Our Story
Step Forward Academy was founded in 2020 by Ryan Wong and Sophia Alexander, who share a vision of breaking the cycle of poverty through mentorship and support. Growing up in Orange County, Ryan experienced the power of a strong family support system, which inspired him to give back to his community. After years in the tech industry, he began mentoring young people, igniting a passion for service that reshaped his career goals. Together with Sophia, a retired professional dedicated to philanthropy, they launched a program aimed at helping low-wage adults achieve financial sustainability.