Acting Board Members
Executive Director, President, Vice President
- I'm Eric Ranks, an internationally recognized bestselling author, LA Tribune Best Selling Author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker known for my unique blend of inspiration and practical wisdom aimed at empowering individuals to Dream Bigger, Live Better™.
After spending many years in the nonprofit sector with multiple organizations, one of my proudest roles is as the Founder and Executive Director of The Veterans Connection. Founded in 2012, I'm deeply committed to making substantial contributions to the realm of veteran and first responder mental health and suicide prevention. This organization is close to my heart as I come from a military family, deeply influenced by my father's work as a Clinical and Neuropsychologist in the Air Force. Through personal experiences like battling leukemia and depression, I've gained a profound understanding of the importance of mental health support. I'm also the co-founder and CEO of 22 Salute Spirits & Coffee, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. Our products symbolize our commitment to quality and giving back. By raising awareness and contributing a portion of our profits to mental health and suicide prevention programs, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans and first responders. We are also the first spirits and coffee brand to add the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on our products in hopes of helping someone know where to find help in their darkest moments.
These experiences and my unwavering desire to serve have led me to offer steadfast support to those who have selflessly served our nation. I'm also co-author of the influential book Boundless Success with Eric Ranks and a valued contributor to multiple The Art Of Connection Books, as well as Legacy Builders: Leaders of Global Impact. My upbringing, personal experiences, and dedication to improving the well-being of veterans and first responders have shaped my career journey. The work I do through The Veterans Connection and 22 Salute Spirits & Coffee is driven by a deep passion to support those who have served our nation selflessly.
Voting Members
- I’m John Verrico and my life's mission was shaped by bullies. Or, I should say, what I learned from bullies. As an undersized youth, I felt “less than” others and that I did not matter. Trying to see where I fit in, I dabbled in different occupations, ultimately finding my niche as a Navy Journalist and public affairs professional in government for more than four decades. Observing shipmates, coworkers, and bosses, I learned how their actions and interactions motivated people and made them feel valued, or belittled people and drove them to despair.
As founder of Share Your Fire, international speaker and coach, I share these lessons to help people emulate positive behaviors, ignite their inner motivational fire, and share the light of their TORCH (Trust, Opportunity, Respect, Communication and Humanity) with those around them.
I have lost friends, family and coworkers to depression and suicide, and have been on the brink of despair myself. My passion is to ensure that no one should be made to feel alone and unvalued. My mission - bring light to those in darkness. - Robert W. Jones is a Multi-Time Bestselling Author, Radio Show Host, Publisher, and Owner / Founder of the iNETrepreneur Network, Art of Connection 365, and Network Together. Robert served in the USMC, was a Youth Minister, and is a Recovering Coder and Programmer of several well-known brands. His goal is to provide a space where entrepreneurs and business owners can have a safe place to go, so they can grow. In today’s world, business professionals must earn, learn, AND learn how to earn to create a competitive advantage for their success.
Through his non-profit affiliations, most recently with BizELIFE and Petsmart, Robert has personally raised over 1 million dollars for not-for-profits, including United Way, Helen's Hope Chest, Jose's Closet, Saint Mary's Food Bank, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. His attention now focuses on raising awareness for youth and military organizations that provide inspiration, hope, and support for families of those suffering from mental health issues. Being on the Board of Fighters for Hope gives Robert the opportunity to complete his chosen mission of dismantling mental health challenges from the inside. With his successful body of work, Robert brings exceptional professionalism to this fight! - My name is Lindsey Scholta. I have worked in the education world for 16 years. I started my passion for teaching and learning back in 2008 when I taught high school mathematics to an underserved population who struggled with the topics.
From there, I’ve educated students in many different settings, from project-based and alternative schools to traditional schools and, finally, colleges and universities. I graduated with a B.S. in 2008 and an M.S.E. in 2013. I left the K-12 world in 2015 and moved into higher education, where I developed the skills to design courses for all students across different universities.
At some institutions, I was able to be more creative since our teams were much smaller, causing me to have to take on a more holistic design role. I was able to create different interactive learning environments for distance learning and bring learning into people’s lives through my passionate approach. Having the ability to better someone's life brings me great joy. I feel passionate about suicide prevention, having lost friends to suicide. I want to make sure that everyone out there knows there is another way to get the help they need and that their lives are valuable. - I’m Robert Thornton, the Information Technology Director here at Fighters for Hope, with multiple courses in CompTIA Network Administration at Kaplan College from May 2002 to August 2002 and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming at Grand Canyon University from March 2018 to June 2019. Although I did not finish either program, I have real-world experience from March 2003 to March 2009 as the network administrator for Best Courier Team, LLC, and IT Manager/Web Designer for Courier Logistics Specialists, LLC from March 2009 to August 2014.
Living a life with cyclical depression is my inspiration for engaging in the behavioral care space. Without significant and meaningful support systems in place, I know I would end up in a very dark place, and I am eternally blessed to be working with a team of passionate experts who live to save others.
Developing an awareness of the stigmas and conversations for mental health is crucial when it comes to seeking or providing help. Appropriate support and being vulnerable make a difference! Being a survivor of a failed suicide attempt in 2016 prompted by the depression that I have dealt with since I was thirteen makes the fight against the stigmas of mental health number one! - Isaiah Drone III, also known as ID3, is an educator, poet, and speaker through education and prosocial advocacy in America. He is locally esteemed in Dallas, Texas, amongst his community, nationally, and by world-renowned leaders. ID3 is a trusted voice linked toinspiration and resilience through his ongoing podcast “The Impact of Educational Leadership.” Isaiah has worked with a diverse array of world leaders, educators, and groups, from Bishop T. D. Jakes, General William Ward, Tito Puente Jr., and NEA Dallas.
Isaiah founded the Brokenness to Healing Foundation and the 100 and Beyond Schools Program, a mentoring platform that has uplifted at-risk youth in his District since 2018, currently showing a better-than-80 percent success rate. Isaiah Drone III is a charismatic voice that must be heard. He is a prosocial warrior who prides himself in positive performance outcomes for the socio-economically disadvantaged through positive youth development.
In his role as the Dallas-Fort Worth Ambassador for Fighters for Hope, Isaiah will bring our programs to schools and community events across Northeast Texas and beyond. His passion and drive to succeed for the oppressed among us make Isaiah a power on our team. His addition will expand our reach and make a difference. Welcome to the team, sir!
Non-Voting Members
- DreamLoad Ventures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to Social Enterprise Initiatives and Social Impact causes. DLV has a vision of giving back to anything related to electricity, water, hunger, education, mental health, etc.
DLV offers a business ecosystem that bridges the funding gap and provides resources and education to historically underserved communities in the States. We can talk about social progress and business all day, but if basic human needs are not met in the 21st Century, then why are we talking about business and things that do not matter when people are struggling to survive? It takes action to make things happen, and DLV isn’t sitting on the sidelines.
Mental Health is one of the leading causes of death and suicide in this country. It can be mitigated by modest legislation or nonprofits coming together to make a difference. To that end, being engaged with Fighters for Hope as a team player is a significant way to fulfill that mission. I see my position as one that offers hope to those who struggle to overcome daily challenges and build a meaningful future. I know someone must pick up the reins, so I look in the mirror and ask, “Why not me?” - Witnessing loved one’s struggles with depression, anxiety, and the impacts of trauma galvanized my passion for this cause. I've navigated my mental health journeys as well. I'm committed to raising awareness, providing supportive care, and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness. I recognize mental health issues can be biological patterns expressed through the mind.
As a Doctor of Acupuncture with a corporate past, I bring a multifaceted perspective to healing - honoring my roots in tech, business and finance, and my calling to holistic therapies. My mission: uncover and treat the root causes beneath the surface and provide compassionate care.Previously, I honed skills as a "continuous improvement ninja," leading high-performing teams across corporate America. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, I pioneered practices to drive positive change. At Mountain Goat Acupuncture, I integrate ancient Taoist wisdom with modern science, viewing health as a dynamic dance between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms. Comprehensive training in Acupuncture and Asian Medicine, my extensive professional background, allow for this powerful medicine as an effective, safe therapy. I’m honored to be part of Fighters for Hope; to hold space for the hard, complicated work of personal transformation. - Uchenna Faumuina-Eze, a former collegiate basketball coach, US Air Force veteran, and survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) embodies resilience, service, and a passion for education. With over a decade of experience and a Master's degree in Special Education and Sports Management, Uchenna's commitment to advocating for mental health awareness is unwavering.
As Vice President at The Lions Collective, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Uchenna leads initiatives to ignite awareness, provide unwavering support, and catalyze transformative change for those battling mental health challenges. Uchenna's advocacy is deeply personal, fueled by his own experiences and an unyielding belief in community. His approach is a resounding call to action, urging everyone to join the effort to shatter stigma, foster empathy, and champion the well-being of individuals on their healing journey. His leadership reflects his dedication to creating impactful mental health advocacy programs and fostering a supportive community.
Uchenna is also the Founder of We Speak Media, LLC, and Afakasi Brand, LLC. Through these platforms, he champions the power of storytelling, driven by a commitment to diversity, creativity, and innovation. These initiatives empower individuals to share their narratives authentically, sparking connections and inspiring change, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive world. - Dr. Brown is a 26-year Army veteran who retired honorably at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; highly skilled logistician who has applied different tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices to operational and strategic environments of varying complexity. Drew holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science Degree in Logistics Management.
As a retired logistics officer with over 26 years of service, I understand the importance of mental health awareness, especially in high-stress environments. Mental health awareness is crucial because it helps us recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and encourages seeking help when needed. In the military, I witnessed mental health issues arise due to the nature of the work, including long deployments, exposure to traumatic events, and the pressure to perform at a high level. Ignoring these issues can have serious consequences, not only for the individual but also for their unit and mission readiness. Raising awareness about mental health can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage open conversations about mental health issues. This can lead to earlier intervention and treatment, improving individuals' outcomes and ensuring they receive the support they need! - My name is Stacey Bristow, and with over 30 years of experience as a dedicated Social Worker, I have focused my career on advocating for and empowering disenfranchised youth and families. Throughout this journey, I have been instrumental in creating and implementing impactful programs designed to bridge gaps within communities and foster environments where individuals can thrive. My work aims to address systemic issues and promote social justice, resilience, and equity. Simultaneously, I have made significant contributions to the field of Public Health, specifically in the realm of HIV/AIDS. By integrating social work principles with public health initiatives, I have played a vital role in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for comprehensive strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As the proprietor of Connected Roots Youth Counseling Services, LLC, Stacey delivers vital mental health therapy to youth and families. Additionally, she serves as the visionary behind E.Y.O. Inc. (501c3), a platform offering mentorship to adolescents aged 11-18.Recognizing the paramount importance of mental health awareness, I am resolute in my commitment to furnishing comprehensive mental care, emphasizing early intervention and robust treatment strategies. My mission extends beyond treatment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering empowerment for individuals to reclaim agency over their well-being.
- I am Marc Beilin, a 62-year-old Navy veteran born and raised in New Jersey. I was THAT Jewish kid who moved to California in 1992. My son was born in 1994, and after several stops, I lived in Las Vegas for seven years, working as a top-level furniture salesman.
I remarried, very happily, this time in 2006, to my wife, Evy. She is a long-time nurse born in Indonesia. Seven years ago, I remarried her as a Muslim and helped raise her two children, who came from Indonesia. I entered their lives when they were in the fifth and seventh grades, respectively. They spoke no English while I spoke only English, and yet, we succeeded. They recently both graduated from the University of Arizona and have begun successful careers.
Two years ago, I started being a serial entrepreneur. I now own two companies: Quantum Ideas Tech and my television channel, “OntheMarcTV,” which is soon to be very successful because of the iNetrepreneur and Fighters for Hope communities, where I am a member of both Boards of Directors. Under the guidance of Robert W Jones (iNetrepreneur) and Randy Blake, Jr. (Fighters for Hope), we will conquer the social scourges of mental health and suicide. - Evy Beilin was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, as the oldest of four sisters. I went to college and became a registered nurse. I worked for the government of Indonesia for numerous years and then moved on to two hospitals in Singapore. I met my husband through an online site and came to the United States, and I've worked for both Phoenix Children's Hospital and Banner Phoenix Medical Center for many years now.
I am a certified RN; I'm also certified as an ECMO CRRT bone marrow transplant and stroke specialist. I've been a nurse for a total of 30 years. I've been happily married to my wonderful husband, Marc, for the past 18 years. We've raised my two children, Hamzah and Syaffia, who are now very successful in their careers.
I see holistic health as a worthy pursuit and see Fighters for Hope as an opportunity to share my education and wisdom. Mental health and suicide are always close to mind, heart, and soul, and we should tirelessly pursue answers to the questions surrounding these social challenges. As we move forward, I know my participation will be valuable to the team. I am honored to be included, and I am truly blessed. Alhamdulillah
Ambassadors
- Leann Coakley is a Wealth Manager who has spent more than a decade working in the hospice field. As an experienced health advocate, Leann brings a broad range of skills to the Fighters for Hope Coalition. She is an end-of-life care consultant, health education expert, medical industry leader, international best-selling author, wealth and risk manager, and so much more. Leann can keynote on a range of health-related topics and has authored educational resources for hospice and home health; in short, she has the chops to stand in and fight this fight with our team. As the Phoenix Ambassador, Leann will facilitate and uplift events targeting at-risk groups who face mental health challenges and the potential for suicide ideation on a daily basis. Leann is committed to attracting sponsors and advocates to support Fighters for Hope and be a prosocial agent, a role she has embraced in most of her adult career choices.
Leann believes mental health starts with self-care and includes a cascade of markers, such as financial well-being, a healthy support system, and a life-long journey of education. “If I can make a difference, then I should make a difference.” Welcome to the team, Leann.