Cheyenne’s Story of Turning Struggle into Success

Cheyenne’s journey through foster care was marked by instability, trauma, and loss. After being separated from her siblings and placed in seven different homes in just six years, she was adopted at age six—only to endure years of abuse. Her teenage years brought more hardship, including homelessness and an unplanned pregnancy. But becoming a teen mom became the turning point that fueled her determination to create a better future.

With ISF's support, Cheyenne could pursue her education without the overwhelming burden of financial insecurity. She graduated from the University of California – Riverside in 2018, crediting ISF’s scholarship, mentorship, and leadership retreats for helping her reach the finish line.

“The scholarship, mentorship, and leadership retreat make this organization so unique, and I hope ISF knows I would not have finished had it not been for your support,” says Cheyenne.

Cheyenne’s drive didn’t stop there. She returned to ISF for support as she pursued her law degree at the University of Connecticut, and in 2024, she achieved an incredible milestone—earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence and officially becoming an attorney. Today, she and her daughter, Layla, live in Huntington Beach, California, where Cheyenne serves as staff counsel with Travelers.

Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the lasting impact of ISF’s support. By investing in foster youth, ISF continues to ignite possibilities and transform lives—one student at a time