Dear Friends,
At the UCLA Pritzker Center, we draw inspiration from the arts, books, pop culture, young people, nature, the community, research, athletics, people with lived experience, and much more when it comes to informing our work and bringing it to life. As we prepare for an upcoming event in the Antelope Valley on May 27, we have been especially moved by the many grassroots organizations supporting children and families in rural northern LA County. One organization, Family Onward, reminded us of a simple and yet profound philosophy, “if you can help, just help.”
For us, this is our core mission—to help reform child welfare with research, education and partnership. Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, we continue to address disparities facing Black families through our forthcoming launch of the Racial Equity Hub for Child Welfare, through our evaluation of the HOPE Court in Compton and by highlighting the structures and systems that determine disparate rates of Black maternal/infant mortality.
Equally important to helping is the act of acknowledging the helpers. At the recent California Foster Youth Education Summit, we gathered with over 700 guests from across the state to share best practices at the intersection of child welfare and education. We were inspired by the tenacity and perseverance of educators, advocates, researchers and young people who believe more is possible when we support tailored learning and academic achievement among our kids.
From grassroots wisdom to scaling statewide change, we remain committed lifting up what’s working, standing alongside communities, and turning the act of helping into lasting, systemic change. Join us in this effort on May 27 in the Antelope Valley—we can’t wait to see you.
In community,
The UCLA Pritzker Center Team
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UCLA x Antelope Valley: Investment, Innovation and Impact for Children and Families |
On May 27, please join the UCLA Pritzker Center and direct service providers, community members, civic leaders, government agencies, UCLA colleagues, and philanthropic partners committed to promoting child and family wellbeing throughout the Antelope Valley.
Our commitment to the Antelope Valley is long term. We aim to be intentional and strategic about our efforts. We look forward to your collaboration as we build on our past work in the community and together lay out a vision for the next five years.
Light snacks and resources from Baby2Baby will be provided.
Due to capacity constraints, this event is by invitation only. RSVP below by May 15. For any questions, please email Taylor Dudley at dudley@gseis.ucla.edu.
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(L-R): UCLA Pritzker Center undergraduate student researcher, Cristopher Espino, executive director Taylor Dudley, JD, postdoctoral researcher Laura Liévano-Karim, PhD, and undergraduate student researcher Olivia Gilchrist.
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Sharing our research statewide at the California Foster Youth Education Summit |
Supported by The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, and the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies Wasserman Dean Tina Christie, UCLA Pritzker Center team members Olivia Gilchrist, Taylor Dudley, JD, and Laura Liévano-Karim, PhD, presented The Aftermath of the Eaton Fire: Foster Care and Education Disrupted at the 2026 California Foster Youth Education Summit in Sacramento, sharing findings on how the Eaton Fire affected educational stability for children and youth impacted by the fire.
The summit provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues across California, learn about innovative programs and practices supporting foster youth education, and engage in meaningful dialogue aligned with this year’s theme, Imagine, Inspire, Innovate: Bridging Paths, Empowering Futures.
It was the first time our undergraduate student researcher, Olivia, attended the Foster Youth Education Summit and presented at a statewide conference. This experience offered her a deeper understanding and opportunity for professional growth in the field. Reflecting on her time in Sacramento, Olivia shares:
"I was so grateful for the opportunity to travel to Sacramento for the Foster Youth Education Summit a few weeks ago with Taylor and Laura! I was inspired by the stories that young people at the conference shared about their educational experiences and goals, and it was enriching to learn from professionals across education, psychology, and child welfare organizations during the workshop sessions. I am excited to bring all that I learned into my work at the UCLA Pritzker Center." — Olivia Gilchrist
UCLA Pritzker Center undergraduate student researcher, Cris Espino, also participated as a speaker in collaboration with the Alliance for Children's Rights. The team returned energized and reminded that advancing equity and justice for children and youth in foster care is ongoing work—one that requires continued reflection, collaboration, and hope.
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(L-R): Jenesse Center Managing Staff Attorney, Alyson Messenger, JD, UCLA Pritzker Center Co-Director, Audra Langley, PhD, and Executive Director, Taylor Dudley, JD
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Strengthening campus-community collaboration at the UCLA Community Partnership Summit |
In partnership with the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention and prevention program, the UCLA Pritzker Center presented 5 Years Forward: Progress and Partnership at the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Child Welfare at the UCLA Center for Community Engagement's Community Partnership Summit. The summit was a full-day, interactive convening that brought together UCLA faculty, nonprofit and community leaders, and philanthropic partners to strengthen collaboration and advance shared goals. The summit highlighted innovative UCLA–community partnerships in research, teaching, and creative practice, while creating intentional space for dialogue, relationship-building, and future collaboration.
Read more about the Community Partnership Summit on UCLA Newsroom.
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UCLA Labor Center James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice Center Homecoming |
The UCLA Pritzker Center attended the UCLA Labor Center’s James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice Center Homecoming, which rededicated the building in honor of Reverend James Lawson Jr. a civil and worker rights icon who taught labor studies at UCLA for over 20 years. As our work continues to engage communities across Los Angeles County, particularly in downtown, opportunities to connect with partners such as the Labor Center, remain important to advancing equity and community well-being. We were honored to be part of this important landmark celebration and reflect on the shared commitment to our communities.
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UCLA Pritzker Center Policy & Community Impact Director, Nancy Olivares, MPP, pictured tabling at the Spring Resource Fair at Wilson Plaza.
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Connecting with students at the USAC Spring Resource Fair
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The Undergraduate Students Association brought together campus partners for its annual Spring Resource Fair. We were proud to represent the UCLA Pritzker Center—connecting with students, sharing our research and opportunities to engage with our work. It was a meaningful opportunity to build relationships with the campus community and to highlight pathways for student involvement in advancing child and family well-being.
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| A Q&A conversation with Dr. Tyrone C. Howard (Ph.D. '98, Curriculum & Instruction; advisor: Dr. James A. Banks) on his new role as editor of the Multicultural Education Series at Teachers College Press as it marks its 30th anniversary.
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In recognition of National Foster Care Month this May, the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA curated a YouTube Kids playlist featuring authentic, strengths-based stories from young people who have been impacted by the foster care system. |
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© 2025 UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families. All Rights Reserved.
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