Kristina, a 2019 UCLA graduate with a degree in Economics and a minor in African American Studies, exemplifies resilience. As a former foster youth, she overcame personal and academic challenges during college with the support of Ready to Succeed (RTS), ultimately finding her path in financial services. Now a Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley, Kristina remains committed to giving back—most notably by adopting her stepmother’s newborn who entered foster care. Her story is a powerful reflection of the impact of opportunity, community, and the determination to uplift others as she was once uplifted. 

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“As RTS Scholars and former foster youth, many of us have grown up facing uncertainty and constant obstacles just to get where we are. The support and resources RTS provided were essential in helping me reach graduation. The staff truly prepared me—mentally, emotionally, and professionally—to feel confident in my abilities and pursue my goals.” -Kristina

Gloria began her transformative journey with Ready to Succeed (RTS) in 2017, graduating from UCLA in 2018. Today, she thrives as a wealth manager at LourdMurray, specializing in complex financial planning for high-net-worth families.

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As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, Gloria is passionate about empowering underserved communities through financial education and giving back to the RTS community. Gloria leads financial fluency workshops for current RTS Scholars, covering essential topics like budgeting strategies and retirement planning. Her dedication to fostering financial literacy and diversity within the industry is truly inspiring, as she continues to drive change and empower the next generation.

Ashtyn joined Ready to Succeed as a sophomore at Cal Poly, where her mentor encouraged her to switch her major from Zoology to Business Administration. With support from RTS career coaching, she gained valuable experience through internships at Illumination Entertainment, the Hilton Foundation, and 72andSunny. After graduating in 2018, Ashtyn interned at United Talent Agency, quickly earning job offers from both UTA and HBO. She ultimately chose HBO, launching her career in the entertainment industry.

As a former foster youth, Jae faced homelessness and instability growing up. Jae was connected to Ready to Succeed during his last semester in college, and he found mentors and support. “Coming into RTS from the very beginning they just welcomed me with open arms. They helped me ask myself questions and dig really deep into what I’m good at and what I want to do. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t listened to my advisor, and been connected to so many people,” Jae recalls. Today, he’s a Senior Administrative Analyst with the LA County Department of Mental Health + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing. Jae is now a mentor himself, offering the same warmth and respect he received from RTS. “To RTS supporters,” Jae says, “Thank you. You’re changing worlds by changing one life, and that life continues to impact others.”

Before joining Ready to Succeed, Natalie wasn’t sure what kinds of careers were possible for her. Even the idea of going to an interview felt intimidating. But after becoming an RTS Scholar in 2016, everything began to change. Today, Natalie has built a successful career in finance and now helps guide the next generation of RTS Scholars as a Board Member.