Mars Presswood

Marcellus is a black trans artist, aiming to change the game through combining advocacy and creative expression! Having spent approximately three years in Indiana’s foster care system, he uses his lived experience as motivation to push for change and empowerment within systems that attempt to stifle the most vulnerable and marginalized. Mars is the proud recipient of the 2025 IYAB Outstanding Youth Advocate Award, a recognition of his commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and shaping more inclusive futures.Since being a part of the AllStar 2025 cohort and graduating with a Bachelor of Science, he has gone on to continue his involvement in foster care advocacy; having joined the Family Voices United Lived Experience Advisory Board and contributing to the completion of Knowledge Management briefs, he is super excited to be a 2026 influencer for National Foster Care Month!