Tiffany Alwan, founder of the Alwan Foundation for Mental Wellness, joined Spectrum Therapy Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as a behavioral health nurse and therapist in 2019. In this position, she leads individual and group therapy sessions with a focus on cognitive therapy, emotional regulation, and behavioral modification. In addition to working alongside psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, Tiffany Alwan mentors nursing and counseling graduate interns.
Ms. Alwan previously served as a registered nurse in the behavioral health unit at Emory University Hospital. In this role, she gained experience as a care provider handling various complex behavioral and psychological conditions. She gained similar experience as a therapy and counseling specialist at Psychology Associates of Georgia, a position that involved performing patient evaluations, leading therapy workshops, and managing community outreach programs.
Ms. Alwan received her nursing degree from Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She also holds a degree in psychology from American University in Washington, DC, and a master of science in psychology and behavioral studies from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day begins early with planning and reflection. I dedicate mornings to strategic work for The Alwan Foundation, addressing community needs and coordinating programs that support health, education, and social well-being. Afternoons are often spent engaging directly with patients and clients, providing care and therapy, and ensuring their progress. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks based on impact, maintain clear communication with my team, and schedule intentional breaks to recharge.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by combining research, collaboration, and actionable planning. For The Alwan Foundation, every new initiative starts with understanding community needs, designing a structured program, and building partnerships with local organizations. I also involve my team early in brainstorming and problem-solving, ensuring that ideas are practical, sustainable, and aligned with our mission.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing focus on holistic health—integrating mental, emotional, and physical wellness—is exciting. It aligns perfectly with my dual role as a nurse/therapist and philanthropist, allowing me to design programs that not only address immediate healthcare needs, but also promote long-term well-being in communities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily reflection and prioritization help me stay productive. I review tasks, set realistic goals for the day, and identify the most impactful actions to take. This habit keeps me focused on meaningful work, both in patient care and philanthropic efforts.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your instincts and embrace every opportunity to help others. Challenges will arise, but perseverance, empathy, and a commitment to your values will always guide you to meaningful accomplishments.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that small, consistent acts of kindness can have a larger societal impact than some large-scale initiatives. While many focus on major donations or grand gestures, everyday efforts—like mentoring, listening, or providing support—can transform lives in ways that often go unseen, but are deeply meaningful.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend daily reflection and gratitude. Taking a moment each day to assess your work, celebrate small successes, and acknowledge what you’re grateful for creates focus, resilience, and a mindset for long-term success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step back and reconnect with my purpose—reminding myself why I do this work. I also break tasks into manageable steps, delegate when possible, and prioritize self-care practices like meditation, light exercise, or quiet time to restore clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Fostering strong relationships has been critical. Whether with patients, colleagues, or community partners, building trust and maintaining open communication has allowed The Alwan Foundation to expand its reach and impact. Personal connections have opened doors to collaborations, resources, and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the complexity of large-scale philanthropic projects, which initially led to setbacks in program implementation. I overcame this by seeking mentorship, enhancing my project management skills, and listening closely to community feedback. The lesson: thorough preparation, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential for meaningful impact.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile wellness unit that combines preventive healthcare and therapy for underserved communities. The concept is simple: equip a van with essential medical and therapeutic resources, and schedule regular visits to areas lacking access to quality healthcare. This model increases access and builds trust within communities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Project management software like Asana helps me coordinate The Alwan Foundation’s initiatives. I use it to track program milestones, assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure that both philanthropic and healthcare-related projects are efficiently executed.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I invested $100 in purchasing books and resources on trauma-informed care. The insights enhance my therapeutic practice and improve the quality of care and support we provide through The Alwan Foundation’s programs.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I greatly value The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts for its insight into leadership, resilience, and navigating professional spaces as a person of color. Additionally, I regularly listen to the Earn Your Leisure podcast, which is produced by Black entrepreneurs and provides invaluable lessons on business, finance, and cultural impact. Both have inspired me to think strategically about philanthropy, healthcare, and community empowerment.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Good Doctor for its portrayal of empathy in healthcare. It resonates with my approach as a nurse/therapist, emphasizing compassion, understanding, and patient-centered care.
Key learnings
- Small, consistent acts of care and kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
- Combining professional expertise with strategic philanthropy amplifies meaningful societal change.
- Building strong relationships and partnerships is critical for sustainable growth and program success.
- Reflection, prioritization, and self-care are essential habits for long-term productivity and effectiveness.
- Innovative approaches—even simple ones—can greatly improve access to healthcare and community support.