About Pura Vida Foundation
Pura Vida’s Youth Transition Support Program is designed for young people aging out of the foster care system. Our goal is to bridge the gap between institutional care and independent living by providing comprehensive resources and a strong, supportive community.
Key Offerings Include:
Life Skills Training – Financial literacy, cooking, employment prep, and housing navigation.
Wellness & Mental Health – Access to therapy, holistic wellness sessions, and self-care routines.
Mentorship – One-on-one and group mentoring with professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Cultural Engagement – Celebrating identity, resilience, and cultural pride through art, music, and storytelling.
Safe Spaces – Healing-centered spaces for support groups, workshops, and personal development.
Vision Statement
Pura Vida envisions a world where every young person—especially those transitioning out of the foster care system—is equipped with the tools, confidence, and community to lead a vibrant, purpose-driven life. We strive to be a sanctuary of healing, empowerment, and opportunity for those who have been underserved, helping them reclaim their narrative and build a future of hope and abundance.
Core Values
Empowerment: We believe in equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive.
Healing: We honor each person’s journey and create spaces that nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Community: We foster connection, inclusion, and belonging through shared experiences and support.
Cultural Pride: We celebrate and integrate diverse cultural traditions and identities.
Integrity: We commit to transparency, accountability, and service rooted in love and respect.
Transformation: We focus on growth, resilience, and breaking cycles for long-term impact.
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Esmerlin “Esmy” Valdez is a dynamic entrepreneur, influencer, and philanthropist whose mission is rooted in empowerment, legacy, and community impact. With a social media presence that reaches over one million people, Esmy has built multiple successful ventures across branding, wellness, credit and finance, event spaces, and real estate investments.
Her journey has been anything but easy. Growing up in foster care and becoming a mother at just 14 years old, Esmy refused to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she turned her challenges into fuel—building a life that reflects resilience, determination, and the power of perseverance.
As the founder of Pura Vida, she is bringing her vision of “pure life” into action—creating opportunities, resources, and supportive programs for youth, families, and underserved communities. Pura Vida was born out of Esmy’s deep passion for giving back and her belief that every individual deserves the tools, confidence, and support system to thrive.
Beyond her businesses, Esmy is known for her leadership in elevating small businesses, mentoring women entrepreneurs, and curating events that bring people together in powerful ways. She is a mother, a visionary, and a changemaker, committed to leaving a legacy of impact that inspires generations to come.
Her guiding philosophy—to live fully, give freely, and empower boldly—is at the heart of Pura Vida’s mission.
Mission Statement
Pura Vida is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, families, and underserved communities through wellness, cultural celebration, and life-readiness education.
Our mission is to create safe, healing-centered spaces where individuals—especially young people transitioning out of the foster care system—can access the tools, support, and community they need to thrive. Inspired by the essence of “pure life,” we provide mentorship, mental health resources, holistic wellness programs, and real-world life skills to help youth build confident, purpose-driven futures.
Through culturally rooted experiences, educational workshops, and a strong sense of community, Pura Vida is dedicated to breaking cycles, restoring hope, and nurturing the next generation of empowered leaders.