As a speaker-trainer, I attend A LOT of conferences. In April, I ventured to Phoenix to attend the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) conference. The support, education, and camaraderie that I was lucky enough to be a part of was profound. Meet some of the Hope Heroes I connected with leading missions that will inspire you!

I am drawn to down-to-earth individuals who have big hearts and even bigger missions, enter Kevin Briggs. Kevin and I met by chance in a workshop and quickly realized we must unite our missions. Kevin is a true hero who during his career as a California Highway Patrol officer stopped over TWO HUNDRED people from jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge. He now tours the globe teaching compassionate listening and crisis intervention skills transforming bystanders to life-savers.  Stay tuned for more about our upcoming “Hope & Healing” speaking duo events and trainings. See his powerful Ted Talk (here).

David Covington and I enjoyed a passionate chat about mental health care over salads and iced tea. David inspires leaders around the world to make suicide prevention a central focus of healthcare. He is the CEO & President of RI International and a leader in the Zero Suicide movement who believes that suicide is 100% preventable. I hope to contribute at a future summit alongside experts who are improving the way individuals who are at risk or in crisis are treated and supported.

Live Through This (LTT) shares our mission of empowering voices! The purpose of LTT is to show that anyone can experience depression and suicidal thoughts. Dese’Rae L. Stage shares portraits and stories of real attempt survivors – people who look just like you. Check out their empowered movement here: livethroughthis.org/.

Losing a loved one to suicide is a unique pain and devastation. Finding the resources to pay for this unexpected funeral adds immense stress. Meet Six Feet Over! They are a non-profit organization servicing the great state of Michigan. Six Feet Over’s foremost priority is to raise funds to directly help families who have lost their loved ones to suicide, defraying the unexpected costs of their loss – such as funeral expenses. Their mission is to strengthen the community and prevent suicide loss through education, advocacy, and support for survivors of suicide loss, individuals with lived experience of suicide, and those who care for someone with mental health struggles. Find out more at sixftover.org.

It can seem overwhelming and at times impossible to start something that truly impacts and changes the lives of others. Everyone mentioned in this post are just people that pushed past insecurities, checked their ego at the door and pursued a mission. If they can do it, you can do it! Let us know where you are in your hero’s journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.