Spring Into Impact: Club Thrive in Joy’s 2025 ESIP Highlights

This spring, Club Thrive in Joy successfully completed their Entrepreneurial Social Impact Projects (ESIPs) across five Los Angeles high schools serving students from low-income communities. We are so proud of the impact created by 15 student leaders, who engaged 43 faculty and staff and 145 student volunteers to make a difference in the lives of more than 860 community members.

Read on for highlights from each inspiring project:

Hybrid High School– “Strive 4 Strength” (April 24)

At USC Hybrid High College Prep, Club Thrive in Joy hosted Strive 4 Strength, an inspiring afternoon focused on leadership, resilience, and mental health in athletics. Keynote speaker Quincy Olivari, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers G-League, delivered a powerful message to more than 175 youth, faculty, and community members. Quincy shared personal stories about managing pressure, staying motivated, and striving for growth both on and off the court.

Following Quincy’s talk, a panel discussion featuring his trainer Jamal Powers and NBA agent Darrell Comer provided valuable insights into career pathways in sports — from athlete development to sports marketing and management.

The event also featured:

• Sports demos by SCGA Junior Golf and The Surf Bus Foundation

• Health and CPR education by USC Keck Medical students

• A meal provided by Chick-fil-A

• A bounce house from Jumperselosito to help students de-stress before finals

Congratulations to senior Club Thrive in Joy student leaders Natalie, Hailey, and Andrea O., and junior lead Andrea P., who will be stepping into a senior leadership role next year! Special thanks to C11 Advisor Giselle (future Cal State LA Engineering graduate!) and C11 Program Coordinator Amy Godinez (completing her third year at USC Business School) for their outstanding support.

We are also deeply grateful for the support of the USC Good Neighbors Campaign, USC Office of Community Relations, and our funders, including Citizens Business Bank, RetailROI, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and American Endowment Foundation, for making this event possible.

Reflecting on the day, Quincy shared:

"An amazing experience, thank you for having me as your guest speaker. Glad I could inspire the youth to change the world."

University Prep Values High School – “Financial Fun Fest” (April 15)

University Prep Values High School Club Thrive in Joy turned financial literacy into an engaging experience at their Financial Fun Fest for over 100 students, families & community members! 

The event included a financial literacy workshop for the senior class, followed by an inspiring panel featuring women, first-generation professionals, and people of color in the business industry. 

Panelists included:

• Amy Godinez, Co-Founder, Amy’s Sweet Delicias

• Danielle Evans, Owner, Chick-fil-A 7th & Fig

• Isabel Navarro, Delivery Lead, Capital Group Private Client Services

Each speaker shared their career journey, educational background, and the challenges and successes they have faced—especially through the lens of identity. Their goal was to provide students from 9th through 12th grade with relatable advice, inspiration, and guidance for pursuing similar career paths or internships.

The day wrapped up with a lively festival featuring interactive games like Financial Jeopardy, The Price is Right, and Spin the Wheel, all geared toward building saving and investing skills.

A huge congratulations to student leaders Kimberly, Eddy, Antoni, and Natalie for making the event such a success, with thanks to the Pico Union Neighborhood Council for their grant support! Last but not least, shout outs for all the support provided by C11 Advisor, Anthony Sanchez, UPVHS faculty Sarah Batizy, and C11 Program Coordinator Amy Godinez.

Amy Godinez reflected: “It was powerful to see students connect with professionals who reflected their own identities and life experiences. Moments like these go beyond financial literacy—they spark confidence, expand what students believe is possible, and leave a lasting impression. This event was a reminder that when representation, community, and purpose come together, real transformation happens.”

Anthony Sanchez, C11 Advisor, shared: “My students leaders were very passionate about giving resources to their peers and community on the importance of financial literacy. Their passion inspired creative ideas like hosting a women in finance panel, small business spotlight, senior seminars and a finance fun festival.”

Esperanza College Prep – Bunny Bash (April 11)

Esperanza College Prep Club Thrive in Joy brought springtime cheer to Para Los Niños with a Bunny Bash! Held at the Para Los Niños school on 7th Street in DTLA, the event was packed with fun—from face painting and bunny baskets to a high-energy egg hunt and a photo booth! 79 kids, from TK to 1st grade, joined in the celebration.

The event had a special full-circle meaning: several Thrive in Joy student leaders had once attended Para Los Niños themselves, making their act of service even more heartfelt.

Huge thanks to our incredible student leaders, Wendy and Merelin, USC student advisor Giselle, our amazing team of student volunteers, Jake the outgoing bunny, Core Media Photography for capturing the joy, and the Para Los Niños staff who did so much to help create a festive atmosphere for the children and their families.

Alliance Dr. Olga Mohan High School – “Creativity Thrives in Joy” (March 28)

Kristian Ventura, star of Paramount+ and Netflix high school drama, “School Spirits,” was the keynote speaker for Mohan High School’s “Creativity Thrives in Joy” event! Speaking to over 100 students, families, and faculty, Kristian shared about the importance of setting goals, building discipline, choosing friends wisely, the value of character, and perseverance in creative careers. His lively talk even included a fun reminder about the importance of "brushing your teeth"—or rather, how self-care and presentation reflect self-respect and dedication.

Thrive in Joy Co-leads, Abril and Esmeralda, organized every aspect of the event with coaching from their C11 Advisor, Gina. While Amy, Thrive in Joy’s Program Coordinator, worked behind the scenes to be sure all aspects of the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation event ran smoothly. 

Kristian first connected with Thrive in Joy when he joined Mary and Jay on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2017. We’re so grateful he continues to serve with us by bringing his joy and perspectives on character strength to the students at Mohan!

East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy – Eaton Fire Relief (March 15)

On Saturday, March 15, students from East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy volunteered alongside Samaritan's Purse to support fire relief efforts in the Eaton Fire disaster area. Students worked side by side with homeowners, helping to recover valuable belongings from the ashes. It was a profoundly moving day for all involved, reminding us of the strength found in compassion and community service.