Student Spotlight - Melisa Suljic

Everett Community College student Melisa Suljic was selected as one of three winners statewide of the Governor's Civic Leadership Award for 2019. She earned a $1,000 scholarship and was honored at a ceremony on April 19, 2019. 

Melisa, who lived in foster care as a child, worked with the Mockingbird Society, whose mission is to transform foster care and end youth homelessness, has led to significant changes to the foster care system. As the president of the Everett Chapter, Melisa has been a voice in Olympia and has been instrumental in preparing other youth to share their stories. 

Melisa's work supported the passage of extended foster care from age 18 to 21; influenced the Prudent Parent Standard, which allows foster parents to make decisions about normal childhood activities; and the creation of policy that addresses the over-medicating of youth in the foster care system.

Melisa also served as a Passport Navigator during the 2015-2016 academic year, assisting students currently in foster care and foster care alumni navigate the EvCC enrollment process.  As a recipient of the Passport scholarship from the Washington State Achievement Council, she ensured that students were supported. She built and organized relevant programming that created a space for students to share a common experience. She has served as a trainer to the campus community and various other agencies to provide Culture of Foster Care training and Stories of Youth Homelessness that provides participants an understanding of the causes of homelessness and a glimpse into the life of a foster care youth. 

The Governor’s Civic Leadership Awards recognize the top student civic leaders who have demonstrated an exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing critical issues on their campus and/or community.