Nivea Yvonne Jackson, M.S is currently the Youth Peer Advocacy Coordinator at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As the Youth Peer Advocacy Coordinator, Nivea strategically develops ways to expand the Youth Peer Advocacy workforce while supporting and advancing the Youth Peer Advocates in the Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families.  Being a former foster youth for 21 years, Nivea grew a passion to help youth and young adults involved in multiple child-serving systems utilizing her lived expertise. Despite Nivea’s adversities in foster care, she remains positive, determined, and dedicated to helping youth and young adults in cross-systems by giving them the tools they need to succeed and thrive. In addition to Ms. Jackson’s lived experience, she is a proud graduate of the State University of New York College at Old Westbury. Nivea continued her education and graduated with her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus. Presently, Ms. Jackson is pursuing her PhD in Human Services Leadership and Organizational Management.