Diane Egbers founded Grant Us Hope in 2016 after she lost her 15-year-old son, Grant, to suicide. Out of her tragedy, Diane was inspired to create Grant Us Hope in her son’s memory with the goal of bringing hope to other teens. She is committed to changing the dialogue and stigma around teen mental health and creating awareness for suicide prevention across the country by changing the culture of schools.

Diane is also the Founder and President of Leadership Excelleration Inc. (LEI) and author of The Ascending Leader. In her role with LEI, she helps business leaders secure the right talent to achieve high performance, sustain it over time, and create cultures with leadership continuity. Diane is also passionate about emerging trends in multigenerational leadership progression, high-performing cultures, cultural intelligence, and inclusion, as well as elevating women in leadership roles.

Diane holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Human Resources Development from Xavier University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics from the University of Cincinnati.  

Organizational communications, Miami University

Mary Epstein, Vice President and Senior Private Banker at Fifth Third Bank. Mary joined the bank in 1993 where she spent the majority of her career in the Retail Division as a Regional Manager.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Sociology and Business.  Mary lives in Loveland with her police officer husband and 2 daughters

Nancy Petersen has previously served in executive positions in the Marketing field, most recently at the University of Cincinnati, Cintas, and NetJets.

Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University and also has several marketing certifications, Yellow Belt Six Sigma and OSHA.

Christy Jones has been a Realtor since 1999 and has remained with Coldwell Banker specializing in the Northeast area of Cincinnati. She formed a team in the last 10 years, which both her parents are a part of. They strive to provide a boutique-style service and hope that their clients feel like they are part of their extended family.

Christy became interested in GUH shortly after the organization was founded. She looks forward to working with the other board members to spread the word about GUH to individuals, communities, and companies in the area to reduce the stigma on mental health and increase the support children need in today’s world.

Susan Bennett is a Financial Consultant with Thrivent, a Fortune 500 faith-based not-for-profit financial planning organization. She serves her clients with 27 years of financial services experience to provide clarity, confidence, and contentment while achieving their financial goals. She has been awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager Award by Five Star Professional and Volunteer of the Year Award by the Clippard Family YMCA. 

Susan serves on the Boards of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, and Grant Us Hope. Her passion for Grant Us Hope stems from the loss of her brother to suicide and her journey helping other family members navigate the world of depression and anxiety in school and beyond. She understands the great need for this discussion, research, and programming.

Susan Bennett is a Financial Consultant with Thrivent, a Fortune 500 faith-based not-for-profit financial planning organization. She serves her clients with 27 years of financial services experience to provide clarity, confidence, and contentment while achieving their financial goals. She has been awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager Award by Five Star Professional and Volunteer of the Year Award by the Clippard Family YMCA. 

Susan serves on the Boards of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, and Grant Us Hope. Her passion for Grant Us Hope stems from the loss of her brother to suicide and her journey helping other family members navigate the world of depression and anxiety in school and beyond. She understands the great need for this discussion, research, and programming.