For Jen Hilderbrand, the path to service did not begin with a single moment, but with a quiet shift in perspective. When her son joined the Army, pride was paired with a deeper understanding of what that commitment carries. As an Arizona native and mother of four, it sharpened her awareness of the sacrifices made not only by service members, but by the families who stand beside them.
That perspective became the foundation for her work as board president of The Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to mental health care. The mission is simple but urgent: bridge the gap for individuals and families who need therapy but cannot afford it.
“The need was right here in our community,” Hilderbrand says. “Therapy can be life-changing, but access is often limited by financial barriers. We want to make sure people can get the help they need.”
Her work moves fluidly between the practical and the personal. On any given day, Hilderbrand may be reviewing applications, connecting individuals with therapists or cultivating relationships with donors and community partners. She also leads fundraising and events, with the goal of expanding access to care in ways that feel both immediate and enduring.
What stays with her most are the stories that reveal the ripple effect of that support. She recalls one veteran who shared that therapy helped him reconnect with his family after years of feeling distant. “He said it gave him the tools not just to cope, but to truly be present again,” she says. “That reminder, that healing impacts families, is something I carry with me every day.”
Hilderbrand also leads Ruck 4 Freedom, a community event that brings people together in support of veterans and first responders while raising funds for mental health services. What began as a personal expression of gratitude has grown into a shared experience rooted in purpose and connection.
As a leader, she approaches the work with consistency and intention, placing value on listening, creating space and showing up alongside the people she serves.
“Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about showing up with heart and purpose,” she says. “Real impact happens when people come together with a shared mission and a willingness to serve.”
Looking ahead, Hilderbrand hopes to expand the foundation’s reach, strengthen partnerships and build sustainable support so more individuals and families can access care.
Learn more at hopefoundationgives.org