Non-profit Organization Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Elects New Board Members and Executive Leadership Team
Group dedicated to saving lives and empowering youth with strength and resilience
Phoenix, AZ (November 13, 2020) – A dedicated team of volunteers has come together to join the recently formed non-profit board of directors of the organization, Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life. The movement itself is in its fifth year, but this is the first year it has achieved non-profit status as a 501(c)3. The movement and annual conference inspires students to Speak Up, Stand Up and Save a Life by emphasizing peer intervention and reporting: if one student is in trouble another student needs to intervene and tell a trusted adult. It also seeks to dispel the stigma of being a “snitch” or a “tattletale” by informing students that reporting warning signs can often prevent school tragedies. By changing their mindsets, the conference empowers students to make a difference and take actions that could save another student’s life.
The board is tasked with working on fundraising for the conference so it will remain free for all attendees, creating educational experiences on suicide prevention and anti-bullying, and providing support.
The Board Officers are:
Chief Executive Officer, Gina Godbehere
Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux
Chief Information Officer, Nedda Shafir
Chief Financial Officer, Robert Heidt
Executive Director – Kristi Riemer
The Board members are:
Dr. Krista Anderson, Superintendent, Apache Junction USD
Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Director of Education Alliances, Grand Canyon University
Luis Rodriquez/Owner, LR Roofing Solutions
Will Barnow, Government Relations, Verra Mobility
Robert Heidt, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO
Jeff Kirshler, Attorney, Public Defender’s Office
Nedda Shafir, Owner, Shafir Consulting
Tiffany Fisher, Vice-President, GCON Construction
Grace Martinez, Student Ambassador
Johnny Martinez, Behavioral Specialist, Pendergast School District
Brad Snyder, Dion Initiative/ASU
Matt Gerst, Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo
Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams, Executive Director Arizona School Boards Association
Angelo Rossetti, Dave Ramsey Financial Coach
According to Gina Godbehere, CEO, “The Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life movement bridges the gap between our local community, the government, and law enforcement in a positive way. The conference team consists of representatives from four sectors (Government, Education, Business and Non-Profit) along with members of the local police departments, teachers, parents and student facilitators all coming together to tackle real issues facing our youth in schools today.”
For additional information or to register for the conference that will be held virtually on January 19, 2021 and is free of charge and open to K-12 students throughout Arizona, visit the website at www.speakstandsave.com.
