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Nurturing Educators, Growing Communities
September 17, 2026
Watts of Power Co-Founder Dr. Didi Watts (left) with TVI Rise Fellows
Our latest guest post is from Susaun Wade, Program Manager of the The Village Initiative (TVI) Rise Program at R2R grantee Watts of Power Foundation (WPF). WPF develops diverse educators from historically marginalized backgrounds who transform the lives of young people across Los Angeles County.
The names of TVI Fellows have been abbreviated.
We are especially excited about the continued growth and impact of our TVI Rise Fellowship, which supports transitional-age young adults who are exploring and pursuing careers in education. Through monthly professional development training, mentorship, wellness and healing-centered activities, career exposure, and hands-on opportunities, TVI Fellows are gaining the skills they need to become future educators and leaders who can make a lasting impact in their communities.
From Exploration to Real-World Experience
TVI Rise Fellow TaDa teaching at Macau Middle School
One of our greatest highlights has been watching our Fellows move from exploring careers in education to gaining meaningful, real-world experience. TaDa recently returned from Macau, China, where he spent two months teaching at Macau Middle School, an experience that allowed him to expand his experience beyond Los Angeles and gain a global perspective on education.
“TVI Rise has been instrumental in my growth as a person and as an educator. I will never forget my experience in Macau and how much it opened my eyes to the possibilities in my future.” – TaDaÂ
After earning her degree in Early Childhood Education from CSU Dominguez Hills, JaMo spent 30 days this summer working as a Teaching Assistant at New LA Charter Elementary School. The experience affirmed her desire to become an elementary school teacher, and she has now begun pursuing her K–3 teaching credential. As JaMo takes this next step, she is transitioning from TVI Rise into The Village Network, where she will receive continued support as she moves through credentialing and into the classroom.
Many Ways to Make an Impact
Other fellows are also advancing along their own pathways: JSan taught more than 100 students through the Upward Bound winter session at Cal State Long Beach and has now transitioned into teaching within Compton Unified School District, while DPope is beginning a school counseling program with the goal of becoming a school counselor.
TVI Rise Fellows DPope (left) and JaMo (right)
These journeys reflect the core belief behind TVI Rise: there is no single pathway to making an impact in education. Whether our Fellows become classroom teachers, counselors, or other educational professionals, we want to help them as young adults in our four pillars: Identity, Belonging, Purpose, and Stability (I.B.P.S.). The intent is for them to identify their purpose, prepare for the profession, and successfully move into careers where they can directly impact students and communities.
A Pipeline of Educators
As we enter the next season of TVI Rise, we are continuing to recruit new Fellows and strengthen partnerships that provide meaningful educational, professional, wellness, and career opportunities. These stories demonstrate that TVI Rise is more than a fellowship; it is the beginning of an intentional educator pipeline. From career exploration and hands-on experiences to credentialing, graduate education, and employment, we are building a pathway that helps young adults, especially those impacted by the foster care system.Â
Sign up to learn more about the Watts of Power Foundation and other Ready to Rise grantees who are reshaping the youth justice ecosystem in Southern California.
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We are showing what is possible. We are creating an ecosystem that finds multiple opportunities for young people to thrive.
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