Haley Employs the Power of Storytelling to Catalyze Social Change

by enFocus

Meet Our Fellows Blog Series: Haley Allaben

enFocus Fellow Haley Allaben stands at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland.

My name is Haley Allaben and I firmly believe in the power of story. Since childhood, I was determined to be a writer – the next great novelist constructing intricate worlds and characters incomparable to my own life in Indianapolis, Indiana. My dream of authorship stuck with me throughout school, joined by desires to better the world and those in it. In anticipation of my debut novel (believed to be only years away), I explored, learned from, and volunteered in communities across the world including Sitio de Mata, Turrialba in Costa Rica; Nieva, Spain; and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Believing that exceptional stories are written by equally exceptional authors, I pursued my Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and minor in Spanish at DePauw University. While studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, my passion for writing and advocacy collided. As I interned for a non-profit homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust, I realized that my writing could catalyze change. My conviction to employ the power of storytelling for positive change solidified while working as the Marketing and Communications Intern for Indiana University Health Foundation and as Peer Mentor Lead Specialist for DePauw University’s First-Year Experience Program.

After graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, I secured freelance work while seeking opportunities to marry my communications skills with my passion for social impact. When a friend shared her experiences working for enFocus, I saw an opportunity to use my communications capabilities to promote positive change. I decided to apply for the enFocus fellowship.

Working at enFocus has allowed me to collaborate with unique individuals across the organization and community. I look forward to employing my communications skills to support the South Bend and Elkhart regions and help find solutions to local challenges.

Learn more about the 2021-2022 enFocus Fellows weekly in our Meet Our Fellows Blog Series.