After we lose someone to suicide, we ask...

Why?

What did I miss?

What could I have done?

What if... we ask those questions NOW and talk to our friends & family?

What if... one conversation will save a life and keep you from having to ask

the questions I started with?

Would that be worth the stigma?

MISSION

Reduce the number of humans who

struggle with suicidal ideation by creating

a world where having the conversation

becomes commonplace.

VISION

We envision a world where suicide statistics diminish instead of grow each year.

Where mental health conversations are an everyday thing, and every human can get the support they deserve.

PURPOSE

Our Founder, a suicide survivor

that was silent for 23 years,

wants others to have

a different experience.

MEET THE BOARD

Deana Mitchell

Founder & Executive Director

Acting President


In 2020, Deana founded the Realize Foundation which is dedicated to reducing the statistics of suicide by normalizing the conversation.

As a suicide survivor herself, she stayed silent for 23 years because of the shame and stigma. Her personal experience yielded the mission of using conversation, community and personal story in order for humans to not feel alone and for connection to save lives. The first time Deana met another suicide survivor, she no longer felt alone. 

Deana Mitchell is an entrepreneur, mental health advocate and best-selling author. She started her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 14. 

Deana holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Louisiana State University

and has enjoyed a three-decade career in the

hospitality/event industry. 

Currently, as the President of Genius & Sanity, her mission is to help

entrepreneurs and leaders to reach their potential

and thrive personally as well as professionally.

The focus is to find the balance in career success

and whole self-health.

Anita Griego

Treasurer

Anita Griego is a mother of four children and lots of bonus ones

that call her Mom (lol), Nana, and Great Grandma.

She loves God, her family, reading and cooking.

Formerly, Anita worked as an Emergency Dispatcher for Lake County

Sheriff’s Office for three years.

Anita Griego is a dedicated community leader with a strong background in financial management, organization, and service.

As Treasurer of the Realize Foundation, she helps support the foundation’s growth and sustainability while ensuring resources are managed with integrity and purpose.

Anita is passionate about supporting meaningful causes that create hope,

healing, and stronger human connection.

Jeanette Harpe

Secretary

Jeanette was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, to Puerto Rican parents. Her father is a USMC Vietnam Vet, and she followed in his footsteps and

enlisted in the Marine Corps herself.

She served during Desert Storm from 1991–1998 and was honorably discharged

in 1998 as a Sgt.

Jeanette Pizaro Harpe is a compassionate advocate and organizer who believes deeply in the power of community and human connection.

As Secretary of the Realize Foundation, she supports communication, collaboration, and operational coordination for the organization and its initiatives.

Jeanette is committed to helping create safe spaces where honest conversations can lead to healing and hope.

Languages: English, Spanish

Deb Weilnau

Board Member


Deb Weilnau is an author, speaker, and mental health advocate who is passionate about encouraging conversations that help people feel less alone.

Through sharing personal experiences and supporting community outreach efforts,

she brings compassion, authenticity, and heart to the Realize Foundation’s mission.

Deb is dedicated to helping others find hope through storytelling and connection.

Rebecca Wright

Board Member


Rebecca Wright is a business leader, strategist, and advocate with extensive

experience in operations, marketing, and organizational leadership.

She brings a thoughtful and mission-driven perspective to the Realize Foundation,

helping guide growth, community impact, and awareness initiatives.

Rebecca is passionate about creating meaningful connection and supporting

causes that help people feel seen and supported.

Elor De Mayo

Board Member


Elor (De Mayo) Shem Tov is an Israeli-born actress, comedian, writer,

and leadership coach.

After serving in the IDF, she built a career in the entertainment industry while establishing herself as an executive mentor focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and combating burnout among high-performing leaders.

Elor de Mayo is a branding and business strategist dedicated to helping organizations communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact.

As a board member of the Realize Foundation, he supports the mission through messaging, creative direction, and awareness initiatives designed to inspire action and connection.

Elor believes authentic storytelling has the power to create hope and meaningful change.

Christopher di Armani

Board Member


Christopher is a prolific author of over 50 books and a high-output discipline strategist with more than 20 years of experience in professional storytelling and execution.

With a background in the movie industry and two decades spent refining the daily habits of successful creators, he has established himself as a leading authority on overcoming mental blocks, simplifying complex workflows, and helping leaders

translate their vision into a lasting legacy.

Christopher di Armani is an author, coach, podcast producer, and storytelling mentor who helps people share their experiences in ways that inspire transformation and healing.

Through his work with authors and entrepreneurs, he has guided countless individuals in finding their voice and using their stories to make an impact.

Christopher is passionate about the power of vulnerability, connection,

and conversations that save lives.

©2020 - 2025 The Realize Foundation