Cheyenne Nakanashi
What makes Cheyenne Wildly Capable?
Cheyenne fiercely fights for equitable justice for families navigating the child welfare system. Having once navigated the same system herself, Cheyenne is also an overcomer who embodies the importance of second chances. She is not to be overlooked or underestimated, and she is the best advocate for families facing some of the most difficult times of their lives.” LAYNIE GOTTSCH
What makes you feel proud?
My accomplishments make me feel proud. Statistics say I shouldn’t have gotten sober, stayed sober for the past six years, or been reunified with my children. But I beat all of the odds out there because I wanted my sobriety and I wanted my children more than anything in this world. Coming from a past that said I would never make it this far, much less be in a place where I can create change, I’m just proud to be here. As a Parent Partner at Northcare, I have used my own experience of getting sober to be reunited with my kids so I can help others do the same. It is a heavy job but I am proud of the work I do to help improve things for others.
What keeps you up at night?
Inconsistency and biases in the child welfare system. I’ve seen parents do everything possible, everything asked of them, to be reunited with their children, and be told they aren’t doing enough but then I’ve seen parents do the absolute bare minimum, still have unsafe characteristics, and be reunited with their children. I’m not saying those parents didn’t deserve the reunion, because I want that whenever possible, but when it is not safe, we are just continuing to create generational trauma that we will see in this system again in 10 or 15 years.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My mother and my children. My mother is one of the best people I’ve ever known – she sees the good in anyone, but she was also able to show me tough love when I needed it the most and I know how much it hurt her to do so. My children continue to teach me how to be young, how to use my imagination and how to bounce back even when life is kicking you hard.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope I am able to grow into a more successful advocate for the parents I work with. I hope I am able to grow as a mother, a sister, and an aunt. I hope I continue to nurture my inner self so that I can show everyone around me love, understanding, and compassion.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
At best, our court system is confusing and frustrating. At worst, it provides more obstacles in people’s lives so they can never “get ahead.” I’d like to see a court system that helps and provides the least amount of trauma as possible. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions, but there are different ways this can be accomplished.
