I was raised by a woman whose heart knew no limits. My mother taught me, not just with words but with the way she lived, that compassion is a verb. Whether it was offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a fierce prayer, she modeled what it means to show up for others. That spirit lives in me and through every volunteer effort, advocacy campaign, and community movement I lead, I carry her lessons forward.
I believe we are here to leave the world better than we found it, not through grand gestures, but through consistent acts of love, service, and advocacy.
Volunteerism isn’t about having extra time or being a hero. It’s about showing up when it matters, using what you do have — your voice, your story, your hands, your heart — to help someone else rise. Advocacy is about speaking up, not for attention, but for justice, for healing, for those who can’t yet speak for themselves.
Every small act matters. Every voice counts. And when we come together with compassion and purpose, we create ripple effects of hope that can change lives, including our own.
I don’t do this work because it’s easy. I do it because it’s necessary. Because someone once showed up for me. And now, I get to do the same for others.
As a survivor, advocate, and sister in the fight, my work with breast cancer survivors is deeply personal. I walk beside warriors offering support, sharing stories, and helping women reclaim their power, beauty, and voice. It’s about healing in community, fighting with grace, and laughing through the hardest moments. No one fights alone when we rise together.
The most sacred part of my advocacy is born from heartbreak—the loss of my son, USMC Sergeant Conner Mills. His life, his light, and his service guide everything I do. In his honor and memory, I’ve committed myself to raising awareness around mental health for active military and veterans. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action, support, and systemic change. It’s about honoring him by helping others stay.
The Mighty Oaks Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to serving our nation’s warriors and their families. Through intensive peer-to-peer programs, resiliency training, and spiritual healing, they offer support to those battling PTSD, combat trauma, and moral injury. What makes them different? They don’t just offer tools, they build brotherhoods. Their mission aligns with my own: to ensure that no service member fights their internal battles alone.
Every day in America, an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide. That’s not just a number; it’s a national crisis. 22 for 22 is a powerful movement created to shine a light on this heartbreaking reality and ignite real change. Through daily awareness walks, advocacy, and community action, we honor those we’ve lost and fight for those still here. I walk in memory of my son and in solidarity with every family who knows this pain. We walk 2.2 miles a day not just for awareness, but for impact, for healing, and for hope.
They protected us. Now it’s our turn. Let’s walk. Let’s speak. Let’s change the story.
At Balanced Symmetree, we believe true leadership extends beyond ourselves—it’s
about standing rooted in community, lifting others, and making a difference where it’s
needed most. That’s why we proudly support the work of Stop Soldier Suicide, the only
national nonprofit dedicated solely to ending suicide among U.S. service members and
veterans.
Founded by Army veterans who personally felt the weight of loss within their ranks, Stop
Soldier Suicide is driven by a powerful mission: to reduce the military suicide rate by
40% by 2030. Their vision is a future where those who have served our nation are no
more at risk of suicide than any other American.
Why This Matters
Every day, far too many veterans and service members struggle silently with the invisible wounds of service. They deserve more than awareness—they deserve action, compassion, and support. Stop Soldier Suicide provides exactly that, offering proactive, personalized, and military-specific care that saves lives.
How They Lead the Way
Our Call to Action
Balanced Symmetree is committed to shining a light on this critical mission. Together,
we can help ensure no soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine is left to fight their battles alone.
If you feel called, we invite you to learn more, share their mission, or donate directly at
StopSoldierSuicide.org.
Because rooted leadership means taking action. And together, we can grow stronger,
heal deeper, and stand taller side by side with those who’ve served.
2nd Annual Active Military Suicide Awareness and Prevention benefit is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Five 4’s Distillery, 417 North Center Street, Newton Falls, Ohio. More information to come as the date gets closer.
Ready to bring Erica’s empowering message to your stage? Let’s make your next event unforgettable.
