A few weeks ago, we hosted our annual JBAY Foster Youth Graduation Celebration at Cal State LA to celebrate young people reaching significant milestones in their pursuit of higher education. We welcomed 44 graduates representing 18 colleges and universities across California, all of whom have experienced foster care on the path to where they stand today.
Jessica Petrass, 
JBAY’s Director of Education, shared some opening remarks, and Cody Van Felden, Senior Project Associate, teed up a special video message to the Class of 2026 from actress, comedian, author, and founder of the She Ready Foundation, Tiffany Haddish. “You made it. You finished this portion,” Tiffany said. “Now there’s nothing but adventure and excitement and opportunity out there for you. You’re strong, you can handle this. Life ain’t easy, but guess what? You ready. That’s right. You ready to take on anything that comes your way.”
Next, Jada Martin, member of UC Davis Class of 2026 and JBAY Youth Advocate, delivered a speech. “As a kid, there were so many times I felt overlooked, unheard, and out of control,” she said. “Last year, I found out about JBAY and applied to become a Youth Advocate. I’ve gotten the opportunity to speak before the state legislature, urging assembly members to prevent homelessness among foster youth like me. It’s amazing to take what I’ve been through and turn it into action – ensuring every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered. That they have hope and confidence in themselves and their futures. My goal now is to become a child advocacy attorney.” Jada graduated with her bachelor’s degree in sociology and human development and will begin her journey to law school this summer.
Finally, Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), reflected on her own journey through foster care and the alternative education system before ultimately earning her PhD in 2016. “You’re not just going to survive, you already did that. You are here, which means you have grit, you’re a coalition builder, you’re innovative, you’re optimistic. You’re going to thrive,” she told the graduates. “My advice to you is to find something that inspires you. Write down one sentence about it. It doesn’t have to be forever. My sentence was, ‘In my lifetime, I will transform California’s public institutions and serve Californians with dignity and compassion.’ I read it every day. It guides me and holds me accountable.”
JBAY recognized each graduate with a certificate, thanked the many mentors, friends, and supporters who showed up, and celebrated the accomplishments of the whole room. Jada said it best: “Throughout college, I’ve learned the importance of gratitude – to myself, to my experience. I’ve grown a lot of respect for myself. Like, wow, look at all these things I’m doing despite what I’ve been through. I’m self-made, no one can take that away. And that’s true for every one of you here today. So congratulations to my fellow graduates, I can’t wait to see what we do next!”
For more, check out our full photo album from the event and learn about all the ways JBAY advocates for improvements to higher education for tens of thousands of young people bravely charting their way to their greatest dreams all across California.