Lexington, KY – The Bair Foundation’s Kindred Roots program welcomed a very special guest today: Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez. A proud foster care alum and passionate advocate, Rodriguez brought encouragement, warmth, and empowerment to children, kinship caregivers, and staff at the Lexington office.

Now a University of Kentucky student majoring in Social Work and Psychology, Ariana was crowned Miss Kentucky on June 14, 2025. She serves as a spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and leads a personal service initiative called The Lucky Ones, dedicated to bringing hope, dignity, and resources to youth in foster care.

“As someone who grew up in foster care, I know the importance of having even just one stable, loving adult in your life,” Rodriguez said. “Kinship families offer that love in the hardest of times, and the impact is immeasurable.”

Ariana spent the day connecting with children and families, sharing her journey and encouraging them to believe in brighter tomorrows. Her visit echoes the mission of Kindred Roots: to keep children connected with family through trauma-informed support, education, and compassion.

“Having a visit from Ariana Rodriguez, who has walked in these children’s shoes and gone on to achieve something as inspiring as Miss Kentucky, means the world to our team and to our families,” said Samantha Sheets, Director of Kindred Roots. “Her presence shows them that their past doesn’t define their future and that their dreams are absolutely within reach. Today she did not just bring a crown, she brought inspiration.”

“Ariana’s visit was an unforgettable moment for our team and families,” said Samantha Sheets, Director of Kindred Roots. “Her vulnerability, strength, and commitment to foster youth deeply align with our mission.”

The Kindred Roots program, provides resources and support for kinship caregivers—relatives or close family friends caring for children who cannot live with their parents. The program empowers families, keeps children close to home, and ensures they are surrounded by familiar love and stability.

Rodriguez’s visit reinforces a shared goal: to uplift every child and caregiver in Kentucky with support, dignity, and hope.

For more information about Kindred Roots or to support kinship families, call 859-519-3273 or email ssheets@bair.org.

The Kindred Roots program is part of The Bair Foundation, Kentucky. 

For photos of the event, please reach out to Andrea Young, National Marketing Director at ajyoung@bair.org.

Media Inquiries:
Andrea Young – National Marketing Director, The Bair Foundation
724-815-9685 | ajyoung@bair.org
Samantha Sheets – Director, Kindred Roots, The Bair Foundation
859-519-3272 |  ssheets@bair.org