Jamerika Haynes-Lewis is a journalist and advocate for children and youth in foster care. She studied Communication at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. She is the former USA Ambassador Ms. 2021. Her platform was "A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care." She owns and runs Clever Jam Communications, a consulting firm offering strategic communications guidance, motivational speaking, and facilitation.
In 2019, over 51% of teens in South Carolina’s foster care system lived in congregate care, also known as group homes. Two years later, there had been a 15% decrease in congregate care placements.