Earlier this year, Friends of the Children — Seattle graduate Tah-Jae Franklyn lit up national television as a featured guest on the TODAY Show with Jenna Bush Hager and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Ciara.

Years ago, Tah-Jae met Ciara as a youth in our program. Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation, co-founded with Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, has partnered with Friends of the Children since 2016. The brief but powerful encounter planted a seed that inspired Tah-Jae to pursue music seriously, thanks in part to support from her Friend—a long-term, professional mentor—who helped her access singing lessons and join a group called Arts in Motion. For Tah-Jae, singing became more than a passion; it became a source of focus, healing, and hope.

On the TODAY Show, Tah-Jae surprised Ciara on stage, thanking her for being a role model and expressing her gratitude for the inspiration that helped shape her journey. It was a full-circle moment that was made even more special when the Why Not You Foundation awarded Tah-Jae $5,000 to support her dream of launching her music career.

“That is why we do what we do at the Why Not You Foundation, and Friends of the Children is a great organization that we get to help,” said Ciara. “And it is really important to see young girls like you…thrive and go and be what you are destined to be.” “You helped change my life and I would love to be that for somebody else.”

Friends of the Children is cheering for Tah-Jae as she continues to chase her dreams and support others, and we are incredibly grateful to Ciara, the Why Not You Foundation, and the TODAY Show for amplifying the power of long-term, professional mentorship on a national stage.