Kelly Poelker founded Glow For Hope out of a profound commitment to combat the devastating impact of suicide and enhance mental health awareness. Motivated by personal experiences with the daunting challenges of mental health crises within her own family, Kelly recognized the urgent need for more resources and support structures that address these sensitive issues.

Before establishing Glow For Hope, Kelly built an extensive career as an entrepreneur in business support and strategic consulting. That coupled with a long history as an event strategist and organizer, she developed a keen insight into organizational leadership and community engagement. This background has been instrumental in guiding Glow For Hope’s mission to provide targeted support and effective resources to families navigating mental health challenges.

Under her leadership, Glow For Hope has become a beacon for those in the darkness of despair, offering understanding, practical tools, and community support. Kelly’s story and the organization’s mission resonate with countless individuals and families, inspiring hope and fostering a collective effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent suicide.

Kelly Poelker founded Glow For Hope out of a profound commitment to combat the devastating impact of suicide and enhance mental health awareness. Motivated by personal experiences with the daunting challenges of mental health crises within her own family, Kelly recognized the urgent need for more resources and support structures that address these sensitive issues.

Before establishing Glow For Hope, Kelly built an extensive career as an entrepreneur in business support and strategic consulting. That coupled with a long history as an event strategist and organizer, she developed a keen insight into organizational leadership and community engagement. This background has been instrumental in guiding Glow For Hope’s mission to provide targeted support and effective resources to families navigating mental health challenges.

Under her leadership, Glow For Hope has become a beacon for those in the darkness of despair, offering understanding, practical tools, and community support. Kelly’s story and the organization’s mission resonate with countless individuals and families, inspiring hope and fostering a collective effort to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent suicide.

Erin Robbins joins the Glow For Hope board as the Director of Marketing, utilizing the skills she’s developed throughout her career in public relations, advertising, and marketing at various St. Louis agencies. She is currently in a leadership position overseeing the traditional and digital marketing for all of the company’s clients.

Erin has witnessed the effects of mental health conditions among family and friends since childhood. She has managed personal mental health struggles for more than 15 years. As the mother of two young daughters, mental health awareness and advocacy to stop the stigma is especially important to her.

As a suicide attempt survivor, Elizabeth has turned her pain into purpose by using her pageantry platform to raise awareness for suicide prevention through the power of storytelling. A year after Elizabeth’s attempt, she received the devastating news that her foster sister had died by suicide. It was then, Elizabeth knew she had to start speaking out.

Crowned Ms. World America 2023/2024 and Ms. Millennial International 2024/2025, Elizabeth has used her titles to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention on national and international stages. Elizabeth’s journey has brought her full circle—from surviving to thriving (On most days)—allowing her to have worked closely with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, and share her story in the powerful documentary Ms. World America: Behind the Crown, which was featured in the 2024 St. Louis Film Festival. Elizabeth has had the honor of participating in impactful fundraisers like Glow for Hope’s Celebrity Bartending and Spike Out Suicide; and even judged a doggie fashion show to raise awareness.

Beyond Elizabeth’s advocacy, her daughter is her greatest source of strength; who inspires Elizabeth daily to be resilient and compassionate. Her family continues to be her biggest supporters and together, they love to embrace the outdoors—enjoying all the country adventures that bring them closer. Those are the moments that fuel her creativity and inspire her every day. ​

Professionally, Elizabeth is a results-driven leader, she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Minor in Psychology.  Elizabeth is currently working in the senior living industry while expanding her real estate portfolio and growing her beauty and wellness boutique. Elizabeth is proud to serve on the Board of Glow for Hope to further her mission to bring light, hope, and connection to those who feel alone in the dark.