We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trudean Haye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trudean below.

Trudean, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Yes, there was a defining moment in my professional career that changed its trajectory. It happened early on, during a community outreach event I organized with ITAVFoundation. We were providing educational resources and support to a low-income neighborhood. During the event, a young girl approached me with tears in her eyes, thanking me for giving her the opportunity to learn and dream about a brighter future.

Her heartfelt gratitude and the realization of how our efforts could truly transform lives hit me deeply. This moment reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and community support to change lives. It also highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.

From that day forward, I committed myself to expanding our programs and advocating even more fiercely for those in need. This experience taught me the value of empathy, perseverance, and the incredible impact of even small acts of kindness.

It was a powerful reminder that every individual we help has the potential to inspire and uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This defining moment solidified my passion for my work and continues to drive my dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Trudean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m Trudean Haye, a dedicated community advocate and philanthropist with over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, health advocacy, and educational outreach. My journey into this field began with a deep-seated belief in the power of collective effort to transform lives and uplift communities. This belief led me to found ITAVFoundation (It Takes A Village), a nonprofit organization focused on increasing access to quality education and providing vital support to vulnerable populations.

At ITAVFoundation, we offer a range of programs designed to empower individuals and build community resilience. Our services include teen pregnancy support group, scholarship opportunities, educational workshops, and community events such as Back to School Community Day, Maternal Support & Education Day and a World AIDS Day Youth Concert Event. We also address food insecurity through our community partnership with Operation Turkey, where we have provided over 10,000 Thanksgiving meals to those in need since 2018.

In addition to my work with ITAVFoundation, I serve as the Executive Director of the Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation. Here, I advocate for improved cancer care accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities and immigrants. We provide educational resources, free screenings, and patient support services, aiming to improve health outcomes and raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to community support. We not only address immediate needs but also work towards long-term solutions that foster self-sufficiency and empowerment. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by the communities we serve, ensuring that our support is both relevant and impactful.

I am most proud of the tangible positive changes we’ve made in people’s lives. Whether it’s seeing a student succeed academically through our program or witnessing improved health outcomes in our cancer advocacy work, these successes drive my passion and dedication.

For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want you to know that our work is rooted in empathy, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We believe that by supporting each individual, we create a ripple effect of positive change that benefits entire communities. Thank you for your interest in our mission, and I invite you to join us in building a brighter future for all.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, absolutely. If I could go back, I would choose the same profession and specialty without hesitation. This work is my purpose. Advocating for marginalized communities, increasing access to education, and improving healthcare outcomes are more than just career choices for me—they are my calling. Each day, I am driven by the profound impact our efforts have on individuals’ lives, and I am deeply fulfilled by the positive changes we create. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am committed to continuing this path, knowing that it is where I am meant to be.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

When I first envisioned ITAVFoundation (It Takes A Village), I knew that bringing this vision to life would require substantial financial resources. Because ITAVFoundation is volunteer-run, I initially funded our early programs with my personal finances. This personal investment was not just about money, but about demonstrating my deep commitment to our mission of increasing access to quality education and supporting vulnerable communities.

However, my personal resources could only go so far. To truly make an impact, I reached out to the community for support. The response was overwhelming. Generous donations from individuals who believed in our cause played a crucial role in getting our programs off the ground. These community members shared our vision of a better future and were eager to contribute to the positive change we aimed to create.

Additionally, we formed valuable partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These partnerships were instrumental in providing the necessary financial backing and resources. Through sponsorships and collaborative efforts, we were able to expand our reach and enhance the quality of our programs. These alliances allowed us to leverage a network of like-minded supporters who were equally committed to uplifting our community.

Community events and fundraising initiatives also played a significant role in our financial foundation. We organized charity drives, benefit events, and awareness campaigns that not only raised funds but also increased visibility for our cause. These efforts fostered a sense of collective responsibility and solidarity, further strengthening our community bonds.

Thanks to these combined efforts—my personal investment, generous donations from the community, and strategic partnerships—we were able to establish and sustain ITAVFoundation. Today, we continue to thrive and grow, providing invaluable support to those in need. Our journey is a testament to the power of collective effort and the incredible impact that can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itavf.org
• Instagram: @ITAVFoundation @TrudeanHaye
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItTakesAVillageFoundation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudeanhaye/