Wendy Young is President on Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), one of the foremost organizations providing legal services to unaccompanied minors immigrating to the U.S. She has been a staunch advocate for children throughout her career, serving as Chief Counsel on Immigration Policy in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees for Senator Edward M. Kennedy. She’s also help immigration policy positions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Women’s Refugee Commission, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the National Council of La Raza. She had dedicated herself to bringing the plight on unaccompanied minors to the front of national consciousness.

Among the varied recognitions she has received, Ms. Young has been honored by the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center for her work on behalf of women and children detainees (2002), has received the Child Advocacy National Certification of Recognition from the American Bar Association in recognition of her contributions advancing the welfare of children (2001) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association Human Rights Award (1999)

In the words of the HLS community member who nominated her, “I find both her work and her perseverance and dedication inspiring. I hope to one day be able to have a similarly motivating and life-changing impact that she has had in the fields of immigration and child protection!”

Ms. Young earned a joint law and master’s degree in international relations from American University, DC, and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College.