Help Me Build a Business to Empower Foster Youth

After close to 15 years in the tech industry, working with companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon, I’m taking a leap to follow my heart. I’m launching a social entrepreneurship project to support older and post-foster youth (ages 16-25) as they transition to adulthood.

This project is deeply personal to me because it’s a cause my late mother was passionate about. She volunteered as a tutor for high school foster children and was always heartbroken by the lack of support they received as they aged out of the system. My mom would have been thrilled to see this dream come to life.

My ultimate goal is to create a bookstore + café that’s more than just a business—it’s a safe space where foster youth can gain on-the-job training, work experience, and mentorship as they prepare for adult life. I’m calling it Beyond the Covers. In addition to books, the store will feature a café and host community events, becoming a welcoming third space for connection and inspiration.

Right now, we’re in Phase One: operating an online store and participating in pop-up events while building toward opening a permanent brick-and-mortar location. Our online shop offers book gift boxes and bookish goods (think: bath bombs, candles, and cozy sweaters), providing valuable opportunities for foster youth to develop skills in e-commerce, marketing, advertising, and more. We are also proud to highlight products from minority- and women-owned vendors who share our commitment to making a positive impact.

For me, owning a bookstore has been a lifelong dream. After spending the last 15 years working for companies that often felt disconnected from human impact, I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned and use it to do something meaningful. This bookstore + café is my way of honoring my mom’s legacy, creating a space where foster youth can gain mentorship, work experience, and a sense of belonging as they transition into adulthood.

My MBA has prepared me to create a sustainable and thoughtful business model, while my law degree ensures I can navigate the legal and compliance aspects of employing foster youth. Combined with my hands-on experience managing a college café and bar, I feel equipped to build a solid foundation for this venture. I’m also leaning on my strong network of e-commerce experts to create workshops and hands-on learning opportunities for the youth I hope to empower.

Thanks to your incredible support, I’ve already reached my first fundraising goal of $4,000! These funds have allowed me to book travel and tuition to attend an intensive, four-day bookstore and café training program this March at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro in Amelia Island, Florida. This training will equip me with the foundational tools I need to open and run a successful brick-and-mortar bookstore and café, while refining my business plan.

Now, I’m raising the bar. I’ve increased my goal to $8,000 to support the next phase of Beyond the Covers! The additional funds will help us:

These next steps are critical to creating a strong foundation for Beyond the Covers. Your support brings us closer to making this vision a reality—not just for me, but for the youth I hope to mentor and empower.

Every contribution, share, and word of encouragement makes a difference. Thank you for believing in this vision and being part of this journey!