Meet Lataya Rothmiller - GMA3 Associate Producer, Former Foster Youth + Project Glimmer Ambassador

May is Foster Care Awareness Month and we’re thrilled to sit own with our new Ambassador Lataya Rothmiller; she is an Associate Producer for GMA3 and a former foster youth.

Lataya shares, “I went into foster care at 11 and it was a rollercoaster of things. When I graduated college, I wanted to bring more attention to the child welfare system and what the kids experience. I remember the shame I felt about being a “foster kid” and now it’s my favorite conversation to have. For those of you still in it- own your narrative and your story because it’s yours.”

Can you share a little about yourself?

I grew up in South Jersey (“856” stand up!) and come from a pretty big family. I entered foster care at age 11 and look back and see just how transformative of a time that was. I was going through my formative teen years while navigating trauma at the same time. There were highs and lows. I was always a determined and involved student. I played field hockey, competitive cheerleading and did well in school. I loved all things television/writing and fashion.

My freshman year I found out there was a major where I could tap into all of those things—Journalism. When I graduated High school in 2014, I went on to Montclair State University in North Jersey, about 15 miles from New York. I spent those four years writing fashion/lifestyle related articles, working at the campus radio station, anchoring our student run news cast and advocating for foster youth. I graduated with my Bachelors in Journalism in 2018.

Please share your role at GMA3 and why you love your job?

I am currently an Associate Producer for “Good Morning America 3: What You Need To Know.” I produce taped pieces on human interest stories which calls for me to spend mostly every day at work interviewing people for a story, scripting, or gathering elements for a story. When I graduated in 2018—I had no idea that “producing” would be something that I was interested in or honestly be good at. What I love the most about this position is that it gives me the opportunity to be a vessel for other people’s story, to amplify whatever message, or sparkle it is about them that helps shed light on whatever their story. It never gets old to me to see their reaction to the final piece that airs on TV.

Who was your biggest mentor/advocate growing up?

I am so appreciative of the caseworker that came into my life in middle school/high school. I knew I was going to college, that wasn’t a question for me. But it wasn’t until she sat down with me during a visit and was so visibly excited for what my experience will be and all the things waiting for me. I never looked at college like that, it was just a place where I was going to go to be successful. I didn’t think of the self-development beyond the fact that I was going to *actually* be independent and on my own. She made me think of the friendships, the travel opportunities, career pivots, etc. She transitioned through a lot with me and was really big on exposing me to different things. I still check in with her from time to time - adore her forever!

Why is it important to support foster youth?

I celebrate and am happy to be in that 3% of foster youth who have went on to graduate college— but 97% of youth not graduating is a big deal. There is so much that goes into why they are graduating and why they aren’t—it makes me sad that one of the reasons why could be as simple as limited exposure.

This is why community is important. If just one person is aware of the background, and the odds against foster youth as they break through statistics.. that’s one person who can be in their corner as they navigate through unchartered territory. That’s one more person to whisper down the lane to help us increase the level of support for the youth as they transition into adulthood. One more person to create a game plan for other foster youth they come in contact with. No persons’ story is the same as the next, but if we get to the basic needs: community, access, exposure - it can make all of the difference for those on the helm of aging out.

What message do you have for foster youth today?

I have a few but first, know that you have the ability to write a new chapter in your story. You have the ability to exist beyond the reason that you entered foster care and you will. I know it’s hard to find friends who have similar backgrounds, but if you can.. seek out a community that does-- prioritize that. Get used to advocating for yourself, start doing it in small ways however you can. When you’re ready, whenever that is—reach back to advocate for those coming after you too. Your story doesn’t start and end with you entering and exiting the system. Reintroduce yourself. Your story is your power.

This Foster Care Awareness Month, Project Glimmer is hoping to raise at lease $100,000 to support foster girls. We are asking you to join us now through May 27th. 100% of every  gift you make will support the growth of Project Glimmer’s programs and every dollar will be matched.  Your donation will truly empower the lives of foster girls.

By investing in the empowerment of foster girls, we are telling her she is not alone, that her community cares and, most importantly, “We believe in you.”