Just in Time for Foster Youth holds its Pathways to Financial Power Conference

Just in Time for Foster Youth, an organization whose mission is to engage a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being, held its Pathways to Financial Power Conference at Junior Achievement of San Diego to connect transition age foster youth with community leaders, potential employers, and professional development opportunities. The event included a kickoff breakfast, job fair, and inspirational speakers from the business community. The conference culminated in a Shark Tank-inspired contest where three young contestants pitched their original business ideas to a group of volunteer judges for the chance to win $3,000 in seed money. The first prize winner was Gabrielle Wesley for her small business Gabbiez Goodiez.

This year’s Pathways to Financial Power Conference speakers included Maya Madsen, founder and CEO of Maya’s Cookies, and Nancy Riggs, founder and owner of Haolranch. Both of these successful businesswomen are former foster youth who embody the resilient and resourceful spirit of young people engaged in JIT’s Pathways to Financial Power service.