A Conversation with the Innovative & Community-Driven Atia & Ava Hart

At Photos by LJK, we celebrate women who pave the way for healing, transformation, and justice in their communities. Today, we’re sitting down with Atia & Ava Hart, co-facilitators of Trauma Bonded Sistas and founders of The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc. Their work is a testament to the power of restoration, community, and reclaiming power. Let’s dive into their journey of mental health advocacy, innovation, and social change.

Photos by LJK: What’s your full name?

Atia & Ava: Atia & Ava Hart.

Photos by LJK: Who are the women that inspire you the most?

Atia & Ava: The women who inspire us most are our Trauma Bonded Sistas (TBS). Every month, we dedicate one full weekend to fellowship, connection, and healing together.

Trauma Bonded Sistas (TBS) is a justice-based approach to healthcare—a three-day affinity group workshop designed for African American women to address generational, intergenerational, and transgenerational race-based trauma. This workshop introduces EMDR therapy as an effective treatment to begin the journey of healing for our Sistas.

Photos by LJK: That is powerful and so needed! If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Atia & Ava: Trust The Process.

Photos by LJK: Simple but profound. What’s your go-to song when you need to feel empowered?

Atia & Ava: “We Are One” by Maze.

Photos by LJK: That’s a classic anthem of unity and strength! What’s a passion or hobby that brings you joy outside of work?

Atia & Ava: Interior Design & Event Planning.

Photos by LJK: Creativity at its finest! If you had to describe yourselves in one word, what would it be?

Atia & Ava: Innovative.

Photos by LJK: Why did you choose that word?

Atia & Ava: We describe ourselves as innovative because we have created culturally responsive therapeutic workshops and interventions to meet the unique needs of our community. Our work is rooted in radical healing and justice, and we are constantly reimagining what holistic mental health care looks like for BIPOC communities.

Photos by LJK: That level of intentionality is truly groundbreaking! How do you celebrate your wins, big or small?

Atia & Ava: With a social gathering—surrounded by close friends, family, and community partners!

Photos by LJK: Community is everything! What does strength mean to you, and how do you embody it?

Atia & Ava: Strength is multifaceted—it can show up when you least expect it. For us, strength means reclaiming your power. We embody this in everything we do. Whether we’re at home, at work, or in the community, we always maintain control of our own narratives!

Photos by LJK: That’s such a profound way to define strength! If you could make one change in the world for women, what would it be?

Atia & Ava: We would create a world where women are allowed to REST as a restorative social justice practice! In our culture, lack of rest is often seen as a sign of strength and productivity, but research shows the opposite is true. REST is essential for refueling the body, restoring the mind, and maximizing strength and productivity!

Photos by LJK: That is such a necessary shift in how we view rest! What’s one accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Atia & Ava: We are proud to announce that our family recently founded The Hart Wellness Collaborative Inc. (HWC)—a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in Middletown, CT. Our mission is to provide inclusive, evidence-based mental health services with a special focus on BIPOC communities.

We offer a range of wrap-around services to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth. Our work is about creating space for transformation and wellness.

Photos by LJK: That is an incredible legacy of care and impact! Last question—if you had a billboard for one day, what would it say?

Atia & Ava: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Photos by LJK: And that is a message we all need to live by! Atia & Ava, your dedication to healing, mental health advocacy, and social justice is beyond inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

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