of Hope
Afternoon
From Inner Strength to Collective Action
September 10, 2025
2:00–4:00 PM ET | Virtual Event
On September 10th, 2024, World Suicide Prevention Day, over 500 people from across the globe came together both in-person and virtually to hear from 9 renowned experts and inspiring lived experience speakers joining live across 7 different cities: San Diego, Denver, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Minneapolis, Baltimore, & New York.
Back for its second year, Afternoon of Hope returns as a powerful, two-hour virtual event honoring World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s program features four dynamic sessions sharing stories, strategies, and inspiration around suicide awareness, prevention, and action.
Join us for a high-quality, professionally produced livestream with sessions focusing on:
When the Storm Hits: Tools for Staying Grounded During Moments of Crisis presented by Dan Lukasik
Don’t Wait: Recognize warning signs and initiate life-saving conversations presented by Sarah Gaer
Work Shouldn’t Hurt: Discover how teams and leaders can foster psychological safety presented by Allison Bankert
Voices that Move Mountains: Sharing your story can break stigma & spark change presented by Dennis Gillan
Whether you're attending for yourself, a loved one, your workplace, or your community—this event is for you.
Register today and be part of a growing movement of HOPE.
Meet the SPEAKERS
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Dan Lukasik
Dan, New York State’s Wellness Coordinator, is a nationally recognized speaker on stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression, having delivered over 200 presentations across the U.S. His PBS documentary, My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Journey, explores his relationship with his late brother Paul and their shared experience with mental illness.
Dan founded the Buffalo Depression Project, a resource hub supporting individuals and employers in addressing depression. Having lived with depression and anxiety for over 25 years, he brings authenticity, empathy, and practical tools to every presentation—empowering others and breaking stigma around mental health.
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Sarah Gaer
Sarah is a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in trauma, addiction, and suicide prevention. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology from Antioch University and is a Suicide Prevention Specialist who has trained over 1,000 people and led crisis response following significant incidents.
A recognized speaker on Soul Exhaustion and mental health, Sarah also works in Law Enforcement mental health and the H.O.P.E. Certification program, advancing evidence-based practices in mental health promotion. Her published works in suicide prevention provide resilience, guidance, and hope for those seeking healing and renewal in their lives.
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Allison Bankert
As National Grid’s Manager of Wellbeing, Allison brings a passion for holistic, person-centered health, helping individuals optimize their well-being across all areas of life. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Utica University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Allison combines evidence-based practice with a commitment to balanced living, developing proactive mental and physical health programs tailored for frontline utility workers. Known for her empathy, adaptability, and authenticity, Allison is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and fostering resilience, balance, and fulfillment in the workplace.
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Dennis Gillan
Dennis is an ordinary man with an extraordinary story. Tragically losing both of his brothers to suicide sent him spiraling into depression & addiction. Dennis found healing through therapy, sobriety, and volunteering at a crisis hotline, transforming his grief into a mission to help others.
Today, Dennis is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and author working to break the stigma around mental health. He is known for creating safe spaces through his authentic and warm demeanor. Trained in QPR, ASIST, SafeTalk, Talk Saves Lives, and SoulShop, Dennis brings both lived experience and professional knowledge to inspire hope, build resilience, and help reduce stigma.