Jelani Freeman

Jelani Freeman is a community leader, attorney and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to serving children. His commitment to kids grew from his own experience as he was abandoned by his mother while his father was in prison. He was placed in the foster care system at age nine and spent time in multiple foster homes, shelters, group homes, and juvenile facilities before aging out of the system at age 18.

Freeman's challenges culminated in his expulsion from high school and a period of homelessness. Yet, through resilience, he completed high school and not only graduated but went on to earn three degrees, including a law degree. He was later sworn into the New York State Bar by the same court that emancipated him from foster care. The hardships Freeman faced in his formative years sparked a desire in him to find avenues to be a voice for the voiceless and to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. Now, he brings his lived experience and his passion to serve the underserved.

Freeman, who interned in Hillary Clinton's Senate office, touts the senator as an inspiration to go to law school. He spoke at the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia to support Sen. Clinton's presidential run in 2016; in turn, she cited Freeman as an inspiration in the 2006 edition of her book, "It Takes A Village."

Freeman is an attorney for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission focusing on protecting consumers through oversight and surveillance of wholesale electricity and natural gas markets. He sits on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption board and is a former board member of the Center for Adoption Support & Education (CASE) and the Barker Foundation.