Ariana Kilgore, LSW
(She / They)
Youth Affinity Advisory Program Lead | Illinois DCFS Youth Advisory Board
Ariana joined Be Strong Families in the summer of 2024 as the Youth Affinity Advisory Program Lead, collaborating with youth in care on projects and initiatives that center their lived experiences with DCFS.
Born in Minnesota, Ariana graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Peace and Justice Studies, where she focused on community organizing and social justice activism before pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois – Chicago, where she focused her studies on organizations and community practice with a specific interest in social justice.
Prior to joining Be Strong Families, Ari spent over seven years in various direct service and program coordinating roles, working with youth in care, doing therapy with high school youth, and building out social justice curriculum for youth and emerging adults.
A lover of books, podcasts, and documentaries, Ari is always on the pursuit of knowledge and is always ready to discuss their latest read. Outside of burrowing her head in a book, they enjoy spending time on nature walks, corralling all of their animals, spending time with their younger sisters, and dabbling in new creative projects.
“Family is family, whether it’s the one you start out with the one you end up with, or the family you gain along the way." — Unknown