Sue Ann Staton

Founder & Director

“Even with a slim start-up budget, our enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff accomplished so much.I’m so grateful that we were able to award four recipients on our founding year.”

Teamwork into Action

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.

always providing answers, encouragement and support

  • 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 running smoothly, even working part-time. She has been indispensable to STAND A CHANCE daily operations. She is highly organized and extremely knowledgeable, making sure we meet all of our deadlines and requirements.

  • 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

    As s high school English teacher for most of her life, Dinah’s passionate about higher educHESn.Dinah’s passion has been in education as a high school English teacher for most of her life. She is , 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

    Matt juggles the ledgers for STAND A CHANCE, so we can continue our mission. He has been a long-time colleague and his business insight is an invaluable asset to our team. When the budget seems impossible, Matt gets creative, and we stay afloat. Aside from the finances, Matt plays an active role in mentorship recruitment.

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.