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00:00I just wanted to say that Liz is one of the hardest working women I know, but she always,
00:04she actually is, but she always takes time.
00:07She always takes the time to show up for her family, for her friends, and for the many
00:13organizations that she supports and uses her voice to amplify.
00:17So I want to thank her for that as well.
00:22And I want to thank you to Variety for including me in this issue and for hosting this event.
00:28It's such an honor to be here tonight among all of these women who exemplify strength
00:33and compassion and transformation.
00:34Oh, and thank you, mom.
00:38But being included has given me a moment of reflection on how I have viewed power in the
00:45past and how I want to shape the narrative around it moving forward.
00:50I don't think that power needs to be about what we control.
00:55It can be about what we contribute.
00:57And I have seen this firsthand with the work, this might work better for me, I'm short,
01:03the Right Way Foundation.
01:05So the Right Way Foundation is the brainchild of Franco Vega who called upon his own traumatic
01:10childhood to inspire him because he understood the barriers that are put in place for foster
01:14youth aging out of the system.
01:17He developed a comprehensive program that assists with mental health, supportive housing,
01:23work programs, financial literacy, and so much more for foster youth in Los Angeles
01:28County.
01:29And his goal is to stop the flow of foster youth into homelessness, incarceration, and
01:34poverty.
01:35I was introduced to this wonderful organization through my dear friend, Nell Rutledge-Leverenz.
01:43She told me a story about how she first met Franco.
01:47She was an idealist looking to attach herself to a vision, wanting to be a part of something
01:52bigger in the world.
01:54And his vision inspired her to walk into what was then his single room office and ask, what
02:00can I do?
02:02And 13 years later, Nell now works with the organization as the chief of impact and strategy.
02:09Nell is here tonight with one of the Right Way's dedicated therapists, Jennifer Jarbath,
02:13and I'd like to acknowledge them alongside an amazing staff of individuals who help these
02:22individuals heal from their trauma and create a future with infinite possibility.
02:28From a one room office to now a staff of 22 working in partnership with the Mayor's Fund,
02:34they look to serve around 700 young adults this coming year.
02:39I'm honored to have been a part of any part of this transformative organization.
02:46And now I have a special guest I'd like to invite to the stage.
02:50I had received a quote from a young woman who's here tonight who works with the Right
02:54Way Foundation, but I think she can speak for herself.
02:58Neftali Sanchez, can you come to the stage?
03:07I wanted to hear firsthand about her experience with Right Way and I'd like her to share her
03:11experience with you.
03:13Hello, everyone.
03:17I am very, very blessed to be here.
03:27I first want to start off by saying all the glory goes to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
03:43If it wasn't for his sacrifice, I wouldn't be here.
03:49And thank you to my mom.
03:54The Right Way Foundation has built a beautiful foundation for my life.
04:00From assisting me with a home, something that I never had growing up, to helping me find
04:09an amazing job that I really, really enjoy.
04:15I appreciate their workshops.
04:19They have expanded my mind to contributing to Los Angeles and what they stand for.
04:29It's a true blessing to have such an amazing support.
04:35Franco Vega is such a selfless individual.
04:43He takes care of all of my needs.
04:47It's a true blessing.
04:48And honestly, Amy, when I first met you, I was truly in awe of you.
04:57It was so admirable to see her be so selfless and caring.
05:04She allowed someone to sit on her chair and, you know, gave out food to those in need.
05:10And it was just, it was such a beautiful thing to see.
05:12And I was like, I want to be just like her when I grow up.
05:16But yeah, I just want to thank all you beautiful people for coming tonight and supporting all
05:22the beautiful women and their awards and all the things that they do in this life.
05:32Thank you guys so much.
05:35I'm reminded in moments like these that vision is powerful, empathy is powerful, women are
05:41powerful, and community is powerful.
05:44So thank you, Rightway, for allowing me to be part of your community.
05:47And thank you to this community for this evening.
05:50Thanks.