Hilary Trudell, MPS, is the Chief Executive Officer of Just Communities of Arkansas and the Executive Producer of The Yarn., a storytelling organization that seeks to amplify voices, build understanding, and create space for human connection. She is a facilitator, producer, and educator with over 20 years of experience in public service and the arts.

Under her leadership, JCA and The Yarn recently collaborated to uplift women’s stories on maternal health challenges in Arkansas, bringing together mothers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to inspire dialogue and change. Since founding The Yarn in 2017, Trudell has coached more than 350 storytellers to share their lived experiences with authenticity and impact. She also teaches on emotional intelligence, storytelling, and building resilient teams at the University of Arkansas’s Walton College of Business.

Trudell is interested in building coalitions centered on storytelling and aimed at creating equitable practices and just communities. Trudell lives in East Tennessee with her partner, three-year-old son, and two adopted dogs.