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Keri Hope Richmond, a 2017 graduate of �鶹ӰԺ’s public relations program with a minor in marketing, knew after her first semester that she wanted to do more for communities, especially foster children. In a , Richmond connected her experience in foster care to Simone Biles in light of her Olympic comeback.

“Born three years apart in Columbus, Simone Biles and I experienced the same foster care system,” Richmond wrote.

Richmond reflected on Biles’ mental strength and prioritization of mental health as an Olympian.  

“After Simone’s withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics, what’s remarkable about her comeback is her focus on mental health,” Richmond wrote. “Her journey highlights the often misunderstood or ignored reality of trauma.”

Richmond, CEO of Keri Hope CO and co-founder of Unbelievably Resilient, works to change perceptions of foster care by advocating for children in the foster care system. In a previous �鶹ӰԺ State magazine story, Richmond outlined her determination to make a difference in the foster care system and her inspirations for her advocacy work.

“People tell me I’m ‘so strong’ and that they would never imagine I had been in foster care,” Richmond told �鶹ӰԺ State Magazine. “But my peers and I are strong, resilient and bold because we were in the foster care system. And for that I am proud.”