In Episode 3 of What’s the Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with powerhouse humanitarian, educator, and spiritual leader Serena Bufalino, CEO and Founder of Help Heal Humanity.

Serena’s story is one of resilience, service, and unstoppable heart. Once a student who struggled with reading, low self-esteem, and confidence, Serena turned a pivotal life moment into her purpose: dedicating more than two decades to teaching vulnerable youth, specializing in special education, and helping students rise above trauma, systemic barriers, and learning challenges.

But her impact didn’t stop at the classroom. In 2010, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Serena and her students felt called to act. What began as a simple classroom project evolved into Help Heal Humanity, a global nonprofit that has since built schools, fed families, created technology labs, and brought hope to some of the world’s most underserved regions

In this raw and unapologetic conversation, Serena shares:

• How her early struggles with education inspired her to become the teacher she wished she had
• The pivotal moment that turned tragedy into her lifelong commitment to service
• What it really took to build a school in Haiti - and why the process took ten years of grit, accountability, and perseverance
• Her philosophy of saying yes, yes, yes to life, even when fears are big
• Why stepping into service can transform not only communities, but also ourselves

Serena’s journey is deeply spiritual, unapologetically non-traditional, and rooted in love, compassion, and fierce determination. Whether she’s in a classroom, a yoga studio, or on the ground in Haiti, Serena embodies what it means to live boldly, serve selflessly, and believe in the power of one person to spark a movement.

Connect with Help Heal Humanity at helphealhumanity.org or find them on Instagram @help_heal_humanity

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

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A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

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