The RightWay Podcast

This Men's Mental Health Month, on the Pain to Power Podcast, Franco chats with Joseph Burton, Founder and Director of Hearts For Sight Foundation. Joseph's journey from foster care to becoming a wellness advocate for the visually impaired is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges of Retinitis Pigmentosa, he transformed his life through health and wellness, and higher education. Now, he leads Hearts For Sight, ensuring visually impaired people have access to essential health services. Tune in to hear pt.1 of Joseph's incredible story and his mission to break down barriers for the blind community. Watch this FULL episode on https://www.youtube.com/@therightwayfoundation/ To find out more about our programs visit www.therightwayfoundation.org    Guest: @heartsforsight

  In this episode of RightWay's #PaintoPower podcast, we speak with Ari, who shares her inspiring journey from being adopted at age 7 to living in a shelter at 18 after making career decisions against her parents' wishes. Ari's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of healing from trauma and learning how to regulate emotions.   Listen to how she's transforming her experiences into positivity and her exciting plans to start a doggy care business!   Visit therightwayfoundation.org for more.

Mental Health is a pillar at The RightWay Foundation. In this episode our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay's COO and Lead Therapist.   To find our more about our programs visit therightwayfoundation.org

Listen to Juan's powerful story on this episode of the RightWay Foundation's Pain to Power podcast. From incarceration to internship, Juan shares how his relationship with his father drove him to turn his life around. Now, he's on a path of positivity and growth!   To learn more about The RightWay Foundation visit therightwayfoundation.org

In this inspiring episode of Pain to Power! Manaweea, a remarkable alumni, shares her journey. Listen to how she achieved her educational goals and is now making a difference by fundraising for a project in Hawaii. Manaweea's story is a testament to resilience and determination, making her a true role model for us all.   Visit therightwayfoundation.org to learn more about our programs @thrightwayfoundation on all social media 

This week our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay Alumni Nyier.  Nyier recently spoke at our 'Home For The Holiday's' event sharing his story of pain to power. Nyier is an inspiration for younger generations and beyond his years.   To find out more about our programs visit therightwayfoundation.org

This week our Founder Franco Vega sat down with RightWay alumni Darlene.  Darlene recently shared part of her story at our 'Home For The Holiday's' event in December 2023 and she gave a speech highlighting her journey as a TAY overcoming homelessness.  In this episode we hear more about Darlene's experience in foster care and transitioning  into adulthood. She's a mother of 1 and a true inspiring to all youth turning their pain into power!   To learn more about RightWay visit therightwayfoundation.org

In the first episode of the year, we hear from our founder and CEO, Franco Vega. Get ready to be inspired as Franco reflects on the milestones of 2023 and shares his exciting vision for The RightWay Foundation in 2024!  Visit therightwayfoundation.org to discover more about our mission and impact. 

On this week's episode (part 2 of 2), our Founder Franco Vega had the pleasure of connecting with the remarkable Dr Danisha Keating. Danisha's incredible journey from being a former foster youth to becoming a guardian for her five siblings is inspiring to say the least. Despite growing up in a challenging and neglectful environment in Southgate, LA, she selflessly cared for her siblings while striving to empower foster youth to chase their dreams and conquer their goals. Dr Danisha Keating is also author, speaker and educator.  To find out more about our guest, search Instagram @drdanishakeating or visit her website at danishakeating.com "From Foster to PhD: Letters from a Suitcase," is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and other major bookstores. You can also find information on our programs at therightwayfoundation.org

On this week's episode (part 1 of 2), our Founder Franco Vega had the pleasure of connecting with the remarkable Dr Danisha Keating. Danisha's incredible journey from being a former foster youth to becoming a guardian for her five siblings is inspiring to say the least. Despite growing up in a challenging and neglectful environment in Southgate, LA, she selflessly cared for her siblings while striving to empower foster youth to chase their dreams and conquer their goals. Dr Danisha Keating is also author, speaker and educator.  To find out more about our guest, search Instagram @drdanishakeating or visit her website at danishakeating.com "From Foster to PhD: Letters from a Suitcase," is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and other major bookstores. You can also find information on our programs at therightwayfoundation.org

On this episode we hear from Jessica a RightWay Alumni sharing her story of pain to struggle! Jessica is determined to turn her life around and build a life of success for herself and siblings.   To learn more about our programs visit https://www.therightwayfoundation.org/

In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Brittany Walker, Executive Director of Butterfly's Haven.  Brittany shares the story behind her transformation from homelessness and sexual abuse to becoming a beacon of hope for young women and their children. With Butterfly's Haven, the Treehouse Impact Group's anchor program, Brittany provides a vibrant community and support system, empowering residents to achieve self-sustainability. For more details about The RightWay Foundation, visit www.therightwayfoundation.org

In this episode, our Founder Franco Vega sits down with Jaz. At just 22 years old, Jaz shares her inspiring journey through the foster care system, how she is gracefully navigating the loss of her daughter's father and her experiences transitioning into adulthood. Jaz's story is one of personal empowerment. Jaz hopes to inspire others with story and plans to host a podcast of her own one day!   To find out more about The RightWay Foundation and how we are supporting transition age youth visit www.therightwayfoundation.org

On this incredible episode, our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay alumni Ernesto, a true inspiration who overcame adversities. From foster care to prison to gang life, Ernesto's journey is nothing short of remarkable. And now, having graduated with a degree in sociology, he's ready to make a difference and give back to his community. Get ready to be inspired by Ernesto's resilience, strength, and unwavering determination.   To find out more about our programs visit www.therightwayfoundation.org

Martine's incredible journey from foster care to empowerment is truly inspiring. As an ambitious RightWay alumni and Youth Commissioner, she has dedicated herself to advocating for other young individuals. Martine's insatiable thirst for knowledge has also been instrumental in overcoming her obstacles during the transition to adulthood. Martine's story serves as a reminder that education can be the key to unlocking your full potential!   For information on RightWay's programs visit www.therightwayfoundation.org 

Kali, an alumna of RightWay, has overcome incredible obstacles to become the inspiration she is today. From navigating the foster care system to prioritizing her emotional well-being, Kali's journey is a testament to resilience! Through her artistry, she openly shares her life experiences, and empowers others with uplifting messages. Learn more about how The RightWay Foundation supports transition-age youth like Kali via www.therightwayfoundation.org.

Johna's journey in the foster care system was unique. Her mother had a discreet pregnancy and after a weekend of birthday celebrations she went into labor and doctors found traces of marijuana in their systems. Authorities classified her as an unfit mother. So Johna's grandmother took legal guardianship over her and her siblings.   This was only the beginning of Johna's journey within the system. Despite enduring many obstacles such as abuse, she has prevailed and managed to achieve personal success.   Former foster youth, like Johna, who have successfully transitioned from the system deserve praise. She's a huge inspiration to others.   Visit www.therightwayfoundation.org to find out more about our programs Follow us on social media @therightwayfoundation

Welcome back to The RightWay Foundation Podcast - Pain to Power!  Join us in this episode our Founder and CEO Franco Vega, shares the compelling journey behind why we started this podcast. This series we will dive deep into into the transformative stories of youth impacted by the childcare and legal system. We're happy to be back!

Franco sits down with Delmi Pine on the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast. An advocate of representing that woman can be high achievers, leaders and provide for themselves, Delmi is an Afro-Latina raised in south central Los Angeles driven to make a difference in the black and Latino community. She shares her pain to power story with Franco and discusses how she has been able to thrive despite her traumatic upbringing. 

Franco sits down with TyNisha “Ty” Lewis, a former homeless youth and first generation college student who has a bachelor's in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), as well as an African Studies minor. Ty shares her pain to power story, including how searching for her father was a precursor to her career.  Ty has helped launch and develop local professional community organizations such as Real To Reel Global and The Empower Her Project, while also working with Black Public Relations Society Los Angeles (BPRSLA) and Sista's Of L.A. (SOLA). Currently, she works as a creative consultant for independent brands and companies such as Warner Media. Click here to listen to previous episodes of The RightWay Podcast.

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with RightWay alum and foster youth Shanti. Shanti is from South Los Angeles, and at age 18, is facing homelessness. She shares her pain to power story with Franco. 

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with Tuesday English, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Family Post, a non-profit organization that teaches minority non-profits how to create agency within the communities they serve. As a former foster youth who grew up in South-Central Los Angles, Tuesday understands the plight of minority families and their involvement in the foster care system. In light of her experiences in foster care, Tuesday has dedicated her efforts to advocacy towards family preservation. In her endeavors, Tuesday has organized community engagements, lobbied bills in the Senate, and crowdfunded for organizations.

Franco sits down with Maya, program director and the newest member of The RightWay Foundation family. Maya grew up in Los Angeles and was in nonprofit at the West Angeles Community Development Corporation during the downturn of the economy. She went to college in Texas, came back to LA and worked in Hollywood, took her talents to law school, and then after working in the legal field, decided to return to nonprofit work. She discusses with Franco her career trajectory, how her journey got her to RightWay, and the areas of RightWay's programs that have stood out to her so far.  Click here for previous episodes of The RightWay Podcast.

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with Ms. Candi Marie: TV host, actress, producer, Felix Junior Board Member, and former foster youth. Candi uses her voice to uplift the voices of current and former foster youth and provide them a platform to reclaim their narratives. She shares her pain to power story and explains how she was able to use the trauma of the foster care system to help her succeed, first with the Steve Harvey Show, and now in Hollywood.

In the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with the newest member of The RightWay Foundation family: Marcos, who will handle PR. He shares his pain to power story with Franco, from the trauma he faced in the foster care system and the domestic abuse he suffered to the work he does in his community with various community leaders and organizations.

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with author Sheena McCullough, who wrote Mind Attacks: A Journey From Hurt To Healing. She shares her pain to power story, talks about her book, and discusses how she is able to thrive despite the trauma she has faced.  

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Vanessa stops by The RightWay Foundation offices to talk to Franco about her pain to power story, her journey from St. Louis to Los Angeles, and what being a freelance PR professional is all about. 

On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, one of The RightWay Foundation's own, alumna Krystal, sits down with Franco to discuss her pain to power story, including how she is able to thrive despite the trauma she has faced. 

On the first RightWay Podcast of 2022, The RightWay Foundation's newest social worker Alex sits down with Franco to discuss why she works in the field, what led her to serve transition-age and foster youth, and how she became part of RightWay's family.

Happy New Year from all of us at The RightWay Foundation! We look back at the first year of The RightWay Podcast, with clips from various guests from throughout 2021, including Franco's look ahead to his and RightWay's goals for 2022 and beyond. 

The RightWay Foundation Executive Director and host of The RightWay Podcast Franco Vega sees the tables get turned, as he moves from interviewer to interviewee! He discusses what 2021 was like for RightWay, and what the future holds in 2022 and beyond. 

The RightWay Foundation Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with Caleb, who shares his pain to power story, how he went from Danville, Alabama to LA, and why he's able to stay optimistic no matter what obstacles get thrown in his path.

This week's episode features an interview with Felicia Michelle, a South Jersey-born television host, producer, and media consultant based in Los Angeles, who helps aspiring hosts, reporters, and other talent learn how to use the power of their voice. Felicia shares her philosophy, "nothing happens if you don't show up," as well as how she was able to leave an abusive relationship and thrive despite the trauma she faced.

Franco sits down with former foster youth and RightWay alum Marquise, who shares his pain to power story. Currently a case worker, Marquise discusses what he had to learn about himself and how his path helps him as he works to give back to those currently in the foster care system.

Franco sits down with Precious, an alumna of The RightWay Foundation and a future registered nurse. Precious shares her pain to power story and how her love for her family keeps her spirits high. 

In the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with Tasha. Tasha, an educator of special ed students, shares her pain to power story, talks about her experience in the foster care system, and how she has been able to rise above the trauma she has faced. 

The RightWay Foundation Executive Director Franco Vega meets and talks to Sandra, who also went through the foster care system. Sandra shares her pain to power story, explains why going into the foster care system was not a bad experience for her, and how she is able to remain positive despite the trauma she has faced. 

Franco sits down with Ernesto, one of the first former foster youth to go through the The RightWay Foundation program. Ernesto shares his pain to power story, explains how he became an advocate for foster youth, and what his philosophy is towards life.

A chance encounter brought former foster youth Nehanda to The RightWay Foundation's offices, where she sat down with Franco to share her pain to power story.  She discusses her past, present, and future, as well as her life philosophy: "my road to success has not been easy, but if life knocks me down 9 times, I'm surely going to get up 10!” 

Latrice Marie, a RightWay alumna who is also involved with the Real to Reel Global Youth Film Festival and Better Youth, sits down with Franco to discuss her pain to power story. 

Franco sits down for a 'pain to power' conversation with another RightWay alum in Johna Rivers, an immensely talented performer, poet, and artist who currently works as a production assistant at Jimmy Kimmel Live, serves on the Board of Directors at CASA LA, and is cofounder of Real to Reel Film Festival.  

Dominique, an alumnus of The RightWay Foundation who is not only a professional photographer but also an employee at the organization, shares his pain to power story with Franco. 

Franco Vega of The RightWay Foundation sits down with RightWay alum Cali to hear her pain to power story, as well as how she came to be known as 'Cali.'

Franco sits down with RightWay alumna Shamyia, who shares her pain to power story and the advice she has for current foster care youth on how they can work through the trauma they face on a daily basis.

Franco sits down with La'Toya Cooper, a RightWay alum who was recently appointed to the position of Youth Commissioner by the LA County Board of Supervisors as part of the county's first-ever Youth Commission. According to its website, the Youth Commission is the official youth advisory body to the County. We are a youth-led organization that promotes youth participation in County affairs and policy development. Our members have experience in the foster care, juvenile justice, and homelessness systems. The Commission also provides a forum for youth perspectives, empowering Commissioners to impact the systems that are intended to serve and support them, their families, and their communities. 

Franco Vega sits down with Keith Johnson, co-founder of the Falcons Youth and Family Services. Keith shares his story and how his life experiences shaped him and the work that he does to empower disadvantaged and under-served youth to excel in life. 

The RightWay Foundation founder and Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with RightWay COO Andraya Slyter to discuss the foundation, her experience as a therapist, and the work she does with transition-age foster youth. 

Executive Director Franco Vega discusses the history and mission of The RightWay Foundation.