Jodi O'Donnell-Ames is a professional speaker, wellness and empowerment coach, author, podcaster and tireless advocate for Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). She is also the founder and current board member of Hope Loves Company, a non-profit organization committed to providing educational and emotional support to children and young adults who have had or have a loved one battling ALS in their lives.  She lives with her husband Benton in Titusville, NJ. Their children, all young adults, have lost a parent to ALS before the age of 11.

Jodi has written two books, The Stars that Shine and Someone I Love has ALS. She was chosen as People Magazine's "Hero Among Us” and is the recipient of many awards including the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award, the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) Founder’s Award,  the TIAA Difference Maker Award, the New Jersey Governors Jefferson Award, the TCNJ Alumni Humanitarian Award and the Princeton/Mercer Chamber of Commerce Women in Achievement Award. In addition, she was invited to give a Tedx talk on Leading a Life with Purpose.  She is the host of her podcast, Gratitude to Latitude, Stories of Resilience and Hope and is also a delegate at the 2021 United Nations Conference of Women.