Refining Purpose: Recent Episodes
Refining Purpose
Refining Purpose is dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the foster care system and students experiencing chronic stress to embrace self-sufficient productive lives. We utilize our platform to bring awareness to pressing social issues and advocate for the rights of adoptees, foster youth and transitional age youth. Our multi-faceted program provides evidence-based support groups and workshops for participants to process trauma, establish commonality, network with professionals and ultimately to find purpose.
If you’re feeling discouraged, you’re not alone. It’s common to experience anger and depression, especially during such uncertain times. Dr. Elizabeth Velazquez, Refining Purpose Board Member, provides healthy coping skills for stress. We are here for you!
Robert Eibach is the Chief Operating Officer for Refining Purpose and is an award-winning producer and DJ. In this video, Robert shares his journey throughout college and in becoming a successful professional in the music industry. He provides insightful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and explains the benefits of joining the Refining Purpose team and participating in one or both of our digital programs.
Darla Cozzarelli, Malisa Riley and Shantell L. Steve each tell a piece of their story in how they have been impacted by the foster care system. Understanding the complexities of adoption and foster care is crucial to bringing effective change and adequate support to these populations. Dr. Elizabeth Velazquez and Robert Eibach share the mission of Refining Purpose and the organization's dedication to empowering adoptees, foster youth and students experiencing stress in processing trauma, overcoming challenges and becoming confident in their purpose. The RP Mentorship Program utilizes multi-faceted workshops to promote resiliency, purpose and professional success amongst individuals who've experienced the foster care system and students experiencing stress.
New Refining Purpose Team Member Briana Barajas briefly discusses her journey throughout career and college life, and the importance of joining an inclusive community of young leaders and professionals. Visit http://www.refiningpurpose.org for more information about our Digital Power Chats or to contact our staff.
Refining Purpose team member Robert Payaslyan discusses his journey in deciding to go to law school and how RP's Power Chats benefit high school and college students. Email contact@refiningpurpose.org or visit our website http://www.refiningpurpose.org to sign up or for more information.
MaLisa Riley shares her powerful story as both a former foster youth and adoptee. Despite all the adversity, MaLisa found her purpose and is a successful entrepreneur and author. She also provides advice to individuals being impacted by the foster care system.
Marcus Portillo is a Cal State LA Alumni and an Associate Engineer for Southern California Gas Company. He was determined to take a different career path, until a guest speaker in high school talked about engineering. When pursuing his career, Marcus felt very discouraged when told he wasn't "smart enough" and after failing his first calculus class. Despite the long struggles throughout his six years in college, Marcus persevered and successfully became an engineer. Interview conducted by Refining Purpose CEO Darla Cozzarelli.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Allison Cherry discusses her powerful story as an Emancipated Foster Youth and the challenges facing both the foster care and adoption community. She sheds light on the layers of pain attached to adoption and foster care and the need for mental health support within the child welfare system. Allison also clarifies the challenges facing social workers and the systemic gaps preventing sibling reunification. Her dedication to the adoption and foster care community is an inspiration to our organization and community. Interview conducted by Refining Purpose CEO Darla Cozzarelli.
A live interview with Denise Blake, located in Newfoundland, Canada. Denise persevered amidst adversity and refined her purpose - she is a registered cardiology technologist, certified health and life coach and a former foster youth committed to mentoring and advocating for individuals who have experienced the foster care system. Interview conducted by Refining Purpose CEO Darla Cozzarelli.
Newly appointed Assistant Police Chief of USC's Department of Public Safety Alma Burke discusses her experiences in law enforcement and the challenges she's faced as a first generation immigrant Latina. Alma refined her purpose and is a role model to all, as she breaks the stigmas associated with law enforcement, immigrants and female leaders. Interview conducted by Refining Purpose CEO Darla Cozzarelli.
Irvin Garcia impressively refined his purpose by acknowledging the prevalence of homelessness and taking action! Irvin shines a light on the challenges of homelessness and discusses his experiences as a Housing Coordinator for Brilliant Corners, where he personally provides resources and finds housing for the homeless population. Irvin emphasizes the importance of removing the stigma attached to homelessness, in order to adequately support the population and create change. Interview conducted by Refining Purpose CEO Darla Cozzarelli.