate Joins First Lady for SOTU

For the 2026 State of the Union address, First Lady Melania Trump has invited Sierra A. Burns, a prominent advocate from Greenville, South Carolina, to be her honored guest.

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Sierra’s seat in the First Lady’s Box shines a national spotlight on the “Be Best: Fostering the Future” initiative, which works to ensure that young people aging out of foster care have the support they need to transition into successful adult lives.

Why Sierra Was Chosen

Sierra is more than just a representative; she is a trailblazer with a deep personal connection to the cause. Her journey from the foster care system to a leader in her community includes:

• Policy Impact: As a Jim Casey Fellow, she has been instrumental in shaping training resources for caseworkers and testifying for expanded foster care services in South Carolina.
• Academic Excellence: A proud Winthrop University alumna, she is currently furthering her expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Advocacy and Social Policy at Furman University.
• Local Leadership: When she isn’t advocating on a national stage, she serves her community as a Referral Specialist at Prisma Health.

A Broader Mission

Sierra’s invitation highlights the administration’s recent wins for foster youth, including the $30 million “Foster Youth to Independence” housing program. Alongside fellow guest Everest Nevraumont (an AI-education advocate), Sierra represents a dual focus on personal independence and future-ready education.

“Sierra’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of providing every child with the tools to succeed.”