Name:  Hailey Juneau

Where were you born and raised?
Houston, TX area

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
When I was thirteen, I had a virus attack my heart that caused me to go into heart failure. After emergency open-heart surgery, two and a half weeks in a coma, two more weeks of additional health issues, vigorous physical therapy, and a pacemaker/defibrillator implantation, I was able to leave the hospital – to start my freshman year of high school. The transition was incredibly hard for me in the beginning because of the many physical limitations, like not being able to play sports or the ability to go to the movie theatre in order to limit my exposure, and realizing the experience had matured me greatly and left me feeling out of place with my age group. After the initial adjustment period, I found my new stride with the help of my amazing family and friends. Finding and utilizing your support system is crucial for any transition!

What’s the once piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Trust yourself and don’t worry so much. Even if things go wrong for you, your support system will always have your back.

Top 5 Strengths Finder Strengths and how they influence you?
Strategic, Intellection, Restorative, Relator, Learner

Your Personal Why:
I have always felt and acknowledged I have lived a privileged life. Growing up I went to a private school, I was able to travel the world and go to whatever college I wanted (though I was planning on going to LSU since the day I was born). If I have the ability to give back to a community that selflessly sacrifices so much for me and my family every day, without the need for recognition, it is not a question of why, but why wouldn’t I?

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My first experience with THF was in the Summer of 2021 as an intern for college credit to graduate from LSU. The experience I gained while at THF made me realize the feeling of being truly fulfilled in work. To be a part of the work that impacts the fellows is such an honor, and to be fulfilled in return is another privilege I am fortunate enough to have.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
I have four sisters, the oldest of whom is married to former SEAL Marcus Luttrell. With him came his equally impressive twin Morgan (who was also a SEAL), and each and every one of their buddies from the teams and other branches. My family has been intertwined with the SOF community ever since they got married!

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Bold Behavior. It just takes one bold action from one bold person to do something that changes the world.

Area/Industry of expertise:
I’m not sure if I have an area of expertise yet, and am horrible at talking myself up so I asked for a quote from my dad. He said “Hailey has a certain expertise understanding people’s struggles with empathy that only comes from experiencing struggles herself. That expertise helps her motivate others to work harder, to never give up and energize her team with positivity.”

Contact Hailey directly at hailey@honor.org