YORK, Pa. – She once called Penn State York’s campus her home. Now, a decade after graduation, TaTyana Abreu is receiving an award made for “under-the-radar helpers” who are having a positive impact on the community.
On Dec. 11, The York County Economic Alliance celebrated Abreu as one of seven "Changemakers," an award the alliance says is for the “humble leaders, the everyday heroes who rarely get the spotlight they deserve.” Abreu was named “The Illuminator” — someone who shines light on people and resources that aren’t necessarily well-known.
That’s what Abreu does in her current role as the financial stability manager at the York County United Way, providing free financial resources and help for the community.
Award-winning work
One of Abreu’s main responsibilities is overseeing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the United Way of York County.
The IRS sponsors VITA, which provides free tax preparation for low to moderate income individuals and families. Abreu recruits volunteers, trains them using resources provided by the IRS, and ensures everyone can file their taxes each year. She says her experience with the VITA program encouraged her to start another financial program.
“My biggest thing is giving back to the community that gave to me. I thought back to my first business class [at Penn State York], and I realized not everyone has the opportunity to take a college business class. So I thought, ‘what can I do to give back to the community? What can I do to bless other people?’”
The answer came in the form of a free class that teaches participants about budgeting, asset building, debt management, and credit. The classes are open to the public, and thanks to a partnership with First Capital Credit Union, each participant receives up to $200 in a seeded account to help them start or build an emergency savings fund.
“My mom never had a bank account for me, never had that emergency savings fund for me,” Abreu said about the inspiration for the class.
Abreu shared that she’s excited to erase some barriers to the class by offering participants childcare and transportation while they attend.
Penn State York-made
Abreu, who graduated from William Penn High School in York, credits the Penn State Talent Search program with helping her navigate the college application process. Through application fee waivers that Talent Search helped her find, Abreu was able to apply to multiple schools.
“I remember we had a resource office at William Penn High School, and I would go in there and say ‘I want to apply to this college today.’ And they would say, ‘we’ll help you with the application, we’ll pay for the fee.’ Had it not been for Talent Search, would I have gone to college? I don’t know,” Abreu said.
Abreu ultimately decided on Penn State York after shadowing a student for a day, getting a feel for classes and student life on a close-knit campus.
Although she originally intended to head to University Park after two years, the community Abreu found through getting involved at Penn State York changed her mind, she said.
“I joined Lion Ambassadors, and that just changed my whole perspective of Penn State. I would say, if it weren’t for Lion Ambassadors, I probably would have went to University Park,” Abreu reflected. “That’s where I found community, where I met my really close friends, and I’m still friends with them to this day. This was my home.”
LeighAnn Fry first met Abreu when Fry served as adviser for the Lion Ambassadors. Fry remembered Abreu taking the time to guide prospective students and their families, asking thoughtful questions and pushing for positive change.
“When I think of TaTyana, I think of a woman who makes things happen,” Fry said. “She just … goes. She has always carried a special spark in her heart, and I am forever grateful to have met her — and even more grateful to now call her a friend.”
In addition to being a Lion Ambassador during her time at Penn State York, Abreu was also a part of the Student Government Association and a Graham Fellow.
Abreu said she credits Dennis Baughman with helping her get her first job after graduation, a teaching assistant position at York Academy Regional Charter School. Baughman founded the school after spending the better part of a decade at Penn State York. Using her degree in human development and family studies with a focus on adolescent development, Abreu worked at York Academy for six years. She then worked as the assistant director for the Early Learning Center in York for a few years, before taking on her current position at the United Way.
Focus on mentorship
Abreu’s speech at the Changemakers ceremony on Dec. 11 focused on the importance of mentorship, something she said she received a lot of starting at Penn State York.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentorship,” Abreu said. “That includes Dr. Baughman’s mentorship with the Graham Program, and my current boss, Brian Grimm, with his mentorship.”
It’s not just the Changemaker award that’s made December a big month for Abreu; she also graduated with a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.
Even a decade later, Abreu said she still fondly remembers the non-academic side of Penn State York. That includes events like a pancake breakfast-for-dinner event during finals week, club rush, karaoke on campus, and even just the simple joy of having cafeteria employees know her name and lunch order.
The impact Penn State York has had on Abreu is not without return; she’s also left a lasting impression on the people she met on campus.
“Anyone who knows her already understands the kind of extraordinary person she is,” Fry reflected. “And after all these years, I love that I still get to cheer her on!”
“I would choose Penn State York time and time again,” Abreu said.