Real Word Speakers Panel
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 via Zoom
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT
On August 25, join current Real Word panelist and former youth in foster care Luis as he leads fellow Real Word speakers Anthony, Josh, Vanessa, and Emanuel in a conversation around Building Relationships while in Foster Care.
Drawing on their lived experiences while in foster care, the panelists will discuss the challenges of forming and maintaining relationships amid uncertainty and frequent transitions and how their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) provided that consistency, connection, and support when they needed it the most.
We invite those interested in becoming a CASA, current CASAs, and the community to listen in to this important conversation.
Attendees can expect to come away with:
- Advice on how to build trust and lay the foundations for a relationship with their assigned youth.
- A deeper understanding of the types of relationships youth in foster care have and how those relationships change over time.
- Details on the challenges youth in foster care face when building relationships throughout various stages of their life and how you can support them through these times.
Please note, this is a virtual panel.
Real Word Speaker Anthony spent a third of his life in foster care and now advocates for other youth living in foster care. He was supported by his CASA, Daniel, for over a year, and because of his advocacy, Anthony found a safe, permanent home with his great-grandmother. Now, he is a recent graduate from UCLA who continues to speak up for children in foster care and spread awareness about the positive impact of CASA volunteers.
Click here to learn more about Anthony’s journey with CASA Daniel.
Real Word Speaker Josh had the unwavering support of his CASA, Tim, who has been in his life since 2016. While Josh navigated his way through the foster care system as a teenager and young adult, CASA Tim was by his side, providing crucial advocacy and caring support. Their relationship, built on trust, helped prepare Josh for the stability he now has, having graduated with his master’s degree and working as a young professional.
Click here to learn more about Josh’s journey with CASA Tim.
Real Word Speaker Vanessa entered foster care when she was only 8 years old, growing up in the foster care system for 13 years. She was then introduced to her CASA, Laura, who advocated for her for nearly 10 years. CASA Laura tirelessly advocated for Vanessa’s education, helping her attend a college preparatory high school and being by her side to apply to colleges. Today, Vanessa has graduated from both the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences and the UCLA School of Law, successfully pairing her lived experience with her passion for higher education.
Click here to learn more about Vanessa’s journey with CASA Laura.
Real Word Speaker Emanual entered foster care at the age of 15. This was when he met his CASA, Tim. CASA Tim was a champion of Emanual’s education, helping him graduate as valedictorian of his high school class and supporting him through challenging times when he began college. Today, Emanual is an independent young man who works full-time, and is supported by caring people who are always in his corner.
Click here to learn more about Emanual’s journey with CASA Tim.
Request a Presentation
Please help us educate the community about issues surrounding children who have experienced abuse and neglect. To schedule a Real Word presentation for your group, please contact Kristina Lisica at kristinal@speakupnow.org or call 858-598-2225.
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Voices for Children hosts Real Word panel events throughout the year. Sign up to receive email announcements about upcoming events.
