Think of Us: Scaling Systems Change (Jess + Liz)

Written By Jess Skylar

Before founding Helia, Jess and Liz transformed Think of Us from a $700K startup to a $14M leader in child welfare innovation.

Key Results

  • Grew team by 750% while maintaining culture and impact

  • Raised over $70M, including $50M through The Audacious Project

  • Generated $3M+ in annual earned revenue

  • Built the largest dataset of foster youth experiences

  • Supported 44 states in distributing $30M in pandemic relief

  • Launched groundbreaking initiatives like Virtual Support Services and the Center for Lived Experience

How?

As Managing Partner, Jess co-led alongside founder Sixto Cancel to drive vision and growth, while Liz, as Head of Operations, built the infrastructure that made it all possible. Together, they transformed a team of five into a high-performing organization of 40+, creating systems and culture that could support rapid scaling while staying true to their mission of center lived experience and driving systems change.

Jess Skylar
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