An Interview With Martita Mestey
As someone who is still learning day by day how to not be a perfectionist and a control freak, it’s hard not to have power over everything. Some setbacks hit harder than others, but it’s important to move on from them. Still feel, but don’t let it break you. When something bad happens, be upset, be angry, but do not be defeated.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennessa Raval
Jennessa Raval is an aspiring pediatric and neonatal surgeon, health equity advocate, and community leader driven by her passion for medicine and children’s health. As founder of Heart 2 Heart, she is building a support network for children with chronic illnesses through a pen pal program, community events, and educational workshops. She has explored healthcare through clinical internships, research, and a role in an emergency medicine squad, and is committed to creating more compassionate and connected care systems.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I honestly don’t think there was a single, definitive moment that led me to this passion and organization; it was more of a feeling that built up over time. I constantly saw stories of kids around my age, or even younger, living with chronic illnesses. They discussed missing school, feeling different from their friends, and having to carry something so burdensome on their own. Every time I saw those stories, my heart sank. I couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it was that those kids had to carry that kind of pain alone.
That feeling, of knowing there are so many kids out there dealing with such unimaginable things, emotionally and physically, stuck with me. I just kept feeling this desire to help. If only there was something I could do to make them feel even one percent better.
That’s where the idea for Heart 2 Heart started forming. I didn’t want it to just be another organization. I wanted it to be a safe haven for these children to feel like they belong and have people beyond just their caretakers.
No child should ever feel like they’re going through it alone. And if Heart 2 Heart could be the reason that even one kid feels a little more seen, a little more loved, that’s enough for me.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Just a few months ago, we hosted our first event to launch Heart 2 Heart. Its purpose was to increase awareness and education on chronic illnesses and also introduce our organization. I met a parent who had brought her son. He was only 9 years old and had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic joint inflammation, commonly affecting the smaller joints of the hands and fingers.
As she told me about how her son struggled, I saw just how much this condition shaped their lives. She said our pen pal program would be perfect for her son, as he constantly felt isolated and different from his other friends. When she turned to her son and asked if he was interested in the idea of joining, her son immediately lit up and said yes. As I explained how the program worked, the little boy tapped her mother’s leg and whispered, “But, mommy, how would I talk to them? I can’t type.”
That moment hit me so hard. He felt ashamed of his condition and himself, and it was my fault. I only imagined the pen pal program as simple text-based communication, but in front of me was a child who physically could not type. All he wanted to do was make some friends, but JIA stopped him. I would not allow Heart 2 Heart to stop him. He just needed a different way to make friends. That conversation, as unexpected as it was, opened my eyes. I realized I couldn’t build an organization for children with chronic illnesses without truly considering all of their experiences and needs. Since then, we have taken a creative approach and modified our communication options to become more inclusive. The new platform now allows for not just texting, but voice messages, video clips, and even calls. That little boy reminded me that true empathy isn’t just about having good intentions; it’s about meeting people where they are.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started Heart 2 Heart, I was calling every hospital I could find to host an event or implement our pen pal program there, just trying to get one yes. I was so used to pitching that one day, when my phone rang and I saw a hospital name, I immediately started my speech. I was explaining our mission, how we support children with chronic illnesses, and just how amazing a partnership would be. I was feeling hopeful as I waited for a response. That was until the voice on the other end awkwardly said “Hi Jennessa, this is just a reminder about your doctor’s appointment next Tuesday.” I had been so caught up that I completely forgot it could simply just be my doctor. I’ve never wanted to melt into the floor more. That moment reminded me how important it is to slow down and stay grounded. At the same time, being a founder doesn’t mean being perfect. It means laughing at yourself and learning as you go!
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Heart 2 Heart addresses one of the most overlooked struggles in pediatric healthcare: loneliness. Yes, many children are lucky enough to have an amazing team of caretakers and family, but what about friends their age? So many children living with chronic illnesses face emotional isolation on top of the physical challenges they already deal with. Research shows that children with chronic conditions are up to two to three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression. That number isn’t just a statistic. It’s real kids. Real kids who feel left out, misunderstood, and emotionally unsupported. That’s where Heart 2 Heart comes in. We’re building a space where these children can feel seen and connected. Our impact isn’t measured by the size of our program. It’s the relief on a parent’s face when they hear their child laugh while talking to a pen pal or the child who finally feels like they belong. We’re creating much more than connection. We’re creating hope.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
We recently hosted an event at a long-term care facility for children with complex medical needs. The purpose was to directly connect with and support the very children our organization was created for: those living with chronic illnesses. We brought in a magician, set up activity stations like rock painting and card making, and even had a flitter tattoo artist to bring some joy and lightness into their day.
One younger girl came over to the card-making station, and I’ll admit, I panicked for a moment. She had a condition that affected her hand mobility. I was worried. How was she going to make a card? As I helped her grab the paper and uncapped a marker for her, I was unsure what would happen next. To my surprise, she adjusted the marker along her fingers, held it with determination, and started drawing. Throughout our entire conversation, I was captivated by her. The way she communicated so well, drew so well, and, as a whole, adjusted to her condition so well. She even wrote her name on the card. It wasn’t until she called a nurse over and handed her the card, who then responded in sign language, that I realized something shocking: the girl was deaf. Stunned, I asked the nurse how she understood me. I didn’t know sign language, nor did I know she was deaf. I had been speaking to her normally, not even gesturing anything. The nurse explained that the girl was very good at lip reading and understanding what other people were saying.
I felt this wave of emotion wash over me. My eyes genuinely started watering. I felt horrible. Not because she was deaf or because she had limited mobility, but because she had done all the adjusting. We often expect children with chronic illnesses to navigate through a world that doesn’t match their own, to mold themselves to our version of “normal.” But it should be the other way around. It is our responsibility to step into their world. From that day, I started learning sign language, because if she could work so hard to understand me, the least I could do was try to understand her. This is just one story. One girl whose life has been transformed by chronic illnesses. Many others have stories just like hers, and that is why Heart 2 Heart exists. It’s about truly seeing these children and doing our part to make the world feel even a little more welcoming, on their terms.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Support really does start with us: neighbors, classmates, teammates, educators. Kids with chronic illnesses aren’t asking for pity or prayers. They’re simply asking to be included, to be treated like every other kid. Whether this is more inclusive school events, accessible activities, or simply just checking in, small acts can make them feel less alone. Inclusion shouldn’t be a bonus. It should be a baseline.
As a society, we need to completely redefine how we understand chronic conditions. They do not take away a child’s personality, creativity, or value. Yet, so often, these children are reduced to their diagnosis. To a title. We need to break this stigma because these kids are not fragile. They are some of the strongest people you will meet. They deserve to be seen.
If you’re in a position with power to create a lasting impact, use it. Invest in programs that support them. Make schools more inclusive. These children have needs and voices that we can’t keep overlooking. Let’s finally create policies that reflect their reality and honor their strength.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership goes beyond a title. It’s not about giving orders or being the most prominent in the room. It’s about believing in others when no one else does, inspiring them to reach their greatest potential, and encouraging them to use their voice. Leadership is about driving change. Change in people, change in the community. Sometimes this can be stepping up to guide, and other times it can be stepping back to watch others thrive. Leadership is knowing when and how to have a tough conversation. A good leader doesn’t avoid it. Instead, they tackle it head-on with clarity, intention, and respect. It’s not always easy, but it always helps everyone grow and progress.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. Rejection isn’t failure. It’s redirection: When we first started, not everyone understood or believed in our vision. Some hospitals never responded. Others said it was unrealistic or unsustainable. I took it personally at first, oftentimes getting frustrated and upset by these types of responses. Eventually, I learned to accept a “no.” I reached out to other partners and found teams that genuinely cared. When first launching the pen pal program, many hospitals were not on board. Other groups had tried to start similar projects at their facilities, or they didn’t believe it would be successful. But those rejections didn’t stop my organization. They only shaped it. I ended up getting in contact with other facilities that believed in the program and dedicated their time and efforts to help my organization grow. Every “no” brought us closer and closer to the right “yes,” and those yeses are what made Heart 2 Heart possible.
2. A small win is still a win. Celebrate it. I used to think that progress only mattered if it was huge. I tried to find success in numbers, but I soon realized that’s not true at all. Even just one more pen pal means one life changed. Big impact doesn’t have to mean a big scale right away. Small moments, like when a parent sends in a thank-you message, are what truly matter. They help you remember why you started the organization, that what you’re doing matters. During one of our events, one of the kids was clinging to his mom. He was too scared to leave her and play with the other kids. Eventually, he went to one of the stations and made some friends. His mom watched him with joy and relief. She said it was the first time he talked to another kid in days. Even though that moment didn’t make headlines, it meant everything to me. It reminded me that real progress won’t always look like a packed room or huge donations. It can be two kids finding comfort in each other.
3. Ask for help. You can’t and shouldn’t do it alone: Initially, I thought everything was my responsibility, and to be very honest, I was frankly a bit of a control freak. I wanted to oversee everything and prove I could handle it by myself. But as I learned, asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Letting go of control was uncomfortable at first, but it became one of the best decisions I made. It allowed others to take charge, and it turned Heart 2 Heart into something collaborative, not just mine. As I invited more people into the organization, not only was some of the weight lifted off my shoulders, but new perspectives were shared, which only helped my organization grow. I was hearing ideas I could never even think of and meeting people who brought fresh approaches. I realized the true power of shared passion. Building something meaningful isn’t about doing it yourself. It’s about instilling a team that believes in the organization just as much as you do.
4. You can’t do everything at once: I had big dreams for Heart 2 Heart. I had so many ambitions, ranging from events to programs to fundraising. But trying to launch it all at once left me overwhelmed and disappointed. I learned that it’s better to prioritize. Put all your effort into one successful project at a time rather than several incomplete projects. Once I shifted my mindset, things started falling into place. By focusing on one thing at a time, I was able to make it more meaningful, personal, and organized. And because of that strong foundation, it became easier to build from it. Every phase of growth is just as important and deserves your full attention. Rushing will only slow you down because, at the end of the day, it’s not like I gave up on my ambitions or I wasn’t able to achieve them. I’m just taking it one step at a time.
5. Be authentic. Your passion can make people listen: At first, I tried to sound “professional” and “put together” in meetings to create this perfect image of my organization. But sometimes, I ended up sounding uninterested in the true mission of Heart 2 Heart and almost robotic. Speaking from the heart is ten times better than going through a rehearsed pitch. When I talked about why I created Heart 2 Heart and what I wanted for the organization, my message reached people. It reached because I cared about what I was saying. I wanted to make a difference, and they could tell. Showing my passion built connection and trust. The goal is not to be perfect. It’s to be real.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be to normalize emotional support as a basic necessity, not a privilege, for children living with chronic illnesses. Medical care keeps them alive, but emotional connection is what helps them live. Through Heart 2 Heart, I’ve seen how powerful and impactful support can be through something so simple as a text. I would push for schools, hospitals, and communities to integrate peer connection and mental health resources into every level of care. Programs, like our pen pal program, that focus on community, creativity, and connection can immensely support children with chronic conditions, who often feel isolated or disconnected. If we treated emotional well-being with the same severity as we treat physical symptoms, we’d create a generation that isn’t just surviving, but prospering.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou. This quote applies to me in every aspect of my life, whether it be social, academic, work, or personal. As someone who is still learning day by day how to not be a perfectionist and a control freak, it’s hard not to have power over everything. Some setbacks hit harder than others, but it’s important to move on from them. Still feel, but don’t let it break you. When something bad happens, be upset, be angry, but do not be defeated.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Emma Chamberlain. What I find most drawing about her is how she can allure her audience with her thoughts. She is genuine and inspiring about mental health, confidence, and learning to love yourself. Even though I don’t have the best attention span, I can sit through her podcast episodes for hours because they are so relatable and insightful. I watched her YouTube videos growing up, so I feel like I grew up with her. She has taken many daunting steps, like moving to Los Angeles alone at 17 years old to pursue her career and buying her own house, which I find so inspirational. Through everything, however, she stayed authentic, which I think is my favorite thing about her. You see a lot of people on social media change from fame, but she is one of the only people who has stayed true to themselves.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my organization’s Instagram account @heart2heartprogram and learn more about us at theheart2heartprogram.com. You can also follow my personal Instagram account @jennessaraval.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: How Jennessa Raval Of Heart 2 Heart Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.