They are our community leaders and advocates who have powerful stories and messages that can dispel myths, change hearts and minds, and educate elected officials and the general public about the root causes and complexities of hunger and poverty. These collective voices are the ones who will truly end hunger and poverty in Montana and across the United States.
Since our first Speakers Bureau began in 2018, our members have participated in lobby days, been invited to join nonprofit boards, spoken on panels at community events, shared their stories with elected officials, and more.
Life has sometimes been difficult for this Air Force Veteran and mother of three, but Brianna has persevered and found strength and purpose in God. Now, through the Speaker’s Bureau, she has also found her voice. She brings insights on the struggles of homelessness and single-motherhood, while remaining hopeful about a brighter future. She found that the Speaker’s Bureau is not only a place of warmth and understanding, but where other people who have struggled as well can gather together and work toward making the changes they feel are necessary to help their community and their families. Brianna is passionate about changing policies that work against affordable housing.
Lori offers her perspective of raising a large family while living in poverty. She has learned the art of making meals stretch as well as how to manage Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and learning challenges in five of her eight children. To counter the cycle of poverty, Lori enrolled at Montana State University to pursue an education in Community Health. Lori successfully graduated with her Bachelor’s degree while going through a divorce and adjusting to the rigors of single motherhood. Lori’s passion to be an advocate for low-income families, families with diabetic children, and children with learning challenges continues to be her drive in her future pursuits in her Master’s program and goal to be an educator/mentor for others.
Rima was born and raised in Canada and lived in various parts of the world before she moved to Montana in 2019 with her daughter and former spouse. Through her lifelong passion for health and holistic well-being, Rima has worked alongside individuals and organizations to connect with community to help them thrive and grow. Today, she works tirelessly to support women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. Rima’s diverse career has led her around the globe in various capacities, working with stakeholders including legislators, to contribute to real change that affects day-to-day life! Rima has deep passion and special interest in working with children and their families who are and have been affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACES), and is currently creating an innovative and revolutionary program to counter ACES. Rima is a dedicated family person and puts great value in taking care of friends and family alike. Her interest and expertise include strategies to counter ACES, advocating for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, and connecting available resources to people who need them.
Selena – Helena Sarah – Helena
Farrahl – Helena Ravyn – Butte
Adriana – Helena Jessica – Kalispell
Toni – Helena Jessica – Kalispell
Andy – Bozeman Breanna – Eureka
Tiffani – Bozeman Audra – Helena
Laura – Bozeman Tina – Helena
Julia – Bozeman Alisia – Helena
Laurie – Bozeman Alice – Whitefish
Hanna – Flathead Area Rachelle – Boulder
Donna – Flathead Area SusenMarie – Kalispell
*This page is under construction as we gather biographies and photos from our members across the state. Some members have chosen not to be featured on our website.