Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tionna Plummer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tionna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I remember I was in Cape Town, South Africa, and I was interning at the Children’s hospital. Many of the children there had been sexual or physically assaulted, involved in gang related shootings, or were abandoned. I realized that trauma is universal, and in minority communities it is occurrences that happen so often, that we tend to become norm or used to it without realized the mental and health effects it really does have on us. I experienced several trauma as a child, and I just begun seeking therapy for it the year prior. I decided in Cape Town, that I wanted to create an organization that would allow children to receive the help and resourced that they need for their trauma at a younger age, so that they became my age or older, they wouldn’t still be dealing with the unresolved traumatic effects. When I returned to Atlanta, I did just that. Upon researching, I realized that there were no other organization attacking and raising awareness for childhood trauma, and have been more determined to get the organization to a place where it can help millions around the globe. One thing I learned was that many times, children do not develop mentally pass their biggest traumatic experience. This and many other factors is the reason why this has to be a priority to everyone, because it effects the future of so many, and then we continue to carry on intergenerational trauma vs the generational wealth we should want to provide.

Tionna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a graduate of Auburn University, where I studied Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on child life. I also studied Developmental Psychology in children and adolescents in a M.S. program. I have always enjoyed volunteering and mentoring children, so being able to provide services for children and their families in this manner is a true passion and purpose of mine. As a person, who has been sexually abused, among other traumas, being able to relate to the children and parents and not just providing textbook information is really important to me. I’m somebody that is relatable. I’m someone who has felt the same pain and guilt that they have. I’m someone who has hidden my feelings from the world to try to get through the day. I’m somebody who has thought and felt that everyone would be better without me. I’m someone who has felt worthless and not enough. Essentially, I’m someone who can be who I needed when I was younger to this generation, and show them that it can and does get better. I believe that is what matters most. Showcasing that their trauma does not and will not define them, but they will define it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

People Pleasing and putting others before myself. Since I was assaulted sexually at a very young age, I unintentionally learned the notion that I need to please others, especially men. I would go out of my way to do whatever was necessary in order to keep individuals around, thinking that if I didn’t they wouldn’t want to be in my life because I felt so damaged. Unwiring my brain to understand that I am worthy of so much more was very difficult, however, very necessary. Typically, individuals who have experienced trauma tend to develop the notion on people pleasing, but I’m here to tell anyone that it can be unlearned, and loving yourself and showing others that you’re valuable, enough, worthy, and important will be the best first step you take. The right people will be in your life regardless and will be happy that you’re prioritizing yourself.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being genuine and authentic. Anyone who speaks to me has said that my passion for Novaturient Inc exudes in conversations and my body language. I sincerely care for the mission and values of the organization, and I believe that that alone is what has and continues to help my reputation. When it’s destined for you, you do not have to do anything more to show or prove it. Also networking and getting my name and Novaturient In front of everyone who will listen. Every single opportunity and stranger I meet, I let them know. I’ve also won an award for 30 under 30 in young nonprofit professionals in 2021, and have been nominated for the rising founders award for the RICE awards in September.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.novaturientinc.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/novaturientinc.org
• Facebook: Facebook.com/novaturientinc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tionna-plummer-guiding-communities-through-trauma-739184b9/
• Other: Personal Instagram – tionnamichelle__

Image Credits
Khalil Johnson: Reel Deal Khalil Productions