Introducing Osahon Akpata-Tanious
September 17, 2025
The Foster Advocates Board of Directors has named Osahon Akpata-Tanious as the new Executive Director of Foster Advocates.
Akpata-Tanious, who brings to the organization a background in finance and public service, will help to advance the mission of an organization that provides direct support to Minnesota’s more than 10,000 Fosters while securing transformative legislative change.
“Osahon is an incredible community leader and advocate with lived experience in foster care. 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.”
When Akpata-Tanious assumes the role September 22nd, she will manage all aspects of a seven year-old organization that has provided more than $25,000 in direct support to Fosters in 2025 and has successfully championed a remarkable number of legislative priorities including the passage of the 2020 Keeping Fosters in School Act, the 2021 Fostering Higher Education Act, and in 2022 Maya’s Law in and the creation of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Foster Youth.
“I feel a powerful force rising: the Foster Movement gaining momentum. 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.”
Originally from New York, Akpata-Tanious most recently worked as a Budget and Evaluation Analyst with the City of Minneapolis. Prior to that, she served in several financial analyst and portfolio management roles with Wells Fargo. An avid plant enthusiast and lover of live music, Akpata-Tanious received her Bachelor of Political Science from the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York and later her Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Akpata-Tanious succeeds Interim Executive Director Ariana Chamoun, who will return to her previous role as Director of Systems Change. Chamoun has served in the interim role since March 2024, initially as Co-Interim Executive Director alongside Managing Director of Movement Building Elena Leomi, and later as the organization’s sole Interim Executive Director.
“As a Foster myself, leading Foster Advocates these past 18 months has been an opportunity of a lifetime. I am so proud of what our team has accomplished -– ensuring the long-term stability of Fostering Independence Grants, launching our College Support Pilot program, and releasing a comprehensive vision and roadmap for the Foster Movement. I’m excited for what’s to come under Osahon’s leadership.”
Founded in 2018, Foster Advocates is a Minnesota-based nonprofit working to change the conditions of foster care and promote justice, equity, and well-being for all Fosters. Through policy change, community organizing, and leadership development, Foster Advocates ensures that Fosters lead the way in transforming the systems that shape their lives.
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional questions, please contact info@fosteradvocates.org.
