When DeAnn Hunter speaks, you feel the passion for her work echo through her words—a passion that's vitally important to every community. As the board chair of the Mental Health Foundation, she joins us to share the remarkable progress being made in Alberta's mental health landscape. DeAnn's path in mental health advocacy is as personal as it is professional, shaped by a deep understanding of the critical role that support systems play in our lives. Our conversation is a beacon of hope, illuminating how the Foundation is tirelessly working to make mental health care accessible for all and to shatter the stigma so often attached to mental illness.

This episode is a journey through the interconnected worlds of mental health across various sectors, with an unexpected detour into the construction industry, revealing the profound need for dedicated mental health programs. DeAnn's heartfelt work with Big Brothers Big Sisters serves as a testament to the power of volunteerism, a gentle reminder of the human capacity for kindness and the transformative impact of community involvement. You're invited to get to know the groundbreaking work of Kickstand, a youth-led virtual wellness hub, and the Mental Health Foundation's upcoming events, including their annual fundraising breakfast, that champion mental well-being. Together we explore the serious, often underestimated responsibility of board service and how aligning your skills with an organization's needs can lead to fulfilling service. Join us to understand the steps being taken towards a future of mental wellness and the importance of fostering both personal and community health.

Get your ticket to the Mental Health Foundation Breakfast on February 27th, 2024. 

About Our Guest

DeAnn Hunter is the Board Chair of the Mental Health Foundation and also the CEO of Edmonton John Howard Society. DeAnn is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years in business, health care and the community sector. She is known for driving transformational change, maximizing operational excellence and building collaborations to enhance the lives of individuals. DeAnn is passionate about mental health and community development. She has held numerous community board appointments including Board Chair for Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters, Board Chair for Terra Centre and her current Board role with the Mental Health Foundation. DeAnn holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a MBA in executive leadership. In her spare time, DeAnn enjoys playing and watching sports and running in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley.

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com

Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun