Woman of the Week ~ Denise Meine-Graham

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name: Denise Meine-Graham

My Current Job/Company: Founding Director of Franklin County LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors)

My Work: Trainer, speaker, mentor, learner, and advocate. I train communities about suicide prevention and postvention. I train other leaders throughout Ohio on how to launch suicide postvention efforts in their communities. I speak about suicide awareness, grief, and hope as often as I can. And the best part of all… I get to walk alongside suicide loss survivors by providing support, resources, a listening ear, and warm hugs.

My Passion: My faith, suicide awareness advocacy, and min pins.

My Family: My husband and rock Robbie Graham, my boy Drey Meine in heaven, and my stepson Davey Jo Graham.

My Hero or Heroes: Judi Haymond who came to visit me a few days after Drey died. Having a mom who had also lost her son to suicide sitting with me in the muck of trauma and despair planted seeds of hope!

My Escape: So many escape options! The beach, the mountains, on the water, the woods.

My Pet Peeve: Out of control shower curtains.

My Indulgence: Spa days!

My Roots: I’m a sassy Columbus chick who still listens to hip hop music, loves my dogs, marvel movies, good coffee, good books, my bestie Robbie, and my best girlfriends.

My Future: I call myself a fragile badass. Most days I feel like I can handle anything the future holds! And on days I’m fragile? Well… I choose life.

My Favorite Quote: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” Bob Marley

My Accessory: Meaningful tattoos.

My Advice to Young Women: Prioritize time with mentors and peers, and give away what you’re learning.

How I Balance it All: This changes often. I try to prioritize prayer, reading the Bible, and time with girlfriends. If these things are a priority the rest tends to fall into place.