Jane Parisi

Jane Parisi is a mother, widow, author, and tireless advocate for children in the foster care system. Through her work and life story, Jane empowers others to take action in the face of adversity and to offer a kind smile and helping hand to those who need it most. Through her work and example, Jane seeks to inspire others and bring healing to those who have experienced traumatic life experiences by encouraging them to share their powerful and unique stories. 
       
Jane’s passion for helping others was born at the tender age of seven. She cites her grandmother as a role model, crediting her with instilling Jane with a deep appreciation for the value of serving others. From this passion ignited within her at a young age, Jane has spent the last several decades serving a number of communities in need, positively touching countless lives while honoring her grandmother’s legacy of service.

Jane’s legacy as a strong advocate for foster children began after she and her late husband Jim became foster parents in 2006. Through their personal experiences with the foster care system and the positive relationships they built with a number of children, the Parisi’s were approached by their foster son Kyle’s attorney to assist the Children’s Law Center in securing gifts for its birthday project. This opportunity sparked a passion within both Jane and Jim that lives on today and eventually led to the creation of their foundation, 1 Life 1 Child. 

And, within a couple of years after beginning their journey as foster parents, Jane and Jim would become adoptive parents when they officially welcomed Kyle into their family. Unfortunately, in 2008 amidst the adoption process, the Parisi’s received devastating news when Jim was diagnosed with cancer. After a valiant fight, Jim sadly lost his battle in 2010. Jane used this personal tragedy and Jim’s desire for her to continue meaningful philanthropic work to motivate her to eventually establish 1 Life 1 Child in 2012. And although Jim never had the opportunity to witness the lives 1 Life 1 Child would touch, Jane knows Jim’s spirit lives within the critical work the foundation does. 

1 Life 1 Child partners with several agencies locally dedicated to foster children. Through its services and programs, 1 Life 1 Child has brought smiles to countless lives since its inception in 2012. Jane also actively serves on the board of a number of other organizations and was recognized by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi as one of 2013’s Women of Distinction Honorees for her service and commitment to the community. 

In addition to her philanthropic work, throughout her career, Jane has served a number of organizations and C-Suite level executives, positively contributing to the success of those companies with her loyalty, dependability, resourcefulness, and strong interpersonal skills. She is currently enrolled at Colorado State University completing a degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Grant Writing and Fundraising. 
 
Over the past several decades, Jane has witnessed the infinite possibilities that individuals can achieve in bettering our world through a kind and giving heart paired with a can-do attitude. She combines these rare qualities into a powerful package that has allowed her to positively affect the lives of communities in need while inspiring others to do the same.