First off , what is Trinity Habitat for Humanity ? Traina : “ Trinity Habitat for Humanity partners with people in Tarrant , Parker , Wise and Johnson counties to help them build or improve a place they can call home . Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers , and pay an affordable mortgage . Habitat homeowners achieve the strength , stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families .
Why do you enjoy working there ? Traina : “ My life mission is to lead and encourage others to give of their time , talent and / or treasure . I place great value in helping others be the best they can be , and my position at Habitat allows the opportunity for me to do that on a daily basis . Generosity of time , talent or treasure doesn ’ t have to be in grand fashion , it just has to be . I look forward to , and celebrate , the $ 1 and $ 5 donations we receive , because it tells me the donor has a generous heart . In our model , each family we partner with helps other families build their home . I ’ m confident that if everyone gave something , the world would be a better place .”
How did Crowley ISD prepare you for your role ? Traina : “ Starting in middle school , I was involved with student council , which provided an outlet to help others . I enjoyed planning the many special events , raising money and leading different committees . It is interesting to look back and realize my passion for giving and encouraging others to give can be tied back to that time in my life .”
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CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS | Spring 2018
Alumni Spotlight
Lydia ( Martin ) Traina , Crowley High School , Class of 1992
As the senior director of development and public relations for Trinity Habitiat with Humanity , Lydia Traina leads a team responsible for raising more than $ 3.2 million annually to support the building of homes and neighborhoods for families . Her team is also responsible for recruiting and coordinating over 10,000 volunteers each year along with all marketing , public relations and special events . As a student in Crowley ISD , she attended Deer Creek Elementary , H . F . Stevens Middle School and Crowley High School .
Traina ( far right ) with country music superstars , Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood . The pair volunteered for a Trinity Habitat for Humanity project .
Traina ( center ) with a team of volunteers in front of a Trinity Habitat for Humanity project .
Which CISD teacher had the biggest impact on you ? Traina : “ Several CISD teachers had a tremendous impact on my life . However , two teachers who stand out to me are Mrs . Sally ( Highfield ) Whightsil and Mrs . Jeanie Fischer . Mrs . Whightsil was my Spanish teacher for two years and I served as her student aide my senior year . Mrs . Fisher was my student council sponsor , as well as my sophomore Honors English teacher . They were amazing mentors , encouragers and made learning , and high school , fun and interesting . I looked forward to their classes each day , not just because of the subjects they taught , but because of who they are as people . I knew they genuinely cared about me and wanted the best for me .”
How is Habitat for Humanity impacting CISD families ? Traina : “ Trinity Habitat for Humanity partnered with Rachel Williams , in 2017 . She is raising her four grandchildren who are students in CISD . They will be moving into their new Habitat home this year . She is excited to be able to purchase her Habitat home with an affordable mortgage and to provide a stable foundation for her grandchildren .”
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