Every year, our Scholars remind us what resilience looks like.
They show it in the way they persist through challenges and step boldly toward careers that once felt out of reach. They show it in their determination to build futures that reflect their talent, their ambition, and their limitless potential.
2025 tested that resilience in new ways. In January, when wildfires spread across parts of Los Angeles, RTS Scholars and alumni faced disruptions to their homes, schools, and communities. As the year wore on, reductions in public benefits and increased immigration enforcement activity across Los Angeles deepened the challenges many in our community were already facing.
Again and again, we saw the RTS community rise to meet the moment: Scholars checking in on one another, alumni offering guidance and encouragement, and supporters stepping forward to ensure our students had the resources they needed.
Speaking of community, one of the most inspiring parts is seeing our alumni come full circle—returning to mentor current Scholars and strengthen the community that once supported them. This year, as you will read in this report, we formally launched the Alumni Council, led by extraordinary graduates of our program. This is just the beginning for our RTS Alumni!
Our Scholars are navigating college and early careers without the traditional safety nets many students rely on. Yet with supporters like you in their corners, they continue to rise—graduating from college, securing meaningful career-track jobs, and building lives defined by purpose and possibility.
The year was not easy, but 2025 brought out the best in us. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your partnership makes it possible for our Scholars to persevere through challenges, embrace opportunity, and build meaningful careers and lives.
With gratitude,
Pat McCabe and Romi Lassally
Co-Founders
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At the start of the year, two devastating wildfires, the Pasadena and Altadena fires, swept through Southern California. As communities faced unimaginable loss, Ready to Succeed became a source of strength for those affected like our very own Alumni Brandon and CEO Romi, who both lost their homes. In the midst of grief, the RTS community came together, offering support, care, and connection. It was a powerful reminder that Ready to Succeed is only a program, but also a family that stands together in moments of hardship.
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During the government shutdown, many RTS Scholars lost access to critical food assistance through SNAP. For Scholars — especially those parenting — this created immediate and overwhelming stress. Ready to Succeed responded quickly. After surveying those most impacted, we provided direct financial assistance so Scholars could stay focused on school and their future and not on where their next meal would come from. Because of your support, a temporary crisis did not derail their long-term success.
Ready to Succeed proudly hosted its 4th Annual Graduation Celebration, honoring 26 incredible Scholars as they crossed the finish line of their college journeys. This incredible morning not only celebrated their achievements, but also raised critical funds to support the next generation of college-bound foster youth. Together, we celebrated resilience, hard work, and the bright futures ahead.
In June, RTS hosted its third in-person Camp Ready at Loyola Marymount University, welcoming newly admitted Scholars into the program with an immersive overnight experience. Camp Ready sets the foundation for career development for incoming Scholars. Through resume-building workshops, networking sessions, and meaningful peer connection, Scholars were introduced to the tools and relationships that will support them throughout their RTS journey.
In its sixth year, the Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship continued to expand opportunities for RTS Scholars. This summer, 25 Fellows gained hands-on professional experience by supporting social impact organizations and nonprofits across Southern California. Impact Partners included returning organizations like Stepping Forward LA, as well as new partners such as Justin Carr Wants World Peace. While each placement is unique, the goal remains the same: equipping former foster youth with meaningful work experience, professional mentorship, and the confidence to thrive in their future careers.
This fall, Project Dorm Room supported over 350 college-going foster youth across more than 10 University of California and Cal State University campuses. Each student started the semester equipped with essential supplies like bedsheets, pillows, towels, and toiletries to turn their dorm room into a home. With the support of a community behind them, incoming foster youth begin college focused on their future, not basic necessities.
Ready to Succeed partnered with Arizona State University to bring ASuPIRE to Southern California— a collaborative, trauma-informed counseling initiative designed to strengthen the mental health, resilience, and academic success of foster youth. The event convened funders, partners, and higher education leaders around a shared goal: ensuring foster youth receive the holistic support they need to thrive in college and beyond.
The holidays can often feel especially isolating for foster youth that might not have the same familial connections as their peers. That’s why Ready to Succeed hosts end-of-year community events like Friendsgiving and our Winter Gathering. These events bring together Scholars, Alumni, staff, and supporters to not only celebrate their achievements throughout the year, but more importantly, celebrate in the community you have helped create.
At the start of the year, two devastating wildfires, the Pasadena and Altadena fires, swept through Southern California. As communities faced unimaginable loss, Ready to Succeed became a source of strength for those affected like our very own Alumni Brandon and CEO Romi, who both lost their homes. In the midst of grief, the RTS community came together, offering support, care, and connection. It was a powerful reminder that Ready to Succeed is only a program, but also a family that stands together in moments of hardship.
During the government shutdown, many RTS Scholars lost access to critical food assistance through SNAP. For Scholars — especially those parenting — this created immediate and overwhelming stress. Ready to Succeed responded quickly. After surveying those most impacted, we provided direct financial assistance so Scholars could stay focused on school and their future and not on where their next meal would come from. Because of your support, a temporary crisis did not derail their long-term success.
Ready to Succeed proudly hosted its 4th Annual Graduation Celebration, honoring 26 incredible Scholars as they crossed the finish line of their college journeys. This incredible morning not only celebrated their achievements, but also raised critical funds to support the next generation of college-bound foster youth. Together, we celebrated resilience, hard work, and the bright futures ahead.
In June, RTS hosted its third in-person Camp Ready at Loyola Marymount University, welcoming newly admitted Scholars into the program with an immersive overnight experience. Camp Ready sets the foundation for career development for incoming Scholars. Through resume-building workshops, networking sessions, and meaningful peer connection, Scholars were introduced to the tools and relationships that will support them throughout their RTS journey.
In its sixth year, the Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship continued to expand opportunities for RTS Scholars. This summer, 25 Fellows gained hands-on professional experience by supporting social impact organizations and nonprofits across Southern California. Impact Partners included returning organizations like Stepping Forward LA, as well as new partners such as Justin Carr Wants World Peace. While each placement is unique, the goal remains the same: equipping former foster youth with meaningful work experience, professional mentorship, and the confidence to thrive in their future careers.
This fall, Project Dorm Room supported over 350 college-going foster youth across more than 10 University of California and Cal State University campuses. Each student started the semester equipped with essential supplies like bedsheets, pillows, towels, and toiletries to turn their dorm room into a home. With the support of a community behind them, incoming foster youth begin college focused on their future, not basic necessities.
Ready to Succeed partnered with Arizona State University to bring ASuPIRE to Southern California— a collaborative, trauma-informed counseling initiative designed to strengthen the mental health, resilience, and academic success of foster youth. The event convened funders, partners, and higher education leaders around a shared goal: ensuring foster youth receive the holistic support they need to thrive in college and beyond.
The holidays can often feel especially isolating for foster youth that might not have the same familial connections as their peers. That’s why Ready to Succeed hosts end-of-year community events like Friendsgiving and our Winter Gathering. These events bring together Scholars, Alumni, staff, and supporters to not only celebrate their achievements throughout the year, but more importantly, celebrate in the community you have helped create.
“I couldn’t even imagine graduating college without the support from Ready to Succeed. It’s lifted so much stress off me and my family, and allowed me to focus completely on earning my degree. I’m beyond grateful.”
Bailey joined Ready to Succeed in 2023. Before college, she faced ongoing housing instability and experienced long periods of homelessness. Everything shifted when she became a mother and she made the decision to build a different future for her family. Through RTS, Bailey found not just support, but stability. The Basic Needs Scholarship — a monthly stipend she can use for rent, groceries, and essentials — has eased the constant pressure of making ends meet. Instead of worrying about her next meal, Bailey can focus on midterms, internships, and long-term career goals. She also participated in the Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship with Stepping Forward LA — where she now works part time.
“The community and the amount of amazing people and support I receive from other RTS Scholars and staff has been my favorite part of Ready to Succeed.”
Sara’s story is about seizing opportunity. She always knew college was the pathway to her dream career. But once she arrived at UCLA, the leap from student to early professional felt intimidating. Through Ready to Succeed, that gap began to close. Sara participated in the Pat McCabe Impact Fellowship, interning with Remarkably Us, and consistently shows up to networking events with RTS partners to build meaningful professional relationships. Along the way, she found something just as important: a community of peers who support and inspire her. With the right guidance and community behind her, she is building her future with confidence.
“RTS has helped me prepare for my future in so many ways—through career support, mentorship, financial help, and more. I truly don’t know where I’d be without them.”
As Ready to Succeed has grown from its first cohort of six Scholars to more than 400, the need for strong alumni support has grown alongside it — and Anthony’s journey shows why. Anthony’s childhood was marked by constant moves between families and across coasts, never having a stable place to call home. Getting into college was a major milestone. But launching a career, building connections, navigating interviews, and securing that first professional role still felt out of reach. With the help of RTS, Anthony built the network and confidence he needed. Those connections opened the door to his current role as a People & Culture Coordinator at Protiviti West. Today, Anthony also serves on the newly formed Alumni Council, sharing his lived experience to help strengthen the program for future Scholars. From Scholar to alumni leader, Anthony’s story reflects the lasting impact of continued support.
Real Results. Lifelong Impact.
“RTS has helped me prepare for my future in so many ways—through career support, mentorship, financial help, and more. I truly don’t know where I’d be without them.”
The Graduate School Pathways Program provides former foster youth with comprehensive support as they pursue graduate education and advanced career opportunities. Through academic guidance, personalized coaching, and targeted financial support, GSPP ensures Scholars feel prepared, confident, and empowered to navigate the graduate school journey and step into the next level of their professional growth.
Impact
17 Graduate School Acceptances
$11,192 in direct funds to cover application fees and entrance exams.
Ready to Succeed’s Alumni Network reflects the lasting impact of investing in foster youth not only through college, but also into their early careers. As RTS graduates enter the workforce and pursue advanced degrees, they remain deeply connected to the community that supported them.
As lived experts, alumni bring invaluable perspective to current Scholars, sharing insights on navigating college, internships, and early career transitions after foster care. Many give back through informational interviews, career guidance, and by connecting Scholars to professional networks, internships, and job opportunities. Alumni also engage through panels, workshops, and networking events, helping Scholars better understand and navigate the professional world.
Beyond mentorship, many continue to support Ready to Succeed as donors, advocates, and community leaders - reinvesting in the program that shaped their own journeys and helping expand opportunities for current Scholars.
Abby Weiss
Adam Lilling
Alexandra Brez
Aline Grunwald
Alison Gardner
Amy Gravitt
Anatole Klebanow
Angel Villa
Anita-Marie Laurie
Anne Youngblood
Anthony Glenn
Antonieta Arango
Arianne Neumark
Ashlee Hypolite
Audrey Prins
Aura Kay
Belinda Freeman
Benjamin Lynn
Bianca Esquivias
Bill Tabor
Brian Siberell
Brooke Riley
Bruce Gram
Cameron Weld Farrer
Carol Ellis
Caroline Janda and Michel Glouchevitch
Carol M Lifland
Carrie Del Boccio
Catherine Watt
Cathy Huber
Cece Karz
Charla Shelton
Cheryl Wrenn
Chris Caratan
Christie Smith
Christina Zilber
Christopher Brereton
Christopher Stewart and Katie McCabe
Cindy and Andrew Yoon
Claire and Charles Orr
Clairette Brand
Coleen Ghaffari
Consolee Madudu Uwamariya
Cora Lee Lanzisero
Cornerstone Research
Cristine Reynaert
Cynthia Chapman
Cynthia Dechaine
Cynthia Marlow
Dana Entin
Dana Katz
Daniele Worth-Ochoa
Daren Esposito
Dave Bushnell
Dave Miller
David and Jen Miner
David Bryan
David Magnuson
David Skinner
Deanne Nii
Dennis Miller
Diane Liebenson and Tom Duralde
Donald Henry
Donna Broder
Donna Castaneda
Doug Spencer
Drew Cummins
Edward Gold
Edwin Stanton
Elaine Villafaña
Elisabeth Fitzgerald
Elisa Hunziker
Elizabeth and Glen Friedman
Elizabeth Lamont
Ellen Mainthow
Ellen Perliter
Eugene Sisneros
Fati Adeli
Gaby Kirshner
Gary Gonzales
Gary Marenzi and Becky Prange
George Stephanopoulos
Germaine Franco
Glen Friedman
Gloria Hebert
Gregg Gellman
Gregory Baldwin
Gretchen Rush
Hadar and Kim Goldstein
Harriet Zaretsky
Harvey Motulsky
Hoai Scott
Hope Gilderman
Howard Ballon
Jackie and Michael Brooks
Jane Buckingham
Jarl Mohn
Javier Arango
Jeff and Sandy Hudson
Jeff Campbell
Jen Crittenden
Jennifer & Robert Solomon
Jennifer Blum
Jennifer Timmons
Jeremy and Marisa Zimmer
Jess Cagle
Jessica Bylo
Jessica Lehman Hirsch
Jim Bulger
Joanna Hall
Jodi Feinstein
Jodi Hill
Joel Deutsch
John Goldwyn
John Manulis and Liz Heller
Elana and Jonathan Gimbel
Jonathan Glickman
Jonathan Strauss and Elizabeth Westlake
Joseph Boystak
Joseph Sender
Joyce Kunishima
Judith Meister and Paul Silvern
Julia Richter
Julie Hermelin
Julie Rowen
Julie Suh
Julie West
Karen Hadley
Karen Jackson
Karen Kessler
Karen Sherwood
Karen Van Kirk
Karl Austen
Katherine Dugan
Katherine Korsh
Kathleen Rosenbloom
Kathy Stier
Katie Tarses
Katina Trotzuk
Katrina Roski
Keith Fox
Kelly Page
Kenneth J Legaux
Kim Ishimine
Kim Levin
Kirsten and David Bartholomew
Kirstin Meyer
Lainie Gaarrick
Laurel Lennon
Lauren Villa
Laurie Javier
Leslie Robinson
Linda Gallucci
Ling Chan
Lirona Kadosh & Ethan Goldstine
Lisa and Richard Kendall
Lisa Greer
Lisa Henry
Lisa Klein
Lisë Davis
Liz And Jay Roewe
Liz Kruger
Loren Montgomery and Dylan Clark
Loretta Savery
Lydia Kann
Macie Sears Scherick
Mallika Chopra
Marcie Gilbert
Marci Moran
Margaret Valian
Marilyn Katzenberg
Mark Mosch
Mark Pick
Marla Mayer
Marla Messing
Martha Ecker
Mary Ann Murphy
Mary Chancellor
Matt Donahue
Max Mutchnick
Patrick Mccabe
Meghan Bishop
Melissa Bomes
Melodie Brown Thomas
Michael Segal
Michael Starratt
Michele Steiner
Michelle Brooks
Mikki Kane
Mix and Oliva Pearson
Monica Lewinsky
Monica Wyatt
Nanci Frenkel
Nancy and Greg Meidel
Nancy Glass
Nancy Klein
Neil Kapp
Nikki Lebow
Noah Perry
Pamela Litvack
Pamela Salzman
Patricia Elias
Patrick Inkster
Paul Workman
Peri Arenas
Peter Grossman
Peter Schlessel
Rachel Rusch
Rebecca Vest
Reuben Luera
Richard A Miller
Richard Seaver
Risa Gertner
Robert and Catherine Beyer
Robert Currie
Robert Indries
Robin Meyers
Romi Lassally
Ron Scott
Ryan Cheng
Sandy Spallino
Sarah Ali
Sarah Harden
Sara Hoagland
Shannon Mccarty-Caplan
Sheila Bouttier
Sheila Morovati
Shelagh B Callahan
Sheryl Smith
Shirley Stamen Jaffe
Slyvia Sensiper
Stacy Difilippo
Stanley Iezman and Nancy Stark
Stan Stahl
Stephanie and Harold Bronson
Stephanie Shlasky
Stephen Friedman
Steve Corday
Steve Morris
Steven Barnett
Steven Byrnes
Steven Pearl
Susan Toler Carr P.E.
Susan Hoffman Hyman
Susan Keeler
Suzanne Rosencrans
Suzy Feldman
Tamara Walker
Tania Suster
Tara Karsian
Therese Funk
Thomas Mcbee
Tiffany Harris
Tim Allis
Todd Kessler
Tracy Grand
Trisha Cardoso
Trish Torrey
Vivienne Vella
Wendi Trilling
William Mann
Will Mccabe and Jackie Beyer McCabe
FY25 July 1st, 2024 - June 30th, 2025
For ten years, RTS has supported over 400 first-generation and foster care impacted college students as they persist through college, launch vibrant careers, and step into leadership roles. During this time, we’ve learned what fuels lasting, transformative impact for foster youth.Want to get involved in this year’s festivities?
Have any feedback regarding this report? Email aj@readytosucceedla.org
Are you ready to make a difference?
To learn more about our amazing Scholars and ways to get involved, visit www.readytosucceedla.org
To learn more about our exceptional Scholars and ways to get involved, Click HERE
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Disclaimer
We are grateful for every gift received and apologize for any errors or omissions. If you have questions about this Annual Report, please contact us at aj@readytosucceedla.org.
