Founder Mission Save a Life and MorningCup.com

I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for taking this journey with me.

My journey, like many, has been marked by ups and downs, challenges, and moments of profound insight. It has taken unexpected turns and forced me to confront my own limiting beliefs and fears. The turning points came when I realized that prioritizing my own well-being was not only essential but also the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life.

What initially appeared as the darkest moments in my life ultimately became the catalysts for profound transformation and growth, all because I mastered the art of shifting my perspective. Throughout this journey, I've come to view challenges not as roadblocks but as pivotal opportunities for growth and learning. Confronting and overcoming each obstacle has highlighted how my outlook and choices can dramatically alter my life's direction—teaching me the invaluable lesson of resilience and the incredible power of intentional choice.

One lesson that life has vividly taught me is that appearances can be deceiving. Behind the trouble-free existence we often share with the world, we all face our own set of struggles and doubts, hidden away from the world’s eyes. This realization—that our true battles often remain unseen—has become a cornerstone of my calling to share and mentor.

How Mission Save a Life Came to Be

While I've shared many of my personal transformations, there's a pivotal moment that created Mission Save a Life —the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing the pain, guilt, and grief that engulfed my son, his friends, and their families when we lost Nick, best friend to many, roommate to my son, and beloved child and sibling to his family to suicide. This tragedy underscored the stark reminder of the silent battles many face behind closed doors where family, friends, and coworkers, unable to break free from negative thoughts and low self-worth, give up the fight. In the same month the subsequent loss of three more young lives in our community, coupled with a tragic accident linked to substance misuse, highlighted the urgency of addressing this crisis.

Alarmingly, a CDC report from 2021 reveals a stark reality in the United States: 12.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.5 million formulated a plan, 1.7 million attempted, and tragically, 48,183 succeeded. These aren't just numbers; they represent lives, families, and communities deeply affected by mental health challenges. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 years globally according to the World Health Organization.  

In the wake of these tragedies, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of helplessness. I wanted desperately to provide support for my son, his friends, Nick’s family, and our community, but I didn't know how. So, I started researching and talking to everyone—at work, at home and in my community. What I discovered was even more distressing. Nearly everyone I talked to has a very personal connection to one or more individuals who have attempted or had taken their life.  They all shared their stories, their learnings, and the fact that they still struggle.  They all shared that they were unprepared when tragedy struck and wish they had recognized the signs and knew how to better support those at risk.

Amidst this period of grief and introspection, a mission crystallized: to shine a light on the silent battles many face, self-isolated and without hope. With that was born Mission Save a Life to drive awareness and education and empower individuals and organizations to save lives by fostering mental well-being with a focus on compassion, connection, and conversation. We envision a world where individuals, communities, schools, businesses, and organizations are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to recognize, address, and advocate for mental health and reduced suicide rates.

A Bit About Me

I am a technology industry professional, speaker and coach with over 30 years of experience driven by a passion for leadership, mentoring, coaching, and nurturing personal growth in individuals. As someone who has personally navigated numerous challenges, I am a lifelong learner, constantly evolving and adapting to life's diverse paths.

My extensive background in technology includes leading high-performance corporate teams, managing billion-dollar businesses, and forging strategic partnerships, offering a breadth of challenges and growth opportunities. Beyond my corporate achievements, my commitment extends to youth mentorship both in educational settings and on the sports field, applying my skills across a broad spectrum.

My personal achievements encompass feats such as completing a full Ironman, numerous marathons and half marathons, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, conquering multiple Colorado 14ers, and skydiving.

My enthusiasm for life, dedication to empowering others and desire to inspire millions to spark positive change in the world culminated in my launching www.morningcup.com, a platform to inspire and enact positive change, and www.missionsavealife.org, a non-profit focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

I am looking forward to engaging with you in our community!

jen