Osahon Akpata-Tanious (MNLEND 2024-25) will become executive director of Foster Advocates on September 22, the Saint Paul non-profit organization announced.
In a statement, Foster Advocates’ board of directors cited Akpata-Tanious’ background in both finance and public service as she prepares to lead the organization, which supports Minnesota’s more than 10,000 children in foster care through direct services and policy advocacy. In addition to her experiences as a Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) fellow, she also recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs with a master’s degree in public policy. Previously, she earned a certificate from the College of Education and Human Development in disability policy and services.
“Osahon is an incredible community leader and advocate with lived experience in foster care,” Jillian Gross Fortgang, Foster Advocates board chair, said in a statement announcing the appointment. “She brings the passion, creativity, and commitment to participatory policymaking that will help bring the Foster Movement into its full power, ensuring the bold ideas outlined in the Minnesota Promise report are transformed into action.”
Originally from New York, Akpata-Tanious is currently a budget and evaluation analyst with the City of Minneapolis, and she previously worked in financial analyst and portfolio management roles with large financial services firms. Having the chance to blend these experiences with her public policy education and personal life experiences, she said, is what drew her to the opportunity.
“I feel a powerful force rising: The Foster Movement gaining momentum,” she said in the organization’s announcement. “It's an incredible honor to help nurture this growth, ensuring that the deep wisdom from lived experience becomes the solid foundation for real change. We will tirelessly prepare and empower these essential voices, not just to inform, but to fundamentally reshape how child welfare works and beyond, creating a lasting legacy of justice and belonging for generations to come.”
Separately, she said her experiences at the Humphrey School and MNLEND provided context for the blueprint she’s crafting for the new position. "This role is a true convergence of my passions, and I am prepared to lead with both head and heart,” she said. “I look forward to blending the policy and management skills learned at Humphrey and the equity and disability justice work from MNLEND with my management experience in financial services to sustainably grow Foster Advocates' impact and champion the holistic well-being of every Foster to drive systems change in Minnesota and beyond."
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