Becoming a Parent of Six at 25

Yesi Ortiz shares her story of adopting six children as a single mother in her 20s.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Yesi Ortiz, a popular radio host in Los Angeles, opens up about her experience of becoming a single parent to six adopted children at the age of 25. Despite the challenges, Ortiz is committed to providing a loving home for the kids and balancing her demanding career in radio.

Why it matters

Ortiz's story highlights the growing trend of single parents, especially younger adults, taking on the responsibility of adopting multiple children. Her experience sheds light on the joys and struggles of raising a large family as a solo parent, as well as the need for more support systems for these families.

The details

Ortiz, who works as a radio host for a popular L.A. hip hop station, adopted six children as a single parent in her mid-20s. She has spoken openly about the difficulties of managing her demanding career and personal life, but remains committed to giving the kids a loving and stable home.

  • Ortiz adopted the six children in her mid-20s, around 2015.
  • This episode of the 'Death, Sex & Money' podcast originally aired in 2015.

The players

Yesi Ortiz

A radio host in Los Angeles who adopted six children as a single parent in her mid-20s.

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What they’re saying

“I was not resentful that it had to be on me. I was resentful that it was happening to them.”

— Yesi Ortiz (Slate)

The takeaway

Ortiz's story highlights the growing trend of younger single adults taking on the responsibility of adopting multiple children, and the need for more support systems to help these families thrive.