Season 5 Episode 10
Alison "Ali" Bodager is a passionate advocate for underserved youth and the founder of Jacaranda Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transition-age adults (18-24) experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. Born and raised in Ohio, Ali has been committed to helping young people navigate life’s challenges since she was in middle school. As an adult, in 2010, she moved to the Los Angeles area to work at an after-school program in Skid Row, Downtown LA. Following the program's closure, she shifted to a role as a trust and estate paralegal, which provided her with valuable legal training and insight into the nonprofit sector. In 2020, Ali’s work as a Campus Coordinator for a church in Burbank was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, giving her the time and space to further research and develop her vision for Jacaranda Rising. In 2021, Jacaranda Rising was officially launched with the mission to empower young adults facing homelessness and foster care challenges, equipping them with life and job skills, school supplies, and more. In 2024, Jacaranda Rising served over 60 young adults, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Ali’s goal is to continue expanding the nonprofit, doubling the number of young people served each year, and making a lasting impact in their lives.
Guest: Alison "Ali" Bodager
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry
