Ines Guides Teens from Side Hustles to Future Careers

The Laurel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as transgender and other at-risk youth, through comprehensive educational, mental health, and social support programs. Based in Pasadena, California, the foundation creates safe and inclusive environments where participants can build self-esteem, develop life skills, and form supportive peer and mentor relationships through residential camps, workshops, and year-round programs. By addressing the emotional and social challenges associated with illness, stigma, and isolation, The Laurel Foundation strives to help young people live authentically, thrive, and experience the full wonder of childhood.

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, The Laurel Foundation hosted its annual “Dream It, Do It: Essential Skills for Work & Life” event in Los Angeles, bringing together teens, parents, and community leaders for a morning of learning and inspiration. The foundation, dedicated to empowering low-income, diverse, and at-risk youth, designed the event to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in school, work, and life.

The event began with registration and a welcome networking session, where attendees enjoyed light refreshments and captured moments at a branded photo backdrop. Following opening remarks from The Laurel Foundation leadership, participants were invited to share their aspirations on the interactive Dream Wall, creating a space that celebrated ambition and possibility.

Ines captivated the audience as a keynote speaker with her presentation, “From Side Hustles to Future Careers: How to Win in a Changing World.” Drawing from her extensive experience as a Certified Business Mentor with SCORE Los Angeles, a guest columnist with the California Business Journal, and an advisor with Pacific Community Ventures, Ines shared actionable strategies for teens to turn their skills and passions into side projects that build confidence, real-world abilities, and independence.

Her talk emphasized why starting small ventures—like tutoring, content creation, reselling, photography, video editing, or social media management—can create meaningful learning experiences while preparing teens for future careers. Ines highlighted that these side hustles not only teach problem-solving, budgeting, and communication but also foster creativity and a network of mentors and peers, giving young participants a head start in an AI-driven, technology-rich world.

Following the keynote, teens participated in workshops covering financial literacy, career readiness, and emerging job opportunities, including insights into how technology is shaping the workforce. Ines’s session stood out for its practical advice and encouragement: participants learned that they could take one small step today to make their dreams a reality, whether starting a micro-business or exploring future-focused careers such as AI ethics reviewer, metaverse architect, or digital wellness coach.

Audience members responded enthusiastically, sharing excitement about actionable ideas they could implement immediately. Parents noted how empowering it was for their teens to see a real-life example of turning passion into opportunity, while other community leaders appreciated the practical, results-oriented guidance.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, closing remarks, and an interactive Q&A, followed by a group photo and networking lunch. The Laurel Foundation once again highlighted the importance of equipping young people with essential life and career skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For entrepreneurs interested in learning more or connecting with Ines can talk with her here or book a call for mentorship, panels, or workshops.

For small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs, discover how Ines can support growth and strategy: For Entrepreneurs.