Laura Singer went from foster care to become a successful attorney. Now she wants to change the system which sends so many children in foster care to prison, rather than college.
Outgoing. Resilient. Adventurous.
Join us at TEDxLogan Circle 2025 to hear Laura Singer's inspiring message and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive future.
Can you give us a preview of your talk?
Over 400,000 children are in the US foster care system yet only 3% of them will go on to graduate college. I will talk about disrupting the phenomenon known as the "foster care to prison pipeline".
What does courage mean to you?
To me courage is standing tall in your truth. I believe it's a manifestation of your actions such as the decision to speak out when it's easier to stay silent, taking control when circumstances try to define you, or owning exactly who you are and what you bring to the table.
Have you had any experiences in life that led you to rethink your definition of courage?
When I was in foster care I told my social worker I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. She laughed and said that wouldn't be possible. I crossed my arms and told her "I can do it, just watch." I've maintained that defiance in my life post-foster care and well into adulthood. I now advocate for other children in foster care to ensure no child is ever told they can't accomplish their goals because of circumstances beyond their control. This experience reminds me that we do not have to be products of our circumstances, but instead can have the courage to challenge systemic outcomes.
What is your "why" in life?
There's a younger version of myself who would lose her mind if she found out all I’ve accomplished. Children's voices matter, their experiences matter, and adults have the responsibility of ensuring we set children up for success. As someone who knows what it's like to not have that, I feel a deep personal responsibility to disrupt the negative trajectory too often created by foster care.
What are two things you love about Washington D.C.?
I love how driven and passionate people are in D.C.. Everyone's working toward something bigger than themselves. I also love that no two days are the same. There's always something happening, something to learn, and someone to meet. It keeps me inspired and on my toes.
What helps you stay grounded?
Working with youth and serving as a mentor keeps me grounded. It's a constant reminder of where I've been, why I do what I do, and the responsibility I have to show up fully. Their resilience inspires me to stay present and purposeful.
Why is courage important to you as a person?
I subscribe to the mentality, "why not me?" Courage is what allows me to step into spaces I wasn't expected to be in. I believe we all have the power to get what we need, but it takes courage to ask, to act, and to believe we're worthy of more.
What excites you about being a TEDxLogan Circle speaker?
Being a TEDx Speaker is a bucket list item of mine and a dream come true. But more than that, it's not just about giving the talk at TEDxLogan Circle is about creating an experience. I'm excited to learn from others, share openly, and build real community through conversation and connection.
Laura Singer
A product of the New Jersey foster care system, Laura Singer is a passionate advocate for children and systemic reform. She is a proud graduate of Syracuse University and Georgetown Law, and is currently a doctoral candidate at American University, where her dissertation focuses on policies and interventions to eradicate the foster care-to-prison pipeline. By day, Laura is a corporate attorney, but her dedication to children’s rights extends beyond the office. She works tirelessly as a volunteer attorney with DC Children's Law Center and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), ensuring vulnerable youth receive the support and advocacy they deserve.
Join us at TEDxLogan Circle 2025 to be part of the movement towards a more inclusive future.