Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Moore.
Hi Tabitha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path started earlier than most. I became a mom at 16, and while being a single teen mother wasn’t easy, I was determined to not let this define me and to create a strong future for myself and my child. Going through something so life-changing has instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience, gratitude, and the importance of community support, all values that continue to guide me today.
I’ve always had a passion for helping people, and when I learned about the work of Mount Dora Community Trust, I immediately connected with its mission. I fell in love with how deeply the organization cares for our community, supports local nonprofits, and helps donors make a meaningful and lasting impact. I was fortunate to join the team nearly seven years ago, and today I serve as the Community Impact Coordinator.
Looking back, every challenge I have faced has helped shape my dedication and passion to serve others. This has led me to meaningful work, allowing me to pour into my community and help empower the next generation of changemakers and this is exactly where I am meant to be.
I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the unwavering support I have received from my family and friends. It really does take a village.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My biggest struggle was finding my footing in the world outside of being a teen mother and not letting my circumstances define me. When you become a mom at 16, you don’t have the luxury of taking time to discover who you are or what you want to be. Life doesn’t pause. You simply have to grow up faster than you expected and put the needs of your child before your own.
A challenge for me was finding the confidence to believe in myself. For a long time, I felt like I was playing catch up, all while trying to build a future, discover who I was, and trust that I was capable of more than the circumstances I started with. Confidence didn’t come to me naturally. It was something I had to build piece by piece and this is something that I am still working on.
Those struggles and challenges became my greatest strength and have shaped the person I am today. They gave me the determination to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. It taught me resilience, responsibility, compassion and that you can still rise, redefine your story, and create purpose from the hardest parts of your journey. It pushed me to work harder, dream bigger, and create a life that my child could be proud of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my role as the Community Impact Coordinator with Mount Dora Community Trust, I oversee programs and partnerships that help strengthen and support local nonprofits. My work allows me to serve as a bridge between donors, nonprofits, and the people whose lives are touched by their generosity.
What I’m most known for is championing our Youth Philanthropy Initiative. I saw a need for young people to understand the power of service and giving, and I’m incredibly proud of how far the program has come. This program brings together more than 20 local high school students each year to learn about nonprofit work, grantmaking, fundraising, and service. We are now in our fourth year, and the students have already made a tremendous impact. Just last year they were able to grant $15,000 back into the community. This was all thanks to their hard work, the support from my team here at Mount Dora Community Trust, WT Bland Charitable Trust, and many other generous donors. I’m also proud of the community projects, that the youth lead, like the Senior Citizens Prom, which brings joy, connection, and celebration to local seniors at no cost to them. Being able to create experiences that uplift often-overlooked members of the community is deeply meaningful to me. Seeing the students who are a part of the Youth Philanthropy Council grow into compassionate, confident young leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
I also played a role, alongside Sarah Herrick (our soon-to-be Executive Director), in helping our organization transition from trust-based philanthropy to an impact philanthropy model. This shift allows us to be more intentional, data-driven, and outcomes-focused in how we serve our community. A key part of that transition was completing an extensive community needs assessment in partnership with Florida Community Innovation. The assessment provided us with deeper insight into the most urgent needs in Northeast Lake County, ensuring our funding decisions create measurable, long-term impact.
I feel like my lived experience and the heart I bring into this work is something that sets me apart. I know what it feels like to face adversity and still fight for a better future. That background gives me a unique level of empathy, determination, and purpose. I don’t take the privilege of serving my community lightly. Every day, I’m driven by the belief that small acts of kindness and empowerment can create lasting change.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve always believed that without risk, there’s no real reward. If you’re too afraid to take a leap of faith because of the possibility of failure, you may never discover what success or growth truly feels like. That belief has shaped both my personal life and my professional journey.
To me, risk-taking isn’t about being reckless. It’s about carefully weighing the pros and cons, trusting your instincts, and then having the courage to move forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Some of the biggest turning points in my life came from moments when I had to take that leap, whether it was stepping into motherhood at a young age, pursuing my education despite the odds, or championing new initiatives in my organization that didn’t currently exist.
I also believe that some of the most meaningful risks come from advocating for yourself. Asking for a raise because you know your worth, speaking up about something you care deeply about, or using your voice in a room where you may feel out of place. Whether because of others’ wealth, success, or experience. All of which require courage. Those moments can feel uncomfortable, but they are often the moments that open doors, build confidence, and create real change.
So, while I don’t consider myself a thrill-seeker, I do believe in purposeful risk. The kind that aligns with your values and pushes you toward something meaningful. At some point, you have to find your footing, take a deep breath, and leap. That’s where the transformation happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mountdoracommunitytrust.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdcommunitytrust/
