After surviving abuse at age 13, I entered the California foster care system at age 14 and aged out at 18. Where I ended up is extremely rare given my background. I am the less than 4% of former foster youth who have gone all the way with their education. I have won awards and been promoted at every job I've held, in different fields. I have contributed to charities. I have authored books and I'm a subject in the upcoming foster care documentary, "Breaking the Cycle." But most importantly, I have had therapy, my writing as an outlet and I've done a lot of progressive holistic healing work, which still continues. I've also maintained healthy and loving relationships throughout my adult life. Now, I share my incredible life story with all walks of life for motivational and educational purposes.

Lastly, I'm an advisory Board Director for Angels Nest, which supports the Toros Guardian Scholars, former foster youth as they complete their higher education at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. I also work for Connect Our Kids, which creates innovative software that finds families and supportive networks for youth in foster care.