Hi Ava, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a former foster youth from Cleveland, Ohio. I recently moved to Los Angeles June 4th, 2019 to pursue my screenwriting career. It’s been beyond a dream come true! I thought I was moving here to be just a screenwriter which I’ve dreamed of since age 11. But God had other plans that was also a part of me moving here. With faith and perseverance here I am now the founder and president of “Arts, Film & Goods Pantry” serving foster youths in Los Angeles.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as relatively smooth road?
No such thing as a smooth road but I absolutely believe the journey is worthy. I had to do a lot of self-reflection and heal from my own trauma of being a former foster youth. That was something very important to me. I am not gonna lie I kept running away from it, I kept asking why me, I begged God to use someone else and I didn’t believe I was smart enough or emotionally healthy enough to lead foster youths. It became so clear that I was needed. I didn’t think I was smart enough, I had no support, I had no idea what to do or anything about running a Community service, leading foster youths, balancing motherhood, maintaining a structured home, a social life and self-care but I was more afraid to not do it than to not follow through with it. When I committed, that’s when things became easier. I’m grateful for my partner ANoelle along this journey. Many challenges came we persevered because we know the purpose is bigger than us. Thank you WACO Theater for being my adopted family here. Thank you Angie Nwandu for reaching back and using your platform to highlight foster care. Keyonna Smith Thank you for always supporting me and for simply being you. Thank you to everyone who’s believed in me and spoke life in me and gave me any encouragement.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a screenwriter, author and founder/President of Arts Film & Goods Pantry Serving foster youths in surrounding areas of Los Angeles with food goods, school supplies, hygiene products, cleaning products, art supplies clothing and outreach resources to help them thrive in the right direction. Victorious stories featuring foster youths.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I would say being pure and really kind I truly believe in that. I know God is real and he will prepare you for each season you are in. The way I see things is simply this, whatever it is you speak over your life, the way you treat people, whatever you sow into the universe you will reap. Law of attraction is real! But what does luck actually mean to us as individuals? I don’t believe in luck but I f I had to use the word luck. I would say I’m lucky to have been chosen to give birth to a vision that is bigger than me. I am lucky to have many influencers in surrounding areas of Los Angeles support! Thank you Leah Pump, Thank you so much Angelica Nwandu, Thank You Shanae Sharon, Tina Lawson & Richard Lawson Thank you US NAVY Seal David Guzman, Thank you Simply Creative Arts, Thank you Steezy Boy Records, Thank you West LA College I thank all of you for supporting me on my journey as I change the lives and uplift the underprivileged Youths throughout our communities.
“Foster kids Can do amazing things they just need someone to help them thrive in the right direction” ~ Ava Walker
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.artsfilmandgoodspantry.com
- Instagram: @iamavawalker @artsfilmgoodspantry
