Welcome Message

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“Welcome to the Zen Way Foundation, where our mission is to empower youth through Arts, Financial Literacy, and Environmental Stewardship.

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Our journey began with a vision to create a platform for underprivileged youth to explore their potential fully.

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Today, we stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Join us as we continue to make a difference in the lives of many.”

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About Zen Way Foundation

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Our Mission

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At the Zen Way Foundation, our core mission is to empower youth by intertwining Arts, Financial Literacy, and Environmental Stewardship into a comprehensive educational journey.

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Established in the dynamic Los Angeles landscape, we are dedicated to equipping disadvantaged youth with the essential life skills to navigate and succeed.

Our Journey

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Zen Way Foundation’s progression from initiating grassroots efforts to becoming a leader in youth empowerment illustrates a profound shift toward holistic development.

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By merging creative expression, financial literacy, and environmental stewardship, the foundation has filled critical gaps in traditional education and spearheaded a community-wide transformation.

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Our innovative approach has empowered numerous young individuals to actively shape their futures, reinforcing the foundation’s impact on societal development.

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Core Program

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T.H.E.M.

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The T.H.E.M. program, at the forefront of the Zen Way Foundation’s offerings in Los Angeles, exemplifies a harmonious blend of creative expression, financial literacy, and global awareness through travel.

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This program is designed to equip the city’s youth with a comprehensive skill set that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

2022-2024

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We have made significant strides in youth development through our flagship programs like T.H.E.M. and our innovative art residencies. Our efforts have cultivated a vibrant community of creative minds, instilled financial acumen, and raised ecological awareness among the youth we serve.

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Our achievements are a testament to the power of collective action and the potential of our young participants, who have become leaders, thinkers, and creators shaping a brighter future.

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Creative Expression

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Within the bustling arts scene of Los Angeles, T.H.E.M. engages students through workshops in visual arts, music production, and digital media. Collaborating with local artists and creators, the program offers hands-on experiences where students can explore their creative talents.

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Exhibitions and performances are organized to showcase their work, providing a platform for artistic expression and community engagement.

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Financial Literacy

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In partnership with financial experts and institutions based in Los Angeles, T.H.E.M. delivers workshops and seminars on essential financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and entrepreneurship.

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The program aims to demystify the financial world for young individuals, encouraging them to make informed decisions and foster a sustainable economic future.

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Travel

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Understanding the value of global perspectives, T.H.E.M. incorporates international travel as a core component.

Through partnerships with organizations and programs abroad, students have opportunities to engage in cultural exchange, community service projects, and educational tours.

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Artist Collaboration

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Partnering with local galleries, museums, and studios to provide immersive artistic experiences.

Financial Workshops

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These workshops, conducted with the support of Los Angeles-based financial institutions and entrepreneurs, focus on practical financial skills for young creatives.

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Cultural Experiences

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Facilitating trips and exchanges that connect Los Angeles students with peers and mentors worldwide, promoting cultural understanding and global awareness.

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Artist Residencies

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Facilitating trips and exchanges that connect Los Angeles students with peers and mentors worldwide, promoting cultural understanding and global awareness.

Costa Rica

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Our connection to Costa Rica also underscores our commitment to creating global citizens. We leverage this unique cultural and environmental lineage to broaden our student’s horizons, encouraging them to think globally while acting locally.

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Get Involved

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Volunteering

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Volunteering with the Zen Way Foundation offers a unique chance to directly impact the lives of young people and contribute to community development.

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Donations

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Each donation, no matter the size, contributes significantly to our mission of nurturing the potential of youth through education, creativity, and community engagement.

Support Our Expansion

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As the Zen Way foundation continues to forge paths in education, our vision to broaden our impact is more ambitious than ever. We’re setting our sights on expanding our reach beyond the current three schools. This pivotal growth requires an elevation in our operating costs from $100k to $150k-$200k. Here’s why your support is crucial:

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Scaling Impact: With increased funding, we can extend our transformative programs to more schools, touching the lives of countless additional students.

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Enhancing Resources: Additional funds will allow us to invest in better educational materials, technology, and training for educators, significantly elevating the quality of education provided.

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Sustainable Growth: This financial leap is the key to ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives, allowing us to continue making a difference in the long term.

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Ways to Help

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Financial Donations: Vital for reaching our expanded operating cost goals of $150k-$200k.

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In-Kind Donations: Educational materials, technology, and services.

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Volunteering: Various roles available, making a direct impact.

Founder and Leadership

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Ronda Brown

Founder, President, and CFO

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Ronda Brown is a multidisciplinary artist whose career spans several decades. Her work has been showcased in prestigious venues across the country. Her art is part of the permanent collection at the California African American Museum, reflecting her significant contributions to contemporary art.

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As a committed educator and community advocate, Brown’s artistic and professional endeavors align closely with the Zen Way Foundation’s mission of empowerment and creative exploration.

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Malaika Moses

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With over 20 years in corporate and nonprofit sectors, particularly in education and community growth, Malaika has significantly impacted Pearson Education as a Procurement Category Manager for North America. Her efforts in youth development have led transformative programs in Los Angeles and a major $42 million grant initiative in Georgia, serving thousands of teens, especially those in foster care.

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Her early career focused on advancing math literacy through roles with educational nonprofits, complemented by her strong finance and community development background.

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Dave Fossett

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David E. Fossett, with nearly two decades of service in various Los Angeles city departments, has demonstrated strong leadership and interpersonal skills across roles at LAX, DOT, and LADWP, guiding teams in infrastructure maintenance and employee training.

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Beyond his civic contributions, David has made significant strides in music, dance, and choreography, performing with hip hop pioneers and producing popular tracks. His dedication to community service shines through his work in South L.A., where he continues to mentor youth and promote artistic expression, a commitment rooted in his early initiatives alongside Ronda.

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Richard Rose

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Richard, a distinguished photographer and filmmaker from Costa Rica based in New York City, has built an impressive 18-year career. He has contributed to renowned publications like The New York Times and Vogue and collaborated with major brands such as Coca-Cola and Marriott.

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Beyond his professional success, Richard dedicates himself to mentoring young enthusiasts in photography and filmmaking through a volunteer program at PS 11 in Chelsea, nurturing the next generation’s creative talents.

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Jamaal Tolbert

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Jamaal Hasef Tolbert, a Visual Artist and Professor from Los Angeles, enhances the board with his rich expertise in art and education. Holding a BA in Sociology and Art from California State University, Bakersfield, and a certification from Sotheby’s, London, in Art and Marketing, he later earned his MFA in Studio Art from Claremont Graduate University.

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Hasef has made significant contributions as an artist and educator, mentoring emerging artists at his South Los Angeles studio and offering art consulting services. His dedication extends to financial literacy programs, demonstrating his commitment to empowering individuals with creative and practical skills.

Contact Us

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Please contact us to learn more about the Zen Way Foundation and how you can contribute to our mission.

We always seek partners, volunteers, and supporters who share our vision for a better future.

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Email: info@zenwayfoundation.org

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Website: https://www.zenwayfoundation.org

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Phone: 323-449-4011 (please text first)