“Now, I believe in myself. I trust my soul.”

In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

Truddie

Truddie Ruth, a singer and songwriter from Kampala, Uganda, began her musical journey as a child in her local church, where she first sang in the choir. Encouraged by the positive feedback from her church community, she took her talent to school, where her peers and teachers reinforced her musical abilities. Raised in a family of musicians and singers, music was an easy hobby to love.

By thirteen, Truddie envisioned establishing herself as a professional singer, focusing on gospel and inspirational music. However, even with her passion for music, Truddie decided to pursue formal education in Business Procurement and Supply Chain Management. While she is dedicated to her career in business, her love for music has never wavered.

The Leader Within

While Truddie was initially excited about applying to the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship because of the opportunity to expand her skills as a songwriter and singer, the program resonated with her on a deeper level. VERSIONS touched the empathetic side of her that felt called to create change. It also unearthed a side of her she hadn’t known existed.

“It brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had. I now see myself as a strong leader.”

Before VERSIONS, Truddie often preferred to play a supportive role, whether in school projects, community activities, or church. The Fellowship encouraged her to reach outside her comfort zone to design and implement a social impact project in her community. Truddie’s project focused on supporting single mothers aged 15 to 25, connecting them with women-focused organizations to improve their living standards and mental and emotional health. Initially, the project was daunting for her. “I was so scared at first. I wondered how I was going to help these people. I used to feel like I couldn’t even help myself, so how in the world was I going to help other people?”

With continuous support and encouragement from VERSIONS mentors, co-founders and coaches, Truddie grew into her leadership role.

“I realized leaders aren’t just born—they can be made. Leading a project was scary at first, but I know I can handle it.”

Truddie now trusts herself to lead social change. “I trust myself a lot more. There was a time I didn’t trust myself to lead, and now I can lead a group of people.”

Changing Perspective on Social Change

VERSIONS transformed Truddie’s perspective on social change. Through the program, she realized that being in the background of change wasn’t enough. “VERSIONS showed me that if you want change, you have to be the change. I now know I have to be at the frontline and VERSIONS shaped me into a person who can do that.”

Memorable Moments in VERSIONS

One of the most memorable moments in the Fellowship for Truddie was meeting the co-founders in person after almost a year of online programming. As part of VERSIONS, the media team travels to meet each Fellow to record their original song over a celebrity-produced beat and to document their transformative journey. Although Truddie had recorded in a studio before, the experience with VERSIONS was unique and exciting.

Another stand-out moment was Truddie’s time with T, a VERSIONS mentor, who taught her the importance of celebrating herself. “I remember T telling me that I need to learn to celebrate myself. That perspective has permanently changed the way I speak to myself, and I recognize my greatness.”

In terms of her technical abilities as a singer and songwriter, Truddie credits her sessions with Amanda, a VERSIONS vocal coach, for growing her abilities. “I believe I am a better singer now.”

Advice to Future Applicants and Fellows

Truddie’s advice to future applicants and Fellows is to believe in themselves. “You are amazing, and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You define who you are. If you want to see change, you have to be the change.” She also adds, “VERSIONS will blow your mind and change your entire life.”

A Life Changed

Reflecting on her journey, Truddie recalls how VERSIONS has redefined her life.

“Before VERSIONS, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I didn’t know who I was. I was lost. After this Fellowship, I realized that social change and music are what I am passionate about, and what I want to do. I found myself, I found my purpose.”