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 honor his identity, from being denied gender-affirming clothing to having his name and pronouns dismissed. His message is clear: when your environment ignores or erases you, your act of simply existing is an act of rebellion. Perfect for social workers, foster parents, advocates, or anyone committed to transforming the foster care system, this episode challenges us to see the humanity behind the statistics. Nico’s courage reminds us that honoring identity isn’t just kindness—it’s survival. Tune in to understand how affirming a young person’s true self can be the first step toward systemic change.

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 conversation delves into systemic issues within child welfare, the importance of compassionate leadership, and Dejuna's commitment to breaking generational cycles of foster care. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the role everyone plays in creating a supportive environment for foster youth.

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 explore themes of resilience, trust, and the power of a supportive community in rewriting one's story. Tune in to discover how Joe's experiences have shaped his path to becoming a psychology doctorate student and his message of hope for others navigating similar journeys.

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" case and the long-term effects of parentification. This episode offers a powerful narrative on resilience, healing, and the importance of creating spaces for authentic dialogue. Tune in to discover how past experiences shape our present and future.

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 forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the power of reinvention, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their unique stories and find purpose in their experiences.

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. Charissa emphasizes the significance of resilience and the role of advocacy in creating change for future generations. The episode concludes with a powerful message about self-worth and the journey of personal growth.

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 reform, community engagement, and creative solutions to bridge gaps in employment access and support for marginalized individuals. The conversation highlights the critical role of empathy, understanding, and collaboration in driving meaningful change within communities.

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 health, the significance of assertiveness, and the biases that youth in care often encounter. Christina emphasizes the need for youth to find their voice and seek support while navigating the complexities of the foster care system.

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 the instinct to protect siblings, the long-term effects of separation, and the struggles of reconnection. They also discuss the challenges of mental health treatment in foster care and the importance of honoring past selves while healing. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the power of family beyond blood ties and the necessity of grieving lost relationships.

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 homes, and the impact of institutionalization on his life. The conversation delves into the struggles of seeking validation and connection amidst trauma, and Alejandro's reflections on the justice system's failures. This episode highlights the resilience of youth in the face of adversity and the importance of community support.

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, and Elliott’s June event 'Visible and Unstoppable.' Elliott emphasizes the power of affirming identity in youth and the role of meaningful allyship in advocating for LGBTQ rights. 

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 independence, and the complexities of building healthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the significance of owning one's story while also recognizing the risks involved in sharing personal experiences. Jacqueline offers valuable advice for both foster youth and professionals working in the field, encouraging resilience and the pursuit of personal goals.

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 significance of setting boundaries, the role of community, and the necessity for empathy in support roles. Madeline shares her personal journey, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's own needs while helping others.

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-care and service, discussing why "healthy selfishness" is essential for long-term impact. Jamarri also shares his take on the nature vs. nurture debate, redefining success beyond accolades, and how to create space for authentic voices in advocacy work. Whether you're in the foster care community or an ally, this episode offers raw insights on purpose, resilience, and making change that lasts.

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! For more content like this, please join our community at https://community.fostergreatness.co/home#ThriverStories #FosterYouthEducation #BreakingTheCycle #FosterGreatness

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 Storytellers reflect on their journeys, the challenges of sharing their stories, and the power of community in fostering growth and resilience. They discuss the role of social media in advocacy and the lessons learned throughout their collective experience, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and connection in their storytelling efforts. In this conversation, participants reflect on their experiences in the Storyteller Collective, discussing the valuable mindsets and habits they've developed. They emphasize the importance of community, validation, and the need for ongoing advocacy in foster care. The discussion includes hot takes on various aspects of advocacy, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by foster youth. Participants express their hopes for the future and the impact of their work, underscoring the significance of sharing stories and continuing the dialogue around foster care.

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 significance of establishing non-negotiables in self-care. The conversation emphasizes the need for forgiveness, self-worth, and finding joy amidst challenges, while also providing tools for processing trauma and building resilience.

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 offered Abril vital support, helping her overcome barriers and empowering her to become a voice for change.In this candid talk, Abril emphasizes why storytelling can be lifesaving, offering advice on how to reclaim your narrative and live unapologetically. She also sheds light on the importance of year-round support for foster youth, because advocacy shouldn't just be limited to Foster Care Awareness Month.Abril’s story is a testament to the incredible strength foster youth possess when given the community and courage to thrive.✨ Listen now and get inspired to rewrite your own future!#ThriverStories #FosterGreatness #FosterYouthVoices #StorytellerCollective #SC25

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 storytelling, community, and authenticity in advocacy, as well as practical advice for those looking to share their own stories. Majd emphasizes the need for boldness in taking steps toward change and the significance of understanding one's motivations in the storytelling process.

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 and rewards of using social media for advocacy and the significance of community support in personal growth and empowerment. In this conversation, Taylor Rockhold shares her journey from adversity to achievement, emphasizing the importance of accountability in relationships and the true meaning of resilience. She reflects on her experiences in foster care, the misconceptions surrounding resilience, and the significance of having a supportive figure in her life. Taylor's story is a powerful testament to the idea that one's current situation does not define their future, and she encourages others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.