Born at the height of the crack epidemic and into a generational cycle of poverty & systemic harm, Sadé spent much of her life in foster care and her adolescent years in congregate/group home care. After experiencing a myriad of trials while in the system, Sadé found her inner strength through literature, creative writing, and activism. Influencing major foster care legislation and leading state efforts in practice-based reforms in California, her youth advocacy included championing legislation that created clear educational rights for children in the foster care system and curating trainings for the social work field on best practices when serving transition age youth.

Sadé’s roots in activism also led to a focus on combating the impact of racism and promoting equity in child welfare. She led the planning and execution of the California Department of Social Services first ever Foster Care Awareness Month programming in 2018; attended by over 500 community stakeholders and state employees. The Statewide series uplifted community power and much needed education that centered on Immigrant and Refugee children and LGBTQIA+ foster youth. Sadé also created the concept for a training that centered the Black experience in Foster Care. In partnership with a group of talented young activists, including Jasmine Harris, Jakara Rogers,  and noted community organizer Christi Ketchum, we crafted a multi-generational & interactive workshop that highlights the unique experiences and plights of African American children within the Foster Care system.

Sadé’s triumphant journey and impact has been chronicled in numerous media outlets. After being profiled in a multi-year editorial series by the San Francisco Chronicles, Sadé was inducted into the Alameda County Hall of Fame at the age of 18, in recognition of her distinguished contributions to the betterment of Children & Families throughout the Bay Area. She has also been featured in Essence Magazine and was animated in Wee Pals Comic Strip as an influential figure in the Bay Area. She was the recipient of the Youth Law Center’s Unsung Hero Award in 2016 and the BMe Vanguard award in 2023, given to influential black leaders across the country, who embody the #NextNarrative principle of defining people by their aspirations and contributions, rather than by their limitations or stigmas.

Sadé’s rhythmic and transparent style of sharing her expertise in youth engagement, cultural upliftment, and social justice has inspired and captivated 1000s across the country. She’s a proud  graduate of a Historically Black College, Philander Smith University and has a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) from the University of California, Berkeley. Sadé is the Founder of the Sankofa Knowledge Exchange, a project that empowers Black foster youth to lead transformative change in child welfare through education, wellness, and advocacy.