Sue Ann Staton

Founder & Director

“Even with a scanty start-up budget, our dynamic team of volunteers and part-timers pulled through with such enthusiasm. I am so pleased to have four recipients on our founding year.”

SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, a 501c3 nonprofit that supports children with an incarcerated parent through scholarships, mentorships and ongoing character-building programs.

Teamwork for Our Dreamwork

  • Bonnie Braco, close friend of Sue Ann Staton, Canadian from Toronto, made six figure salary in the corporate world for 40 years, retired but believes in the mission of Stand a Chance, determined to make it a success by working part-time to help.

    Bonnie Braco • Director of Operations

    Bonnie is on point, all day everyday. Retired from a successful career in the corporate world, she keeps things in line and on time, even working only part-time. I mention that because she’s truly been indispensable to me, so I take what I get. She enhances our team so much with what I call “stylish structure”. Bonnie runs a tight ship, but she does it with elegance and grace—-wearing something fabulous.

  • Dinah Thibodeaux taught high school English for many years. She thrives to inspire high school kids and the kids are inspired by her guidance. She is a dedicated mentor to many, and she always has time to talk to them through any process.

    Dinah Thibodeaux • Scholarship Liaison

    Dinah lights up any room and graces our environment a few days a week. Her heart will forever be in Higher Education as a high school English teacher for most of her life. Perfect in her role, she recalls several students over the years that dealt with the stigma of an incarcerated parent. Dinah brings incredible insight and compassion to our team, which trickles down to our scholarship recipients.

  • Heather Hansen, long-time friend of Sue Ann Staton, interior designer, which explains the beautiful office, coincidentally ended up back in the same city together, brings innovative ideas and creativity to our plan to help these young people succeed

    Heather Hansen • Director of Fundraising

    My oldest and dearest friend, and we miraculously ended up in the same city after all these years. Heather is intuitive and full of insightful ideas to reach our fundraising goals for the scholarships. She brings a delightful energy to our organization and her contribution to team is nothing short of extraordinary. I am so blessed to reunite with my best friend in illustrious New Orleans, and be able to share this worthy achievement.

  • Matt Franklin knows how to be creative with the finances when a nonprofit is struggling to stay afloat. Matt Franklin brings experience, insight and compassion to this group of kids with a parent in prison. His input timely and certainly pertinent.

    Matt Franklin • Director of Finance

    Someone has to do the math, and Matt has helped me budget and juggle the finances every step of the way. We go back about 15 years, so I knew his business insight would be an asset to our team. When the budget seems impossible, Matt gets creative, and we stay afloat. With endless ideas and programs to implement, it is vital that hiwatchful eye be kept on the ledgers.

Into Action

SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, working diligently on a grant proposal with volunteer staff of this 501c3 nonprofit that supports children with an incarcerated parent through scholarships, mentorships, and hands on help.
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SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, a 501c3 nonprofit that supports children with an incarcerated parent through scholarships, mentorships and ongoing character-building programs---giving a presentation live.
SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, surrounded by volunteer staff of this 501c3 nonprofit that supports children with an incarcerated parent through scholarships, mentorships, and ongoing character-building programs.

Teamwork for our Dreamwork

Group of people participating in a panel discussion or seminar in a conference room, with a woman in an orange suit speaking into a microphone, surrounded by seated and standing audience members, and a large screen displaying a logo and text in the background.
SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, in front of a small audience with a slide that reads 'STAND A CHANCE' projected on a screen behind her, PRE-LOGO days for this 501c3 nonprofit to support children with an incarcerated parent,
SUE ANN STATON, Founder & Director of STAND A CHANCE, sitting around a table in a coffee shop, laughing and talking with students regarding the scholarship offerings by STAND A CHANCE to kids with a parent in prison.