Cat Atkinson, MSW

Cat Atkinson serves as director of engagement at Voices for Virginia’s Children, where she advances policy and advocacy efforts that support young people from birth through age 24. Her work centers on cross-system solutions that strengthen families and ensure young people can thrive at home, in school and in their communities.

Before stepping into her current role, Atkinson led mental health policy and advocacy initiatives focused on improving access to culturally responsive, healing-centered services. She brings experience in child welfare, including her work as a senior family services specialist with a local department of social services, where she supported families through preventive services and witnessed firsthand the impact of state and local policy decisions.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Social Work program and a two-year Child Welfare Stipend recipient, Atkinson previously interned with Voices for Virginia’s Children and played an integral role in launching the organization’s inaugural youth advocacy cohort, Virginia’s Youth in Action.

Cat is passionate about agitating, advocating, and building bridges for accessibility so that young people and their families are centered in transforming the systems that impact them most. Cat’s focus is always on partnering with those with lived experiences to develop equitable solutions rooted in community leadership and care.