Meet Ava Walker | Founder/CEO of Beyond Our Kin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ava Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ava, where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?

I’m from Cleveland Ohio, I love my hometown and graceful to have been rooted in authenticity. My upbringing was very unique, although I grew up without my parents. Having a bond with my cousins on my dad’s side of the family and I always had friends who adopted me into their families, who really cared about me. That meant and still does mean a lot to me.

I believe foster care for a very long period of time had traumatized me. But somehow I was able to numb myself to push forward in what I believed to be a journey of inspiration, joy and resilience. And the reason I struggle with social anxiety. And I am getting better with that now. The most impactful part of my life from my background and upbringing. Is how I was able to detach myself from being a victim to a victor. I was able to redirect every obstacle into windows of opportunities. Gaining strength, grit, inspiration, my belief in humanity, a desire to live for a purpose much bigger than my existence. I had a view from close up of who I could become or what my life could be like if I moved in integrity, surrounded myself with good people and operated as my true self. I didn’t want to participate in what looked cool, bitterness or anger,  that looked exhausting to me. For example I’ve witnessed people from where I’m from whole life thrown away by either jail, karma laws, or death. It’s a very small percentage of us who can elevate past being a product of our environment. I didn’t want to be a product of my environment but it means everything to me to inspire generations from where I come from. Again, I love home so much, but I just don’t understand the hatred from those from our communities, towards those who want to opt out of poverty. Most are scared to grow because of that, people will abandon you after you leave  for simply just growing and wanting more out of life. I had already experienced abandonment so I guess that’s how I was able to preserve through those challenges.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I believe partnership is essential, especially when youth are involved. I am excited about the future of Beyond Our Kin. Honesty I am where I am right now because of my village’s belief in me, my visions, my unidentified drive, their compassion, their support, their time invested in guiding me, helping me jump out from being the foster youth to the CEO. First and foremost I want to give great gratitude to Angelica Nwandu the founder of The Shaderoom and philanthropist. Angie’s recognition of the passion and outstanding support to foster youth is beyond the scenes. She funded our organizations start up with me in the middle of a global pandemic. There’s no way the organization would have gotten this far without the overwhelming support, patience, concern, humanity and passion, from Bracken Darrell CEO of VF Corporation, Joy Paulk CEO of The Joy Corner Beauty&Beyond. David Jepson CEO of CEO Magazine, Carma Lacy Executive at Rev Hub, Devin Sims Communications Director, Charity Chandler-Cole the CEO of CASA la, Tina Knowles and WACO Theater Center, Rita Soronen the CEO of Dave’s Thomas Foundation and Ducere University. It truly takes a village. There’s no such thing as self made! I’ve birthed Beyond Our Kin with co-parents. It’s always been my responsibility to birth this vision. It just never set well with me being a former foster who conquered many odds. Without reaching back to make sure we helped current and former foster youth who are sadly often forgotten, beat odds too. I hope to one day lift them globally from the valleys.

Alignment is what we should seek; it doesn’t matter how long it takes or the pressure that comes with what we are doing. It’s about the integrity, pace, peace you have to always sustain and internal growth while pushing forward. It creates grit, your WHY, certainly and keeps you centered.

For the past three years Beyond Our Kin formally known as Arts Film and Goods Pantry has been incredible and a spark of positive impact serving foster youth. After three years we have changed our name and logo. And as we continue expanding our mission, we’ve decided to do a major rebrand. We deeply thank each and every person that has supported Beyond Our Kin.

Beyond Our Kin is dedicated to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of foster youth by providing holistic support and transformative programs. Our mission is to empower every individual to overcome challenges, discover their unique strengths, and thrive in all aspects of life. Our Core Values are. Compassion, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity and Innovation.

There’s so many ways people can get involved with helping youth in care. Foster/Adopt, mentorship and volunteering is something that’s often desperately needed. Partner, Donate or sponsor to our event programs and services.

For more information visit us
IG @beyondourkin www.beyondourKin.org

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Beyond Our Kin is grateful to have a village of leaders, mentors and partners who’s passionate about our shared vision to help build out programs and resources for foster youth. And continuous support of our vision to “Empower Foster Youth to Unleash Their Potential and Flourish Beyond Adversity.” It’s an honor to serve aside Brad Mugg managing partner of Honda and Hyundai Of Downtown LA, Ms Alex and The Dream Catcher Foundation, John Torres, Allatoya Smith, Nicole  Bernard Southwest Los Angeles Representative, Kevin Freeman and Neighborhood Heroes, Amy Stewert, Laura at Foster Parent Partner, Kiesha Nix and The Lakers Foundation, The Baby2Baby Foundation, Winn Claybaugh, Paul Mitchell The Schools, Paul Mitchell Systems, LA Clippers Foundation, Steve Johnson Netflix, Ozell Dobbins CEO of Floods Urban Seafood Lounge, Christian Wimberly and POV foundation, United Friends and Children, Muncheez CEO Gerald Dotson, Brandon Boro at Nissan Ganley, Inglewood Library, Alba A light beyond appearance, Pixi, Laura Williams CEO of Just who I am, Jessica Rich, Shari Bryant/Desiree Perez and the entire Rocnation, The Grant Cardone Foundation, BMW of Beverly Hills, Councilman Marqueece Harris- Dawson, Kyle Arrington and The E.V.O.L.V.E Foundation, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Jermaine Mcgee Simply Creative Arts, Los Angeles Urban League, Ganni and we are grateful for each and every donor. Partnership is the essence of empowering underprivileged youth in order for them to maximize their potential. I appreciate them for continuously shielding a light amongst foster youth throughout their personal and professional lives.

Website: http://beyondourkinprom24.com/

Instagram: @beyondourkin

Linkedin: Ava Walker

Image Credits
Devin Marie Sims