Jodi ODonnell Ames | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Jodi O'Donnell-Ames is a speaker, coach, author and the founder Hope Loves Company (HLC), the only non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicated to providing education and emotional support for children whose family members have been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's Disease. She founded HLC after losing her husband, Kevin O'Donnell, to ALS at the age of 36.

Jodi has authored two books, Someone I Love Has ALS and The Stars That Shine. In 2015, People magazine published an article naming her a “Hero Among Us.” O’Donnell-Ames has received several awards, including the Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award, the TIAA Difference Maker award, and the AFP NJ Excellence in Philanthropy award, New Jersey State Governor's Jefferson Award and the TCNJ Alumi Humanitarian Award. She was featured on the cover of the spring 2017 issue of Real Woman magazine and has been featured on Caucus New Jersey with Steve Adubato, Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte, Dr. Oz, Today Show and more. Today, O’Donnell-Ames travels the country speaking about ALS, entrepreneurship and grit and has an active role at HLC. She is also a massage therapist and fitness enthusiast.

Current position (1)

Founder / Community Engagement Director

Hope Loves Company, Inc.

Degrees (1)

BS Education and Communications

The College of New Jersey

1984 to 1988

Presentations

Presentations (6)

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Jodi was inspired to create Hope Loves Company when she realized the lack of resources available to her children, all of whom lost a parent to ALS. When they reached college age, she created the first and only organization with the unique and specific mission to support children and young adults who have been affected by ALS. Jodi discusses the steps she took to establish HLC from her home and the many reasons for continuing to move forward. Discover what it takes to start your own nonprofit.

The Joys of Volunteerism

Jodi's volunteerism has resulted in 25 successful camps across the nation for children who have or had loved ones battling ALS, in addition to a wealth of other programs and services for children affected by ALS.
Jodi shares how employees can give, how volunteering improves team building skills and company morale, and why everyone benefits when they are working together to help others!

The First (and Every) Impression Matters

Step out and step up so that you can make lasting impressions wherever you go! Jodi shares the importance of working well with others to make memorable first and last impressions.

Understanding ALS and Those Affected

Upon her husband's diagnosis with ALS, Jodi became a caregiver and advocate while juggling motherhood at the same time. Through her personal experiences with ALS and working with ALS families, Jodi uses her insight to share how the disease affects people and their loved ones.

My Faithful Journey

Jodi speaks on her journey with faith and how it has impacted her outlook, and the moments that shaped it along the way.

The Four Rights of Success

Hear Jodi speak about the four rights of success, and how she utilized them to build her own nonprofit and create a successful career.