Staff: Jorie Das (She/Her)

Jorie Das is the Executive Director of Friends of the Children - Los Angeles (Friends LA). With a background in the foster care system, she is deeply committed to positive youth development and trauma-informed care, believing in the transformative power of mentorship.

With over a decade of experience in nonprofit management focused on youth programming and advocacy in Greater Los Angeles, Jorie is a seasoned youth development specialist. Under her leadership, Friends LA has doubled its youth served and launched new satellite offices to expand programming countywide, fostering strong partnerships with public and private agencies.

Jorie is particularly proud of learning from, engaging with, and supporting the personal and professional development of youth advocates and young leaders. She believes we can and should do a better job of providing all youth with opportunities to fulfill their potential, build strengths and skills, and access the resources needed to achieve their hopes and dreams.

Jorie has previously served as Interim Executive Director at InsideOUT Writers and held executive roles at Baby2Baby and Free Arts. She holds a BA in Ethnic Studies and Art from the University of Oregon and an MA in International Affairs and Business from Chapman University.