Shakira Hansley Ellerson named new leader of Voices for Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

November 27, 2023 Danielle Gross

dgross@clearpointpa.com

717-418-9001

MEDIA, PA – Shakira Hansley Ellerson has been named the new Policy & Advocacy Coalition Director for The Voices for Children Coalition, a group of committed local leaders in human services, government, business, faith, philanthropy, education, and advocacy.

“We are thrilled to have Shakira’s leadership at Voices for Children,” said Leigh Anne McKelvey, Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates serving Delaware and Chester Counties, the organizational home of the Voices for Children Coalition. “Shakira is deeply committed to effecting positive change in the lives of vulnerable children and families, particularly advocating for the best interests of children within the foster care system.”

Prior to Shakira’s recent promotion to Policy and Advocacy Coalition Director with Voices for Children, she served as Senior Case Supervisor for CASA Youth Advocates for 5 years. Additionally, her career journey included serving as a law clerk at the DC Children’s Law Center and Social Service Child Advocate with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Through these positions and her volunteer work, Shakira has consistently championed the best interests of children within the foster care system.

“The Voices for Children Coalition is a critical voice for our children and youth in Delaware County, and I am looking forward to steering our collective efforts towards ensuring equitable resources, comprehensive services, and trauma-responsive policy solutions, all aimed at fortifying optimal wellbeing for our children,” says Shakira.

Shakira holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC-DCSL) and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sociology and Criminology from Rosemont College.

Voices for Children is always looking for more partner organizations who are interested in working collaboratively to improve the lives and well-being of children by strengthening the families and systems that support them in Delaware County. For more information or to learn more about partnering with Voices for Children, visit www.voicesforchildrendelco.org.

The Voices for Children Coalition brings together committed local leaders in human services, government, business, faith, philanthropy, and advocacy to ensure that all Delaware County children have opportunities that can lead to hopeful and healthy lives.