The Power of Authenticity

After being born and raised in Hong Kong and relocating to New Jersey as a teenager, New Jersey Alpha NATALIE TUNG attended The Lawrenceville School—a private boarding school that shaped the trajectory of her life. Having come from an educational system that prioritized rote learning, The Lawrenceville School’s community style environment fostered not only a love of learning for Natalie, but also a support system of young women. “That feeling when women lift each other up rather than tear each other down is like magic,” says Natalie. “It feels like you can do anything and everything when you have women supporting you and you are supporting them.”

Continuing her education, Natalie attended Princeton University to study English. During her senior year, a scheduling mishap—and serendipitous redirection— led her to enroll in an entrepreneurial class. Tasked with creating her own business plan for a nonprofit, Natalie dove into the project to determine a real need in her community. Drawing from her own boarding school experience, guidance from mentors and a one- page business plan, Natalie developed the idea for a free, community-based afterschool residential program focused on empowering young women leaders—thus, HomeWorks Trenton was created.

Co-founded by Natalie in 2016, HomeWorks Trenton brings the boarding school experience to high school girls in marginalized communities without removing them from their public schools. After attending their local high school during the day, scholars are transported to HomeWorks Trenton’s residential campus to engage in afternoon and evening programming that includes shared meals, tutoring, leadership workshops, counseling, internships, field trips and more. The week is also filled with different community building activities like pajama fashion shows, movie nights and yoga. By reimagining what learning and growth could look like at a pivotal stage in adolescence, HomeWorks Trenton offers a space for young women to explore their identities and find a true sense of belonging while being given the tools to succeed academically.

In the nearly 10 years HomeWorks Trenton has operated, the organization’s powerful mission has proven to be successful—from GPA rates rising over the years to students discovering their passions and being given the chance to continue their education.

“There are big and small wins every day,” Natalie says. “I believe in building young women leaders who are going to create change in their communities, and I’m so grateful to be part of their journey.”

Even with an innate drive to make an impact, any leap of faith comes with its share of obstacles and moments of self-doubt. Although Natalie launched her business with limited experience, it's through confronting these challenges—and her own inner critic—that she experiences the most profound growth. “Sometimes I’m the only woman of color or the youngest person in the room as a business leader,” she shares.

“Those uncomfortable feelings pushed me to better understand my values and strengths and eventually be proud of who I am. As long as I show up authentically as myself, there’s nothing more I can do."

In both challenge and triumph, Natalie is consistently driven by her core purpose—empowering women to become confident leaders. “At the root of it all, I deeply believe in the power of women and community and that when we come together, we have the power to change the world,” she says. Natalie’s work at HomeWorks Trenton is grounded in the belief that honoring and supporting each student for who they are lays the foundation for confidence and trust in oneself.

“When you truly know yourself—and understand your identity, your flaws and everything in between—you can begin to understand the world around you and lead the way for others.”

With this vision guiding the way, Natalie hopes to expand HomeWorks Trenton’s reach to impact young women not only in New Jersey, but also around the world. “I envision this model in every city where communities of young women can come together and push each other to be their best selves,” she shares. Natalie is also exploring ways to expand the program through study abroad opportunities, giving scholars the chance to engage in global learning. While dreaming of what the future holds, Natalie finds gratitude in how far she’s already come. “I’m so proud of this community of strong, beautiful and amazing women. It feels like a movement—we’re building something I think a lot of people will believe in, and we’re only at the beginning.”