Haydeé
“Life doesn’t stop and neither should you.”
Haydeé is an endurance swimmer and philanthropist who is on a mission to help others. In 2021, she set a goal to swim 21 miles for 21 different causes, from mental health and addiction to cancer, raising thousands of dollars for six organizations nationwide. Even though wildfires halted the event from taking place, she plans to continue her training to try again next year, setting the bar higher and utilizing her talents to make a positive impact on issues that are much bigger than herself. Whether it is her aspirations to break world records or finding innovative ways to create funds for humanitarian efforts, she is fueled by the desire to make a difference in her community. Meet Haydeé. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
H: My name is Haydeé Acebo. I am from Ecuador in South America and have lived in U.S.A for 21 years. I love open water swimming and helping others achieve their goals. I’m a mom, wife, and work full-time as a Human Resources Professional. And I most recently became the President of a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
I believe in planning hard to achieve your dreams as well as relying on others to help you get there.
K: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
H: I am in love with life. I am passionate about my friends, family, and helping the communities around me. Every moment of my life has led me to where I am right now and I’m not taking anything for granted.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
H: I can persevere once I’m passionate about a goal. I can feel the pain from disappointment, reflect on it, and shake it off. Life doesn’t stop and neither should you.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
H: I have many stories that have made me stronger and they are all swimming related. My latest story is about my attempt to swim Lake Tahoe’s 21 miles in 65 degree water for 21 social causes. I took on this feat after three of my loved ones died at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I chose to honor their memories by doing something bigger than myself.
I raised over $19,000 and the money will be distributed to organizations related to mental health, addiction, cancer, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and rare diseases. Help me find organizations nationwide that will accept these donations!
The swim couldn’t be done because of the wildfire smoke from the area. But two great things came out from this disappointment: 1) I will continue to train to complete the swim 2) I created a non-profit organization that will help communities nationwide.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
H: None. My younger self was pretty awesome. I wish she’d be giving me advice right now.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
H: I love being a woman. We are so strong and very emotionally intelligent at the same time. We have the best qualities to achieve our dreams and help others achieve theirs.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
H: My mom. She thinks she is weak but she gave birth twice without painkillers! I know many people can do that but I give it to my mom because I didn’t even dare to feel my contractions.
If she were in front of me right now I would tell her that her little girl is doing great things for herself and others and that she taught her well. ¡Te amo mima!