IL Participant and 2024 Aspire Awardee Rowan Ferber Exemplifies Leadership, Advocacy & Resilience
Rowan Ferber’s journey is a shining example of perseverance and unwavering determination. As a youth who aged out of foster care, Rowan has been connected with us through the Independent Living program. Now, as a student at UW-Madison pursuing a degree in social work, Rowan is working toward a future where she can support individuals facing struggles similar to her own.

In December, her commitment to overcoming whatever obstacles come her way was recognized with the 2024 Aspire Award, celebrating her resilience and achievements. This strength has been especially evident as she recently experienced the devastating loss of her husband to cancer. Yet, through her grief, she is continuing to demonstrate incredible resolve, focusing on the goals she has worked so hard to achieve.
Alongside her studies, Rowan is gaining invaluable experience as a social work intern with the Madison Metropolitan School District, where she supports students in navigating challenges and building brighter futures.
Beyond her professional growth, Rowan has channeled her experiences into advocacy. As a member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), she amplifies the voices of youth in foster care, ensuring their needs and stories are heard. Recently elected as President of the State YAC committee, Rowan is leading efforts to create meaningful change for those navigating the foster care system.
Rowan also credits much of her progress to the support she’s received from the Independent Living program and its coordinators. “You can really tell Priscilla is passionate about YAC and the work she does,” Rowan shared. “She even got me in contact with a mentor to support me while I'm applying for my Master's in Social Work!”
Rowan Ferber embodies resilience, leadership, and hope. With her kind and humble personality and dedication in achieving her goals, we are so proud to support Rowan in her journey towards independent living.
To view Rowan's story in video format, click here!