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 to ensure every foster youth has the resources and community they need to build a prosperous future.
The RightWay Foundation combines culturally competent, 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 collaboration 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—many of whom had come through the foster care system. He holds a degree in Human Services from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
He is 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. For his work with foster youth, he has been featured in NBC Nightly News, the LA Times, and Youth Today. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the 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!”
Nell Rutledge-Leverenz Impact & Strategy
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!”
Christopher Viveros Head of Marketing and Media
Christopher Viveros is the Head of the Marketing and Media team at The RightWay Foundation. As the Head of the Marketing and Media team, Christopher strategically creates campaigns that help raise funds and awareness for RightWay. He also successfully manages the RightWay’s website and social media, creating impactful content that amplifies the voice of transition-age foster youth in LA County.
At a young age, Christopher discovered his passion for digital media. Using his passion and love for sports, he and a couple of his friends started a sports podcast. This project lit a fire and sparked his interest in using digital spaces to connect with others.
Driven by his enthusiasm for digital storytelling and his people skills, Christopher pursued a career in the marketing field and graduated with his BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton.
Outside of his professional life, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family and his girlfriend. In his free time, Christopher enjoys going to hockey games and playing a round of golf.
Jennifer Jarbath Clinical Youth Specialist
Jennifer Jarbath is a Clinical Youth Specialist with The RightWay Foundation. Jennifer is a dedicated social worker with over 13 years of experience in the field. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, where she earned her master’s degree in Social Work, and has since committed her career to serving vulnerable populations, particularly transition-age youth exiting the foster care system. Currently, Jennifer is focused on empowering young adults as they navigate the challenges of independence after foster care. In addition to her therapeutic work, Jennifer is an active member of the organization’s leadership team, collaborating on strategic initiatives to improve services and outcomes for transition-age youth.
Jennifer’s compassionate approach to social work, combined with her deep understanding of the unique needs of this population, allows her to create meaningful, impactful relationships with the young people she serves. She is passionate about advocating for youth in foster care and creating pathways to success that are grounded in healing, stability, and community.
Kimberly Gonzalez-Tzunux Clinical Youth Specialist
Kimberly is a dedicated Clinical Youth Specialist with a strong focus on supporting transition-age foster youth through behavioral and skill-building services, case management, and guidance toward well-being, job retention, and self-sufficiency. She holds an AA in Sociology from El Camino College and a BA in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. With a deep commitment to the development of children, youth, and families facing mental health challenges, Kimberly has also volunteered for Mychal Learning Place, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.
In addition to earning her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, Kimberly has worked for Behavior Health Works, Inc. in Gardena, CA, where she provided one-on-one behavioral intervention to teach communication, social, and daily living skills while reducing problematic behaviors across home, community, and school settings.
Driven by a passion for change, Kimberly earned her master’s degree in Social Work from CSUDH, aiming to deepen her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her passion is rooted in the belief that every individual has the potential to thrive, with the right support and an environment that nurtures growth. Outside of her professional work, Kimberly loves to connect with nature through hiking, and finding peace and clarity in the outdoors, a reminder of the power of resilience and new beginnings.
Giselle Bood Clinical Youth Specialist
Giselle is an Associate Clinical Social Worker on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Growing up in South LA, she witnessed the mental health disparities and limited resources in her community, which sparked her passion for social work. This drive led her to earn a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside in 2022, and a Master’s in Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California in 2024.
Giselle specializes in working with youth ages 18-24, guiding them through their unique challenges and helping them build resilience through a holistic, strengths-based approach. She believes in nurturing the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of each individual, one step at a time. Living by the quote, “What you plant today is what you eat tomorrow,” Giselle is committed to fostering lasting growth and empowerment in the young people she works with.
Outside of her professional life, Giselle loves yoga, exploring nature, and indulging in her passion for food. Her approach to both life and social work is grounded in balance, compassion, and a deep connection to others.
Frank Curiel
Youth Development Specialist
(Workforce Development)
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.
Damone Bush Youth Development Specialist (Housing Navigation)
Damone Bush is a Housing Navigator at The RightWay Foundation, where he plays a vital role in supporting transition-age foster youth as they move toward housing stability. As part of the Housing team, Damone connects youth with safe, affordable housing options and provides guidance to help them navigate the challenges of independent living. His empathetic approach and dedication ensure that every individual he works with feels supported and empowered.
Damone’s passion for helping others began early in life, inspiring him to focus on creating opportunities for those in need. His drive to make a difference has fueled his commitment to guiding youth through housing transitions and setting them on a path toward long-term success.
Outside of his professional life, Damone enjoys traveling to new destinations and immersing himself in different cultures. He is also an avid reader, always seeking out books that inspire personal growth and expand his knowledge. Through these hobbies, Damone finds inspiration and motivation to bring fresh perspectives to his work and personal life.
De’Jah Goodwin-Taylor
Youth Development Specialist (Housing Navigation)
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.”
Annissa Gooden
Youth Development Specialist
(Benefits Navigation)
Annissa Jimenez serves as the Benefits Navigator at The RightWay Foundation, where she plays a crucial role as the first point of contact for youth entering programs. In this position, she ensures that every young person feels safe, heard, and supported as they begin their journey toward stability and independence.
As a survivor of the child welfare system and an alumna of The RightWay Foundation’s programs, Annissa brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. She understands firsthand the emotional and systemic challenges that come with aging out of foster care, including housing insecurity, financial instability, and the lasting effects of trauma. Her lived experience fuels her passion for advocacy and her commitment to guiding young people toward resources that can help them navigate these obstacles.
Annissa is dedicated to empowering former foster youth by connecting them with essential benefits, educational opportunities, and employment resources. She works tirelessly to ensure that they have access to the support they need to build fulfilling, self-sufficient lives. Through her work, she strives to create a welcoming and trauma-informed environment where youth feel valued, understood, and equipped to overcome adversity.
By combining her professional expertise with her personal journey, Annissa stands as a source of hope and inspiration, proving that with the right support and determination, it is possible to break cycles of hardship and create a brighter future.
Juan Camacho Youth Development Specialist
(Benefits Navigation)
As a former foster youth himself, Juan brings firsthand understanding and empathy to his role as a Benefits Navigator. Through his work, he guides individuals toward accessing crucial resources and services, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Juan's dedication to giving back to his community is evident in his active involvement in various outreach programs. Whether mentoring foster youth, speaking at events, or participating in community initiatives, Juan embodies the spirit of service and collaboration.
With a strong foundation in education, Juan proudly graduated from high school, leveraging his experiences to inspire others to pursue their academic goals. His commitment to continuous learning and growth drives him to seek opportunities for personal and professional development.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Juan finds joy in staying active through sports and hiking. He embraces life's simple pleasures, especially when it comes to enjoying good food and sharing memorable meals with friends and loved ones.
Juan is always filled with positivity, always ready to lend a helping hand and uplift those around him.
Miguel Gonzalez Youth Development Specialist (Substance Use)
Miguel is a substance use counselor with experience working with diverse populations in and around Los Angeles. He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient programs, helping individuals overcome challenges related to substance use, mental health, and personal growth. As a Youth Development Specialist at The RightWay Foundation, Miguel’s role is to bring awareness, education, resources, and support to underserved foster youth. His work focuses on creating treatment plans, leading counseling sessions, and supporting clients as they work toward their goals.
Miguel holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling with an option in Rehabilitation Counseling through the Department of Counseling and Special Education at California State University, Los Angeles. Miguel is working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). He is also enrolled in the Addiction Studies Program through the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). He is a registered counselor certified by the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP). Miguel is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and supporting underserved communities in Los Angeles.
Outside of work, Miguel enjoys traveling, photography, and live music. A South Los Angeles native, he is passionate about improving his community and staying active. He leads a Friday morning running club and spends his free time with his dog, Kiba, and planning adventures with his fiancée.
Karen John
Administrator
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
Gary J. Perez, President/CEO, USC Credit Union
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