Social worker commits to helping children navigate foster care

Yahoo

02-04-2025

(NewsNation) —Every year in March, NewsNation's parent company, Nexstar, celebrates Women's History Month by honoring 'Remarkable Women' across the country and recognizing one of them as the 'Nexstar Woman of the Year.'
Meet one of the nominees, Shari Pulliam, who has dedicated 35 years to child welfare.
It's a chapter she began after the death of a dear friend. Inspired by her friend's remarkable legacy, Pulliam became a social worker to impact the lives of children. Now, Shair inspires her coworkers.
'She means everything to everyone, and she's going to do everything for everyone,' said Pulliam's assistant, Brandy Wagner. 'I hear the kids talk about Shari, and they love hanging out with her, love that she does things for them because it makes them feel loved and appreciated, and that's all they want.'
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Nominated by her son Sean, Otis, who was deeply moved by the impact Pulliam's had on their community, shared that when it comes to Texas foster kids, his mom is fully committed.
'You're the glue that holds our family together, and you've never put us on the back burner, even though you have so much going on in your life and your career,' Otis said. 'I just wanted to tell you that we're so grateful for you, and we love you.'
'For Sean to nominate me for something like this is just so amazing and awesome,' Pulliman said.
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Art Pulliman, Shari's husband of 37 years, had no clue their son nominated her. He's watched Shari help thousands of children navigate the foster system throughout her decades-long career. He's not supposed she's being recognized for her generous spirit.
Art described how his wife's life has always centered around her family and the foster children she serves.
'I'd say she's more than a remarkable woman. She's probably the most wonderful woman in the world. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better person, a better woman with a bigger heart than Shari Pulliam,' he said.
Shari Pulliam acknowledges that working in child welfare has its obstacles, including low pay and little recognition. But she finds strength in offering these children an opportunity to realize their own potential.
'I love my community, and most importantly, I love my kids, the 800 children that we care for every single day that we're responsible to be their family. I love those kids like they're mine,' she said.
Pulliam hopes to inspire others to pay it forward.
'If I could leave any legacy in my career, I want it to be that my children would give back, too, because it's always been so important to me,' she said. 'I would much rather give than receive.'
Remarkable Women is a nationwide initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and the quality of life. We are celebrating women from across America who lead, inspire and forge the way for others to succeed.
In April, a total of 125 local market finalists were selected, which include 11 local market finalists NewsNation chose from non-Nexstar markets, and they get a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Los Angeles.
The Nexstar Charitable Foundation will contribute $25,000 to a nonprofit that the national 'Remarkable Woman of the Year' selects.
For more information about 'Remarkable Women,' visit www.nexstar.tv/remarkable-women/.
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