Edna “EMAE” McCants

Edna McCants, more popularly known as EMAE, is a Firecracker Speaker, Master Certified Life Coach, Author, and full-time award-winning educator. With over ten years of experience in the education system, she has dedicated her career to encouraging young people to make positive lifestyle choices that can profoundly impact their future.

As a former ward of the state herself, Edna understands firsthand the challenges, uncertainty, and emotional struggles many children in foster care face. Having to grow up quickly and navigate difficult circumstances at an early age, she transformed her experiences into purpose, emerging as a degreed, educated, hardworking, trustworthy, and independent woman committed to helping others rise above their circumstances.

Through her journey of personal growth, healing, and resilience, Edna discovered the true value of peace, healing, mentorship, and community support even in the face of adversity.

These life experiences ultimately inspired her to create Dear Foster Me , a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering foster youth through mentorship, education, life skills, advocacy, and hope.

Edna’s mission is rooted in ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, valued, and reminded that their circumstances do not define their future.

Through Dear Foster Me, she continues to be a voice of encouragement, healing, and empowerment for youth navigating foster care and life transitions.