My name is Coumba Diallo and I have been a Girl Scout for over 11 years and currently serve on the Girl CEO Leadership Cabinet for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.  As an artist who is very interested in psychology, this project allows me to combine my interests in art and the role of creative expression in creating positive mental health.  Being of Senegalese origin and having spent summers there, I have been able volunteer at a residential facility for youth and observe youth culture, especially the tenuous position of the talibés, while there. This project provides the perfect opportunity to bring youth together across the globe while highlighting issues of mental wellness for older teenagers who do not have family support as they transition into adulthood. I have also volunteered with the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition  in the past.  I enjoyed working with their Cinderella Project and look forward to working with them on this project.

I recently took an art history and curatorial studies course which was fascinating.  I look forward to applying what I learned as I prepare for the virtual exhibit.  The exhibit not only helps young artists tell their story, it showcases the strength of our collective spirit to understand the story of teens in foster care and to impact the change we want to see.