Think of Us

The story of Think of Us is deeply rooted in the personal journey of its founder, Sixto Cancel. Having entered the foster care system at just 11 months old, Sixto experienced firsthand the challenges and shortcomings of a system designed to protect vulnerable children. His adoption at age nine, which was meant to provide a 'forever family,' was unfortunately marked by abuse, leading him back into the system. This tumultuous upbringing, however, ignited a powerful drive within him to not just survive, but to transform the very system that had failed him and so many others. At the age of 15, Sixto began his advocacy work, joining a youth advisory board and offering recommendations to state legislators on how to mend a broken system. This was the seed from which Think of Us would eventually grow.

What began as a spark of advocacy in a determined teenager officially blossomed into Think of Us in 2016. It started as a technology non-profit with a clear, audacious mission: to leverage the power of technology and, most importantly, the lived experiences of those impacted by child welfare to fundamentally re-architect the system. Think of Us evolved into a research and design lab, a unique entity in the social sector. The organization's approach is centered on the belief that for decades, reform efforts have failed because they overlooked the most crucial voices – those of the youth and families who have navigated the complexities of foster care. By placing these 'lived experts' at the heart of their work, Think of Us partners with government agencies, policymakers, and service providers at federal, state, and local levels. They co-design and implement innovative, data-driven solutions aimed at creating a more humane and effective child welfare system where every individual has the chance to heal, develop, and ultimately, thrive.