D. A. Isley - Writer, Poet, and Advocate Raised as a foster child from the age of 2 to 17 years of age, Dahveed has more than 10 years of experience working in the mental health field and over 5 years of advocating for foster children. Prior to pursuing a career in the mental health field, he served several years in the United States Marine Corps. An accomplished writer and advocate, his vision and expertise in the foster care industry has gained him notable respect from several non-profit agencies. His writing achievements have been featured by the Famous Poets Society, The International Society of Poets, San Diego Arts and Poets Magazine, San Diego Public Library, R.A.W.SiSTAZ Black Book Reviews, and President of the YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America, Heather Covington. He has given presentations on behalf of foster children for organizations such as Walden Family Services Foster Care Agency in San Diego and Riverside, California. He presented “Every Child’s Voice Should Be Heard” at Yuba Community College Independent Living Program graduates in Marysville, California, and a workshop presenter at the 31st Annual California Association of Black Social Workers State Conference in Sacramento where in presented "African American Children In The Foster Care System: Are We Preparing Them Enough for Emancipation". Dahveed's exceptional track record of advocating for foster children is based on his philosophy that “every child’s voice should be heard.” He is known for delivering a positive message to others that have been through and still part of the foster care system; letting them know that they are not alone.   He currently lives in Southern California.

2011
Wrote and published - The Essence of Wisdom and Life

2010
Wrote and published - Before I Was Born: I Saw The World Through Your Eyes

2009
Certificate of Excellence - Honorable Mention for poem "Dawn" by Famous Poets Institute for Advanced Poetic Studies

2007
Editor's Choice Award "Outstanding Achievement in Poetry" by The International Library of Poetry for New Beginnings

2006
Listed as one of the Top 100 Authors of the Year for 2005-2006 and Top 10 Most Popular Self-Published Author for 2005-2006 by Disilgold Publishing in New York.

Received - San Diego Public Library Local Author Award for Through The Eyes of A Foster Child: A Poetic Journey

2005
Published Through The Eyes of A Foster Child: A Poetic Journey with AuthorHouse publishers

2004
Published poem Let It Flow in San Diego Arts & Poets Magazine

Certificate of Achievement “Honorable Mention" for Let It Flow by Famous Poets Society

Editor’s Choice Award “Outstanding Achievement In Poetry” by The International Society of Poets for Mirror Image

Editor’s Choice Award “Outstanding Achievement In Poetry” by The International Society of Poets for The Answer

2003
Nominated as one of the Best Poets of the year by The International Society of Poets