We recently connected with Adela Hittell and have shared our conversation below.

Adela , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

In 2017, I decided to take a risk on myself by creating an organization that serves humanity. I decided to host a fashion show as a launch to the organization to share my story of existence. Since then, I have jumped on taking creative liberties to express and define what mental health is through our Rebirth project, awareness on suicide prevention, Checkmate project, fighting the social construct and creating your own space, and now our Define the Narrative Documentary.
Each project was a risk due to a lack of resources, primarily monetary, but we always found a way to do what we needed to do. Our motto is: What can we do with the resources we have in this space, place, and time and how can we elevate?
Each project came to completion due to the biggest support and resource we have, our community. Humans came together to accomplish projects that brought joy, and awareness and bridged gaps within the community.
Our latest project, Define the Narrative Documentary, is in post-production. It is our biggest project yet and the community has been beyond gracious to help us achieve the vision of an idea.

My advice is P.S.A. – Pause, Shift, and Act. At any given moment or situation in life, no matter what you are doing, you will be challenged. When that occurs, take a moment to PAUSE and review the ground you are standing on. Reflect upon the structure and goals. Check-in with yourself and your future. SHIFT your perspective. No matter how bleak the situation may seem or feel, there is always a new way to see and understand the experience. Once you have shifted perspective, ACT according to the new way of thinking, feeling, and processing.
Finally, never, ever, give up on yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this space was deeply personal—I have experienced firsthand the challenges of mental health, trauma, and resilience, and I have witnessed the profound struggles of those around me. Coming from a background that includes surviving the unimaginable as a prisoner of war, I know what it means to feel lost, unseen, and unheard. I also know the power of reclaiming your narrative, redefining your existence, and turning your pain into purpose.

PHInc. was born out of that purpose. It is not just an organization—it is a movement designed to create innovative, accessible, and impactful mental health resources through advocacy, education, and artistic expression. We are committed to helping individuals navigate their healing journey through tangible tools, creative initiatives, and transformative conversations.

The biggest challenge we address is the disconnect between mental health awareness and tangible action. So many individuals know they need help, but they don’t know where to start or how to take control of their healing process. We break down that barrier by providing real-world tools, human-centered education, and a community that encourages growth and self-empowerment.

What makes PHInc. different is that we focus on functionality over philosophy. We don’t just talk about mental health—we teach individuals how to create sustainable daily structures that improve their lives immediately. We do this through programs like:

The Artist Within Podcast: A space for real conversations with creatives, advocates, and industry professionals sharing their stories and insights about mental health and resilience.
Quarterly Mental Health Days (QMHD): In-person and virtual events that provide education, skill-building, and community support for mental health awareness and self-care.
Creative Project Initiative (CPI): Annual projects that use art, storytelling, and film to spark dialogue and action around mental health challenges.
Define The Narrative Documentary: A deep dive into what mental health really means, filmed over multiple years, capturing raw and authentic conversations about mental health struggles and triumphs.
The Mental Health Summit 2026: A large-scale, bi-annual three-day event focused on Information, Education, and Celebration—bringing together mental health professionals, community leaders, and the general public to take actionable steps toward healing and advocacy.
PHInc. is built on the idea that every person deserves access to the tools they need to function, thrive, and create lasting change in their lives. We are not just a nonprofit—we are a human movement.

I am most proud of the fact that we have built something from nothing. PHInc. has grown purely from the dedication of humans who believe in this mission, despite having no financial backing or extensive resources. Our work has already touched countless lives, from individuals struggling with mental health crises to community members who have found their voice through our initiatives.

One of our most defining moments was completing production on Define the Narrative, our documentary that captures the raw truth of mental health struggles. We are now in post-production, preparing for its release and distribution. This project is proof that storytelling, community, and advocacy can drive change.

For potential supporters, I want them to know: Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And your support—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our message—can save lives. Mental health is not a luxury; it is a human right. And together, we can bridge the gap between awareness and action.

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

Building my reputation within the mental health and nonprofit space has been a journey of authenticity, perseverance, and human connection. Several key factors have contributed to the credibility and trust that Project Human Inc. (PHInc.) and I have built over the years:

1. Living the Mission with Transparency

I don’t just talk about mental health advocacy—I live it. My personal journey of survival, resilience, and self-discovery has been a foundational part of PHInc.’s narrative. Sharing my story openly and allowing vulnerability to be a strength has helped others see the authenticity and relatability of what we do. People trust PHInc. because they see a real person behind the mission, not just an organization.

2. Consistency in Action & Community Engagement

Reputation isn’t built overnight—it comes from consistently showing up, delivering on promises, and creating real impact. From launching The Artist Within Podcast, participating in legislative mental health advocacy efforts, producing the Define The Narrative Documentary, and leading Quarterly Mental Health Days (QMHDs), I have remained committed to action. PHInc. isn’t just a concept—it’s a movement that actively engages the community through events, partnerships, and education.

3. Filling a Critical Gap in Mental Health Support

What sets PHInc. apart is that we don’t just focus on raising awareness—we focus on functionality. Many mental health organizations provide education, but few provide tangible, day-to-day strategies for managing mental health struggles. Our unique approach of bridging the gap between knowledge and action has positioned us as a valuable resource. People recognize that we offer practical solutions, not just conversations.

4. Building Strategic Partnerships & Networking

Expanding my reach and building PHInc.’s reputation involved forming genuine relationships with key figures and organizations. Attending major events like the NAMI Walks, Mental Health Celebration Day in Tallahassee, Jacksonville Film & Television Awards, and LA International Shorts Film Festival allowed us to connect with like-minded advocates, professionals, and policymakers. These relationships have validated our mission and expanded our influence.

5. Being Relentless Despite Challenges

PHInc. has operated on a bare-bones budget, without major funding, and with a very small team. Yet, we have accomplished more than many well-funded organizations. The ability to push forward despite setbacks, secure community buy-in, and maintain momentum has earned us respect and credibility.

6. Advocating for Change at Every Level

From grassroots advocacy to engaging with policymakers, PHInc. has made its presence known. Whether through legislation advocacy, podcast conversations, or artistic mental health initiatives, we have pushed for systemic change while maintaining a strong local community impact. Our ability to balance big-picture advocacy with local, human-centered support has built trust and credibility within the industry.

Ultimately, my reputation was built through consistency, authenticity, and a refusal to accept the status quo. I didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity—I created it. By continuing to engage, innovate, and advocate, PHInc. is becoming a recognized force in the mental health space, and we are just getting started.

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

For a long time, I believed that if I had a mission strong enough, a cause worthy enough, and a vision clear enough, the right people would step up and help make it happen. That if I worked hard enough, spoke passionately enough, and showed up every day with intention, the support I needed would just fall into place.

But that’s not how dreams work.

The harshest and most freeing lesson I had to unlearn was that no one else is responsible for making my dream a reality except me.

The Backstory: The Birth of Project Human Inc.

PHInc. was born out of personal experience—surviving war, experiencing trauma, witnessing loss, and struggling with the mental and emotional toll that so many others suffer in silence. I knew something had to be done. I knew that bridging the gap between conversation and action was the missing piece in mental health advocacy. But the gap was bigger than I ever imagined, and I assumed that because the mission was so important, people would immediately rally behind it.

I waited for the right funding.
I waited for the right team.
I waited for the right circumstances.

But what I learned was this: No one is coming to build the bridge for you. You have to lay every brick yourself.

The Turning Point

There was a moment when I realized that waiting for external support was actually delaying progress. PHInc. didn’t have major donors, grants, or a fully staffed team when it started. I was doing everything—planning, organizing, producing, marketing, hosting, and advocating—all on a bare-bones budget. And every time I hesitated, hoping someone else would take the lead, PHInc. stood still.

I had to unlearn the belief that I needed validation, approval, or financial backing before moving forward. Instead, I had to step into full ownership of my dream.

What I Gained From Unlearning This

Self-reliance: I learned that resources aren’t found, they’re created. If I needed funding, I had to strategize. If I needed support, I had to build a movement compelling enough for people to want to be part of it.
Resilience: I stopped seeing obstacles as roadblocks and started treating them as lessons. Every setback forced me to become more creative, more determined, and more adaptable.
True Leadership: Instead of expecting others to carry the weight of my vision, I became the leader I was waiting for. And because of that, others naturally gravitated toward the mission—not because they had to, but because they wanted to.

I unlearned the idea that others are responsible for my dream and replaced it with this: If you are truly called to something, no one will work harder for it than you.

That realization shifted everything. I stopped waiting. I started building. And because of that, PHInc. is now making real, lasting change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phinc-ing.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phinc_newwaytothink/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projecthumaninc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelahittell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectHumanIncPHInc

Image Credits

@PHInc. / Adela Hittell