By Britt Moore, Director of Communications

Nine Years of Heart, Purpose, and Paying It Forward

This June, Raise the Future is saying a bittersweet farewell to one of its longest-serving board members. After three terms and nine years of service, Taunia Hottman is stepping away from the board, but not from her deep commitment to the young people and families at the heart of the mission.

What first brought you to Raise the Future's board?

The answer, she says, is simple: paying it forward.

“I'm an adoptive mother who knew I wouldn't have navigated the complex dynamics in my family without the help and support of many, many people. If my lived experience could help others, that's what I wanted to offer Raise.”

How would you describe your nine years on the board?

“It has been one of the more defining periods of my life.”

Those years brought her face to face with the stories of the young people Raise the Future serves, along with the hope and heartbreak that come with helping youth find lasting connections and support.

They also introduced her to Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), the evidence-based model at the core of Raise the Future's approach to engaging children from hard places and their families. She went on to become a certified TBRI® Practitioner, a credential that has since shaped her own family.

“Being on the board introduced me to fellow members from every industry and walk of life, all united by the drive and desire to help young people succeed. It's been incredible.”

What achievement stands out most from your tenure?

For Taunia, one milestone stands above the rest: the transition from The Adoption Exchange to Raise the Future.

“There was a beautiful intention in 'The Adoption Exchange,' and thank goodness for humans like Dixie van de Flier Davis, but the organization was calling for something aspirational while honoring the legacy she left.”

The rebranding process also gave her a deeper appreciation for the people behind the mission.

“It helped me understand how hard the people inside Raise work, it's hard to imagine their strength, and why a new identity would positively impact our families.”

How has this work changed how you see the foster care system?

“I understood foster care before joining the board, but what I gained is a deep appreciation for how critical it is to recruit the right person or family to meet a young person's specific needs. Diligent recruitment takes a village, and I think it's so wonderful that Raise is part of that system.”

Why does this work matter?

Her answer is immediate and unequivocal:

“A young person has the undeniable and unalienable right to be loved and supported. Full stop.”

What would you say to someone who wants to help but doesn't know where to start?

Ask a former TV reporter that question, and you'll get a very specific answer.

“Go watch the videos. Fellow board member Mekialaya White spends time with our kids for Wednesday's Child profiles, and I defy you to watch two or three of those and not want to donate or get involved with our events.”

How did your professional background shape your contribution?

Tongue-in-cheek, she calls herself:

“A professional cat herder who likes to talk and connect people to ideas.”

Then adds:

“So maybe I was of some use along the way.”

Thank you, Taunia, for nine years of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering belief in young people and families