Thriver Stories

Most foster systems fail the very youth they’re supposed to protect—especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people. In this episode of  Thrivers Stories , Nico—a formerly fostered trans youth from Georgia—shares raw, powerful insights into the emotional toll of being misnamed, misunderstood, and marginalized by a system meant to care. He talks about the dangerous impact of systemic refusal to hon...

In this episode, host Isabel Stasa welcomes Dejuna Rodriguez, who shares her journey through the foster care system and her mission to uplift voices with lived experiences. Dejuna discusses the challenges she faced entering foster care at 14, the impact of her mother's decisions, and the transformative power of finding community and support through organizations like Foster Success. The conver...

In this episode of the Thriver Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Joe Dolash, a former foster youth who shares his transformative journey from feeling burdened to believing in his potential. Joe opens up about the challenges he faced in the foster care system, the pivotal moments that reshaped his narrative, and the foster parent who helped him see beyond the labels. Join us as we e...

In the premiere episode of Season 2 of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa is joined by Tai-Isha Jack to delve into the complexities of compliance as a trauma response. Join them as they explore Tai-Isha's personal journey from foster care to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Through candid conversations, they uncover the hidden struggles behind being the "easy"...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Rowan Arquette shares his journey of navigating an unconventional childhood marked by foster care and the complexities of morality and identity. He reflects on the importance of community, empathy, and understanding different perspectives, emphasizing that trauma is subjective and should not be compared. Rowan discusses the significance of forgivene...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Charissa, a passionate advocate for foster youth. Charissa shares her journey of growing up in a challenging environment, navigating identity suppression, and finding her voice through advocacy. The conversation delves into the impact of generational trauma, the importance of self-love, and the power of asking questions...

In this episode of the Thriving Stories podcast, Dashaan Jennings shares his journey from navigating the complexities of the New Jersey child welfare system to founding Str8 Up Employment Services. He discusses the importance of lived experience in shaping effective community support and employment initiatives for youth aging out of the foster care system. Dashaan emphasizes the need for policy re...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Christina Travis, a passionate advocate for youth in foster care. Christina shares her personal journey through the foster care system, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges she faced, and the impact of supportive adults in her life. The conversation delves into the struggles of navigating mental...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Elise Durham about her experiences in the foster care system, particularly focusing on the impact of being separated from her twin sister. Elise shares her journey through 32 placements over six years, the emotional toll of losing her twin bond, and the cultural context of family dynamics. The conversation delves into t...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Jacqueline Robles, a passionate advocate for foster youth. They discuss Jacqueline's journey through the foster care system, her experiences with trauma, and the importance of healing. Jacqueline shares her insights on navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, the challenges of financial ind...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Madeline Villagrana discuss the complexities of lived experience in foster care, the importance of support systems, and the challenges faced by those advocating for others. They explore mental health issues, the need for self-advocacy, and the systemic flaws that impact foster youth. The conversation emphasizes the signif...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Alejandro Rocha, a college student who shares his journey through the foster care system and juvenile justice. Alejandro discusses his early life, family dynamics, and the challenges he faced as a child provider and protector. He recounts his experiences entering the foster care system, the harsh realities of group home...

In this powerful episode of  Thriver Stories , host Isabel Stasa sits down with youth advocate  Jamarri Kane-White  for an unfiltered conversation about the heart of foster care advocacy. Jamarri opens up about his personal journey, the challenges of tokenization in the movement, and why knowing your  "why"  is the key to sustainable change. They dive into the delicate balance of  self-c...

This week on Thriver Stories, Isabel Stasa sits down with Karla Padilla for a powerful conversation about:🚧 The real obstacles foster youth face in higher ed💡 Programs changing the game🔧 Fixing a broken system💛 How YOU can helpKarla’s journey from foster care to academia proves: With the right support, every young person can thrive.📚 Education is liberation. Tune in & be inspired to act!...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Elliott Hinkel discuss the pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community. They explore the importance of visibility, support for LGBTQ youth, and the significance of gender-affirming care. The conversation also delves into the impact of recent executive orders on LGBTQ rights, the resources available for community support, a...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest host Rimy Morris engage with the Foster Greatness Storyteller Collective ambassadors, who share their experiences in foster care and the impact of storytelling. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, mental health awareness, community support, and the importance of taking control of personal narratives. The St...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Isabel Stasa and Antoinette Gutierrez discuss the emotional journey of revisiting court records as a foster care alumni. They explore the healing process, the importance of understanding family dynamics, and the impact of foster care on identity and relationships. Antoinette shares her experiences of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the significa...

In this inspiring new episode of Thriver Stories, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Abril Leonyvelez from the Storyteller Collective for an unforgettable conversation about turning struggle into strength. Abril shares her powerful journey from foster care to becoming a fierce advocate, highlighting how storytelling transformed her pain into purpose. Discover how the Guardian Scholars program offere...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa interviews Majd Abdallah, a member of the Foster Greatness Storyteller Collective and founder of Foster Friendz. Majd shares his personal journey as a foster care advocate and the inspiration behind his business, Foster Friendz, which provides stuffed animals to children in foster care. The conversation explores the importance of s...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Taylor Rockhold discuss the importance of storytelling in the context of foster care awareness. They explore Taylor's personal journey through foster care and incarceration, the healing power of sharing one's story, and the challenges of vulnerability in a public space. The conversation also addresses the risks an...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Isabel and Jennifer Tai discuss the importance of the Storyteller Collective, a program designed to empower individuals with lived experience in the foster care system. Jennifer shares her personal journey of advocacy, resilience, and the significance of community support. They explore the complexities of resilience, the power of storytelling, and t...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel engages with Chyenne Santini, a Storyteller Collective Ambassador and former foster youth, discussing her journey from foster care to becoming an advocate. They explore themes of resilience, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the impact of the Storyteller Collective. Chyenne emphasizes the need for authenticity in storytelli...

In this episode of Thrive Our Stories, Isabel interviews Emmerald Evans, a member of the Storyteller Collective, discussing her journey as an advocate for foster youth. They explore the importance of sharing personal stories, the definition of resilience, and the role of community support in fostering greatness among young people. Emmerald emphasizes the need for authenticity in storytelling, the...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Ray Barboza, a first-generation college student navigating the challenges of higher education after experiencing foster care. They discuss the importance of support systems like the RISE program at Ohio State University, the transition from smaller colleges to larger universities, and the misconceptions surrounding coll...

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Latasha Williams, a former foster youth and current doctoral student, about her journey through the foster care system. Latasha shares her 'rise strong story,' emphasizing the importance of self-love, faith, and resilience in overcoming challenges. She discusses the complexities of her identity, the emotional tu...