Title: President, Chief Executive Officer

Company: Inspire, Inc.

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Celebrating her first year as president and chief executive officer of Inspire, Inc., Erin Bernhardt brings years of seasoned human relations services to the individual and family services organization. Throughout her work-week, she provides extensive problem resolution, assisting families in need of developmental services, connecting with the community, and general networking on a local and state level. As well, she develops new and existing business, works in low and high profile public relations, and oversees a team of 140 employees in Arizona. As a former substance abuse counselor and a family member who suffered from the same, Ms. Bernhardt saw an opportunity to become advocate for others who needed the support and assistance, and found her niche with Inspire, Inc.

Personally, becoming a single mom and a survivor of domestic violence which has lead Ms. Bernhardt to where she is today, professionally, transitioning from prior positions into chief executive officer, and adapting to managing numbers and people, while still being able to incorporate her passion for people. Looking toward the future, she would like to open another Arizona office, become involved with more board developments, and pursue a master’s degree. Currently, Ms. Bernhardt’s professional goal is to be able to reach out to more families, and continue to grow while inspiring others to follow the same helpful path she has taken.

Ms. Bernhardt prepared for her career by receiving a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, graduating from the University of Phoenix with summa cum laude distinction in 2011. She has also earned an Associate of Arts in psychology from Coconino County Community College. Her greatest accomplishment thus far has been helping grow the organization 61 percent; she has been working with the organization for four years prior to her current position. Ms. Bernhardt’s greatest strength is her strong passion for people and human relations, and she would like to be remembered as a driven professional who never settled.

Ms. Bernhardt believes God has always been her biggest inspiration, including her son Miles, who reminds her daily that the small things in life are what truly matters. She is very involved with her son as a single mother. They camp and hike together, and enjoy the outdoors. In addition, she is an ordained minister and cake decorator, and enjoys live music events. She also notes her passion for life, positive thinking, and connections to human relations, gaining insight to who they are, tends to change hats very quickly. Ms. Bernhardt loves to remind people, “Your choice of attitude is truly yours, whether mad, sad or happy, you have a choice of how to feel.”