As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of Fostering Change focuses on something deeply important: what happens when organizations stop working in silos and start working together for young people. This week, Rob Scheer is joined by two Los Angeles-based leaders making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth connected to foster care: Beth Ryan, Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, and Jorie Das, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles.

Beth Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Stepping Forward LA, received the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the Founders 2.0 Conference. This recognition highlights her dedication to creating opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to independence for young adults with foster care experience.

Strong partnerships create stronger communities. In this Founders 2.0 Conference speaker session, Beth Ryan shares insights on building strategic alliances, fostering collaboration, and leveraging shared vision to drive sustainable growth and lasting community impact.

Beth Ryan, Executive Director & Founder at Stepping Forward LA, shared her views at the Founders 2.0 Conference held at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. This interview reflected her presence at the event and her association with the evolving landscape of the sector. The conversation presented a general perspective on her professional journey and the space she represents, along with its ongoing development.

Stepping Forward LA was recognized by Fabulous California as its Nonprofit of the Month. In this feature, Executive Director and Founder Beth Ryan shares the inspiration behind the organization, the impact of its programs, and the vision for supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care. Read the full interview to learn more about our mission, housing initiatives, mentorship programs, and plans for the future.

SFLA had an incredible time attending the LA Business Journal event, joining an inspiring group of leaders and organizations dedicated to creating meaningful impact across our community.

The organization was especially honored to be recognized with nominations for Non-Profit of the Year, Non-Profit Team of the Year, and Non-Profit Executive of the Year. 

Antioch University highlighted the story behind Stepping Forward LA and its impact on young adults with foster care experience. The feature explores how founder Beth Ryan transformed a vision for mentorship and support into a nonprofit that continues to create pathways toward independence, education, and opportunity.

Stepping Forward LA partnered with Lily Collins, Rachel Miriam, and GO Campaign on a creative initiative that empowered foster youth through gratitude, self-expression, and meaningful connection. What began as a workshop evolved into a lasting collaboration that inspired both personal growth and a collection designed to make a difference.

Stepping Forward LA was featured at the Emmy Awards gifting event, highlighting its mission to support foster youth transitioning into adulthood and bringing greater awareness to the need for stability and opportunity.

This piece reflects on the college journey of former foster youth, spotlighting voices like Shari Walker, who has been part of the Stepping Forward LA community through co-mentorship. It shares the realities of navigating higher education after foster care, emphasizing resilience, growth, and the importance of having support systems along the way.

Stepping Forward LA is building a strong sense of community for former foster youth at the University of Southern California, especially during the holiday season when many students face isolation.