Her Story
About Katina
Katina Green is the Founder and President of Bridgingheart Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Through her organization, she provides shelter, access to resources, and a safe space for young adults newly emancipated from foster care. She has secured contracts with DCFS to serve both youth and families, and she partners with businesses and community organizations to deliver housing, life skills training, and support services. Green also founded the Luggage of Love initiative, which supplies suitcases and toiletries to replace the garbage bags often used by foster youth, restoring dignity during transitions. Her path to this work stems from her own experiences surviving foster care and sex trafficking, after which she obtained her GED and built her career through roles including at a gas station while developing her nonprofit. She attributes her success to positive community influences that encouraged her to share her story and help others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people around me and the positive influences in my community. They made me feel like I had something to say and encouraged me to share my story of surviving foster care and sex trafficking. Even though I was a quiet person who didn't talk about my past for years, their support helped me realize I could help others and start my nonprofit.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field to first connect with resources that provide a place to stay, not just daytime help. Having shelter is the main thing to build from there. Find somebody to lean on and support you when times are hard, because having somebody is important. All of us aren't bad or looking for trouble, some just need a chance and someone to care.
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