Franco Vega, Founder / CEO
Franco Vega is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering system-impacted youth in Los Angeles County. As an orphan and former probation youth, Vega uses his experiences to drive positive change for foster youth. After a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and neglect, Franco was orphaned at the age of 15, bounced in and out of juvenile hall, and attended ten different schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army. The barriers he faced and overcame as a young adult inspired him to create The RightWay Foundation with a mission to ensure every foster youth has the resources and community they need to build a prosperous future.
The RightWay Foundation combines healing-centered, trauma-informed mental health services, comprehensive job readiness training, and supportive housing for transition-age foster youth (TAY) in Los Angeles County. Through innovative programs like Operation Emancipation and Operation Second Chance, Vega is dedicated to reducing homelessness and ending the pipeline from foster care to prison and poverty.
Franco Vega builds partnerships across LA County to transform supportive services for foster youth leaving the system. In 2016, Vega, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles' Dept. of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor's office, launched the Creative Career Pathway Program (CCPP). This program places emancipated foster youth in paid internships at significant cultural and creative institutions, allowing youth to explore the art world and launch their careers in the arts.
Vega began his career teaching Rights of Passage to foster youth with the Department of Children and Family Services. Before founding The RightWay Foundation, Vega created an employment center on Skid Row at the Midnight Mission, working with recovering addicts and the homeless population—many of whom had come through the foster care system. He holds a degree in Human Services from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
He currently serves as a Commissioner & Co-Chair for the Los Angeles County Commission for Children & Families, appointed by 2nd District Board Supervisor Holly Mitchell. He is committed to propelling policy change and building a comprehensive community around the youth RightWay serves. Vega leads RightWay like an extended family, which provides a consistent safety net for transition-age foster youth.
Vega's dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. He has been featured in NBC Nightly News, LA Times, and Youth Today for his work with foster youth. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama in 2016, and the Angels In Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. In 2023, he was honored to give the commencement address at his alma mater, California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Read LA Business Journal Leader of Influence article here
Andraya Slyter Therapist / COO
Andraya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Chief Operating Officer for The RightWay Foundation.
She earned a BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s of Social Work with a focus on Community Organizing, Planning, and Administration from University of Southern California.
For nearly 20 years, Andraya has been providing outpatient and field-based clinical services to families, children, and transition-age youth in residential treatment facilities, schools, and in the community.
Her passion for working with foster youth began when she was a Unit Leader for the National Family Life and Education Center, facilitating life skills and personal empowerment workshops to teens in the Child Welfare system.
In her current role, she oversees RightWay's core program Operation Emancipation and the mental health services program at The RightWay Foundation, which includes supervising Bachelor and Master of Social Work interns from CSULA, CSUDH, USC, and Columbia University.
Andraya also trains RightWay's employer and community partners in trauma-responsive best practices for supporting and mentoring transition-age foster youth. She is so grateful for her RightWay family.
“ I love spending time with my friends and family, especially my husband and three sons. I also enjoy rocking out to live music, spending time at the beach, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and cuddling with my cats!”
Dr. Kashif J. Powell Director of Programs
Proud graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Kashif J. Powell earned his master’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach and his PhD in Communication and Critical Race Theory from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon the completion of his graduate studies, Dr. Powell served as visiting professor at Northwestern University developing institutional programs that engaged Black and LatinX culture through research, performance pedagogy, artistic practice, and community activism.
In 2016, Dr. Powell moved to Los Angeles where he began teaching and working as a full-time researcher, community organizer, and public speaking coach. From 2017-20, he served as a research mentor for the “Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Promoting Opportunities for Diversity in Education and Research (PODER)” Program, an endeavor funded by the National Institutes of Health that sought to increase the success rate of undergraduate students of color. The research culminated with East Los Angeles College’s first “Black and Brown Unity Conference,” a public forum aimed at addressing issues that plague both communities such as mental health, educational disparity, and political representation.
After 15 years of work in higher education, Dr. Powell left the academy to begin a personal pursuit of financial freedom. The result was the founding of The Powell Agency, a network of financial advisors that cultivates an environment of personal growth and entrepreneurial development. Now as the Director of Programs for The RightWay Foundation, Dr. Powell combines his passion for personal and professional growth with his experience as an educator to guide transition-age foster youth on a path toward self-empowerment. Through a spirit of optimism and support, Dr. Powell encourages youth to utilize the transformative power inherent in education to affect positive change in themselves and communities.
Nell Rutledge-Leverenz Impact, Strategy, & Advancement
Nell leads Strategy, Impact, and Advancement at The RightWay Foundation.
For over a decade, Nell has worked to increase access to resources and build community for foster and system-impacted youth in Los Angeles County. She oversees organizational strategy, program innovations, and advancement at RightWay. Nell collaborates with colleagues to shape key priorities, develop transformative initiatives, deepen RightWay’s mission, and widen its impact. With RightWay’s development and communications, she leads the team to build awareness and support for RightWay’s work and the needs of emancipating foster youth and probation youth.
Her drive to change systems and increase community support for foster youth began in high school. Prior to working for policy change and transforming systems in Los Angeles, Nell organized services to increase education equity in public schools in New York and Los Angeles, and helped implement early intervention services in Head Start programs. As a writer and organizer, Nell has worked with non profits and campaigns to engage communities. She received her B.A. in American Studies from Yale University.
“I believe it is our responsibility as a city, county, and nation to ensure all our children have the community and support they need to build stable, healthy lives in adulthood”.
Haley Ko Executive Assistant
Haley skillfully manages administrative duties and client relations for her colleagues at The RightWay Foundation. As Executive Assistant, she ensures the smooth operation of the organization while also providing support to her colleagues in fulfilling their ongoing professional development, training workshops, and presentations for RightWay youth.
Haley holds a BA in English Literature from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a teaching credential. Prior to joining the RightWay team, she worked in real estate as a Transaction Coordinator/Administrative Assistant and taught English Literature to 10th-12th graders. Working with adolescents/young adults has been a passion of Haley’s since childhood, and she works to provide the best support possible to The RightWay Foundation and its youth.
“A fun fact about me is that I’m trained in classical ballet and pointe work, and I danced competitively from middle school to college!”
De’jah Goodwin-Taylor Housing Navigator
De’Jah studied Sociology at Los Angeles Southwest College and received her Associates Degree in 2017 and is currently furthering her education at Grand Canyon University.
De’Jah first began working with homeless youth four years ago, starting at The Good Seed where she connected youth with shelters and provided ongoing case management services. Working with the TAY population is a true passion of hers, and she believes in operating as a family which is evident in her daily approach with RightWay youth, providing more than just case management and housing services but genuine care, empathy, and compassion as well.
De’Jah assists with closing the gap of homelessness for foster youth exiting the system, obtaining and maintaining housing, and providing case management at The RightWay Foundation.
“I love trying new foods, traveling, true crime shows, old sitcoms, and spending time with family and friends.”
Evelina Nuño
Job Developer / Case Manager
Evelina is responsible for providing skill-building supportive services and case management to transition-age foster youth and helping them them with retaining employment.
Evelina spent many years in the non-profit and social service sector, often helping individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
She has supported organizations serving children, youth, and adults with education, employment, and mental health programs helping individuals transition from school to community living and teaching skills for everyday life, with over 20 years of experience in the community and direct services.
Evelina is passionate about her work; she brings patience, compassion, and understanding to ensure participants receive the necessary help. Evelina also insights fun and a touch of humor into her everyday work.
“I enjoy arts and crafts and I love watching documentaries”
Evan McCrary Clinical Youth Specialist
Evan is a long-time mental health and therapy advocate, specifically seeking to work with teens and Transition Age Youth (18-24) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Knowing how formative and impactful those years are, Evan pursued a career as a therapist, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Morgan State University, a Historically Black College University in Baltimore, Maryland.
After graduation, Evan worked, volunteered, and mentored at various group homes and youth-centered organizations in the San Gabriel Valley area to provide support to youth.
Evan graduated from the University of Southern California with her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration on Community Organizing and Business Administration from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she gained both clinical and macro social work skills.
Evan is dedicated to ensuring that our youth receive the therapy and resources needed to build a successful and healthy lifestyle.
“I’m really passionate about Mental Health and Wellness, and I love pilates!”
Kim Burnam
Kimberlyn graduated from California State University Bakersfield with a BA in Sociology with a concentration in human services. She is currently furthering her education at California State University Fullerton in a Sociology MA program.
At the Rightway Foundation Kimberlyn is responsible for providing case management to transitional aged foster youth, helping youth find steady employment, and helping them gain financial literacy skills.
Prior to working with the Rightway Foundation, she worked at Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living, helping individuals with developmental disabilities find employment and learn basic life skills. She also worked as an Instructional Aide for students with disabilities in an adult transition program.
Kimberlyn is passionate about teaching youth financial and life skills that will help them break generational cycles of poverty. She wants everyone regardless of where they came from to have the skills to succeed and thrive.
“I enjoy listening to true crime podcasts, going to beachside bonfires , and spending family time with my husband and daughter”
Frank Curiel
Business Developer
Before joining RightWay, Francisco “Frank” worked at Para Los Niños, managing partnerships to support youth with employment opportunities, such as Latinos in Finance, Latinos in Sales, a program spearheaded by Unidos US & Bank of America and Pepsi Co to provide robust training into entry level roles within financial institutions and Sales for youth.
Frank worked at Haven Neighborhood Services, where he trained financial coaches and provided capacity-building support, as well as at the Community Investment for Families Department, where he supported their Community Wealth Building portfolio, managed the Children’s Savings Account program Opportunity LA, and trained FamilySource Centers with financial empowerment.
Frank served as Program Manager for LIFT, empowering families to break the cycle of poverty. With years of experience in career development and designing educational pathways for underserved populations, Frank has served over a decade supporting low-and moderate-income communities to achieve career and financial security.
Frank earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Business Marketing at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is a certified Financial/Career Coach with a lens on Diversity Equity & Inclusion to support BIPOC communities across the nation.
Tauteana Bruton
Tauteana's role as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Case Manager at The RightWay Foundation demonstrates her expertise and dedication to supporting individuals in overcoming substance abuse challenges. Her certification from the Los Angeles Training Institute for Alcohol and Drug Counseling underscores her commitment to providing quality care and guidance in this critical field.
Tauteana's extensive experience of over 3 years in providing in-patient and outpatient substance abuse services to individuals across different demographics and settings in West LA, South Central LA, and surrounding areas highlights her versatility and commitment to reaching diverse populations in need. Working in transitional housing, methadone clinics, and residential treatment facilities demonstrates her ability to address substance abuse issues across various stages of recovery and environments.
Tauteana's personal connection to her neighborhood and witnessing the impact of substance abuse firsthand fuels her passion for helping others in similar situations. Her desire to raise awareness and break the cycles of overdosing and addiction reflects a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in her community. It's clear that her work is driven by empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Douglas Byrd Housing Navigator
Douglas Byrd, Jr. is a dedicated leader committed to serving youth affected by foster care, homelessness, and the juvenile justice system. Experiencing homelessness himself as a youth, Douglas was driven to find solutions. He started his career in youth development in 2011 at Youth Services Network, providing crucial services to foster youth. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive support, he expanded programs and connected over 100 youth to transformative opportunities.
Joining Sanctuary of Hope in 2018, he became a Housing Navigator, supporting current and former foster youth and unhoused transition-aged youth. Through his leadership, he has built a network of over 5,000 providers and participants.
At Sanctuary of Hope, Douglas led the integration of culturally responsive approaches, emphasizing the voices and experiences of the youth they serve. He developed programs that foster community connections and cultural exploration, empowering young people to take control of their lives.
With over a decade of experience, Douglas has positively impacted the lives of over 1,200 LA County youth. In 2023, he founded the Youth Housing Network, an innovative platform providing comprehensive youth development services.
Through coordinated mentorship, education, and community-building initiatives, the network supports young professionals on their journey to stable housing. Douglas Byrd, Jr. is a true advocate for youth, embodying dedication and passion in his work.
Kristina
Kristina is a remarkable Survivor Leader and devoted CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Case Manager at the RightWay Foundation. She boasts over a decade of experience in the Human Trafficking industry. Her extensive background equips her with a wealth of
knowledge and a compassionate approach to her work, making her an invaluable asset in the fight against exploitation.
As a mentor to survivors, Kristina goes beyond her role by actively engaging in training and educating local community partners on crucial CSEC topics. Her proactive approach to raising
awareness about the pervasive issue of human trafficking is commendable. Her dedication to combating trafficking further exemplifies her service on esteemed boards and committees, including the California Child Welfare Council's CSEC Advisory Board, the Los Angeles County
CSEC Steering Committee, Compton, and the Inglewood South Bay Human Trafficking Task Force.
Kristina’s outstanding contributions extend beyond her professional roles. She has been pivotal in developing human trafficking curriculums such as ‘Becoming Me’, ‘Word on The Streets’, and ’My Body, My Choice’. This innovative thinking underscores her commitment to human trafficking prevention and her significant contribution to the field.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Kristina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. With her sights set on becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kristina's multifaceted background, unwavering dedication,
and tireless advocacy serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against human trafficking, inspiring others to join her in making a difference.
Karen John,
Administrator
Interns
Chris Viveros , Media and Marketing
Josiah Green, Media and Marketing
Cindy Castro , MSW Intern, CSUDH
Vanessa Tafolla, MSW Intern, CSUDH
Motivators/Facilitators - Guides
Keith Johnson
Daniel Castillo
La Mikia Castillo
Fidel Rodriguez
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nick Crews, Esq., Board President, Managing Partner and President, Crews 1972
Janet Lee, Board Treasurer, Investor
Jasmine T. Plummer, Ph.D., Board Secretary, Director of the new St. Jude Center for Spatial Omics
Stephen Alexander, Founder & CEO, One Word Consult
Tammara Anderson, Associate Dean of Experiential and Applied Learning, Dornsife College at USC
Whitney Leigh Morris, Founder & CEO, WLM Creative Co
Wayani Taylor, Esq., CEO, Law Office of W.J. Taylor
Franco Vega, Founder & Executive Director, The RightWay Foundation