Meet Paola Trujillo | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paola Trujillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paola, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The reason why I have opened the Alexander Trujillo Foundation was initially inspired in memory of my brother. He passed away from leukemia in 2019 after a year of treatments at the age of 21. When he was first diagnosed, it came as a shock due to his age and overall health prior. As he started with his therapy, our mother, had decided to take time off work to dedicate time for his care. This added some pressure in the household limiting the support to come from a limited source of income, while providing more than just the usual expenses. Now there were medications, co-payments for doctor visits, hospital and treatment payments, extra items or supplies needed for support and care, a new diet with specific ingredients and just a number of things that are part of a cancer treatment.

While my brother was in the hospital, him and I would talk about the idea of building a charity organization that would help support all young adults with cancer, to reduce the pressure that those extra cost would bring to a family. As a young adult, most are starting their career or college education with an entry level job. They don’t have the savings yet to rely on, so it falls back to their family or loved ones.

The idea behind this charity is to fundraise funds for our grant program aiding young adult cancer patients and their families, as well as offering any support they may need during their treatment time. We are currently working towards our first event raising funds for this cause.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been in the healthcare industry for about 10 years now. Started when I was 18 years old working at the local emergency department as a medical scribe. My passion for healthcare grew through the years learning about different specialities as a medical scribe and project manager. I completed a biological sciences bachelors degree at Florida Atlantic University and a Masters in Health Administration at the University of Miami with a Lean Six Sigma Green belt. One of my challenge of all is that I remained a full-time student while working a full-time job, but the experience and the relationships built made it all worth it. My biggest challenge was seeing my brother go through very tough treatments and keeping the motivation to continue pursuing my education.

I am currently employed at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery as a Compliance Quality Manager working with clinicians in value-based care and the company compliance program. At a part-time basis, I have managed and grew this charity along side a supportive advisory committee.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will start off with making note that a week is not enough for the amazing places in South Florida. My hometown in Wellington, and I would visit the following places – Palm Beach iconic clock tower at sunrise or sunset. During both times, the view of the ocean and sky is spectacular.
– Visit to Lake Worth Casino Beach complex to tour where I held my wedding reception just last year.
– Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar Restaurant is the best local Thai restaurant in Wellington, FL. I love their Pad Thai dish and plantain sushi
– Gabriels cafe in Wellington serves delicious almond fruit French toast.

Fort Lauderdale
– A stroll down Las Olas visiting each art gallery, boutique and a Latte at Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar.

Miami
– Beach day and BBQ at Crandon park
– Morning job through the intercostal from downtown and Brickell
– Mid afternoon pastries at Versalles
– Day at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout goes to my parents, siblings and husband. They are my foundation I call a rock that support, mentor and encourage me on a daily basis. If it weren’t for their support in creating this organization we would not be working towards making impacts in people’s lives.

Website: www.alextru.org

Instagram: Foundation: @alextrufoundation Personal: @Pao.Pao27

Facebook: Foundation: @alextrufoundation