Scholarship recipients to raise awareness of funding and support for students impacted by a parent’s workplace injury
Attendees at the upcoming Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA) National Conference in San Diego will have an opportunity to meet the organization’s 2026 Kids’ Chance National Ambassadors: Bailey Burchett, Tailah Jeanty and Nayeli Roman.
As Kids’ Chance scholarship recipients, the 2026 national ambassadors will help raise awareness of KCOA’s mission and the availability of scholarships for students whose lives have been impacted by a parent’s workplace injury or fatality.
“The role of national ambassador is both meaningful and challenging,” said KCOA Chief Executive Officer Chris Letsos. “It requires ambassadors to speak openly about their family’s experience and the uncertainty that can follow a workplace tragedy. We are so grateful to Bailey, Tailah and Nayeli for stepping forward to represent Kids’ Chance of America and help ensure more students and families know that support is available.”
Bailey Burchett
A Topeka, Kansas native now based in Chicago, Bailey Burchett lost her father in a tragic workplace accident the summer before her senior year of college. With support from Kids’ Chance, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in supply chain management from the University of Kansasand later completed herMBA in Management from the University of Saint Mary. Today, Burchett is aSenior Business Intelligence Developer, helping supply chain and manufacturing organizations turn data into smarter decisions.
Tailah Jeanty
Raised in Chicago by Jamaican and Haitian immigrants, Tailah Jeanty was inspired by her mother—a registered hospice nurse who suffered a serious workplace back injury—to pursue a future rooted in justice and advocacy. Kids’ Chance of Illinois helped make college possible, empowering her to follow her goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney and, ultimately, a judge. Jeanty graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and plans to attend law school to achieve her professional goals.
Nayeli Roman
A Pittsburg, California resident, Nayeli Roman brings a powerful story of resilience and creativity. Her family’s life changed significantly after her father was attacked on the job as a welder, leaving him with lasting physical injuries and PTSD. With support from Kids’ Chance of California, she earned a double bachelor’s degree from San José State Universityin Theatre Arts and Radio, Television and Film. Today, Roman is pursuing multiple entertainment projects—including an upcoming commercial release—while working part-time with Contra Costa County.
About Kids’ Chance of America
Kids’ Chance of America is a national movement dedicated to helping the children of critically and fatally injured workers build brighter futures through education. With nonprofit organizations in all 50 states, Kids’ Chance provides students with scholarships and support to move forward with purpose. Since its inception, Kids’ Chance has awarded more than $42 million in scholarships to more than 11,000 students nationwide. Learn more at kidschance.org.
