Monica Von Hoff

I work to break the silence around mental health and suicide—uniting people, ideas, and communities so no young person feels alone. I’m passionate about changing the stigma, not afraid of the hard work it takes, and I work to take the fear out of tough conversations—saying the word suicide out loud, because talking about it is the first step to preventing it. My path to this work was shaped by personal loss and lived experience. In high school, I lost my younger brother, Jerry, to suicide, and I’ve faced my own mental health challenges, including suicide attempts, self-harm, abuse, addiction, and trauma. Those experiences gave me deep compassion for others and a commitment to making sure no young person has to face their darkest moments alone.

Originally from the Texlahoma area, I earned my degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington. My career began in large-scale venue management before opening my own wedding and event consulting business in the DFW area, which I ran until 2010. After moving to Colorado 13 years ago, my focus shifted to community service—serving on boards, leading bond and mill levy initiatives, and strengthening local nonprofits.

At Rise Against Suicide, I build partnerships, engage with schools and businesses, and develop awareness campaigns that connect youth to free therapy—removing barriers like cost, transportation, and stigma. Outside of work, I’m known for my bright blue-and-purple hair, my love of music and live concerts, and trying new foods. My husband and I spend most of our “free” time chauffeuring our three kids—a high school sophomore, a seventh grader, and a sixth grader—to every activity imaginable. I’ve never met a stranger, and I’m not afraid to say hello—though it might come with a “y’all” and maybe an invite to join me for karaoke.