Future Leaders Career Program

Building Pathways to Success for Foster Youth

Founder Biography

Kesia Williams was born in Oakland, California, the youngest of five children. With parents who had both experienced the foster care system and were unable to provide stable care, she was raised by Stephanie White, a beloved community mother figure who nurtured her as one of her own. Following Stephanie’s passing in 1999, Kesia endured years of instability, couch surfing, sleeping in cars and on trolleys, and occasionally staying in homeless shelters, before entering the foster care system at the age of 12. She spent six years in San Diego County’s foster care system, emancipating on her 18th birthday, just before graduating from high school in 2005.Despite these challenges, Kesia was determined to pursue higher education. She was accepted into the Promises2Kids Guardian Scholars Program in 2005, where she received mentorship, support, and resources that made playing college basketball as an intercollegiate athlete possible. She earned her Associate's degree from Cuyamaca Community College in 2008 before transferring to San Francisco State University (SFSU). At SFSU, she actively participated in the Guardian Scholars Program and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in 2011. Committed to lifelong learning, Kesia later earned her Master’s degree in 2018 from the University of Arizona.Kesia’s own experience in the child welfare system and years of working with renowned nonprofits that serve foster youth taught her that access to higher education was key to self-sufficiency, long-term stability, breaking the cycle of foster care and related multi-generational trauma. Kesia has dedicated the past decade to working in higher education, creating and developing programs for historically marginalized communities. Her work focuses on bridging learning gaps, providing meaningful exposure, experiences, and fostering opportunities that drive personal and professional growth. Through these efforts, Kesia has contributed to reducing socioeconomic disparities and increasing access to higher education and career pathways.

Program Description

The Future Leaders Career Program (FLCP), formerly known as the Summer Career Enrichment Program, was founded in 2023 to inspire and empower first-generation and foster youth students by providing meaningful career exposure, hands-on learning experiences, and professional development opportunities. This dynamic five-day program is designed for college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates, guiding them through a powerful journey of self-discovery and career exploration. Through immersive company visits, interactive workshops, and direct engagement with industry professionals, students gain valuable insights into diverse career paths, develop critical skills, and build the confidence to pursue opportunities that may have once felt out of reach. Participants explore company cultures, take part in Q&A panel sessions, and receive mentorship that equips them with tools to thrive. The FLCP is a launchpad that helps students grow, connect, and envision a future filled with purpose and possibility. The program's mission is to empower foster youth to build sustainable, fulfilling careers and lay a foundation for lifelong success.

Program Pillars

Connection

Connections provide insight into a variety of career paths, industry trends, and workplace expectations, while helping students strengthen soft skills. Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship.

Exposure

Firsthand career exposure is vital for current and former foster youth who often lack networks for career guidance. Real-world experience helps students build practical skills, understand industry expectations, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Empowerment

Empowering current and former foster youth is essential to equipping them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities needed to overcome systemic and economic barriers, paving the way for successful, independent lives.

Opportunity

Gaining first-hand insight into the job market helps current and former foster youth secure their first career position and bridge the opportunity gap while fostering economic stability.
If you would like to offer an internship or employment opportunity to our talented students, please complete the “Contact Us” form below to share the opportunity details. We appreciate your interest in supporting our students.

Partnerships

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible corporate partners—Google, LinkedIn, Meta, YouTube, Salesforce, Apple, Amazon, Intuitive Surgical, Netflix, Merck, Pinterest, Southwest Airlines, and Waymo—for creating an immersive and inspiring learning experience for our students. Your generosity, time, and commitment have made a lasting impact. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders.

Nonprofit Partners

Kesia gives a special thank you to the San Francisco State Guardian Scholars Program and Promises2Kids for believing in her vision and for being incredible partners since the program’s inception. To Berkeley Hope Scholars—thank you for your enthusiasm, eagerness, and dedication in helping the program expand and reach even more students. Kesia is deeply grateful for each of you and all that has been accomplished.

Coming Soon

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