Dena Petty

Dena Petty is a visionary leader, speaker, and mentor dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome adversity, find purpose, and create lasting impact. In 2009, she founded Mentors Care, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to guiding at-risk high school students toward graduation and a successful future. What began in a broom closet at a school library has grown into a life-changing program, now serving over 850 students with 800 mentors across 20 high schools. Through her leadership, Dena developed a four-year curriculum, co-authored a mentor guide, and continues to expand the reach of Mentors Care to transform lives one student, one mentor, and one story at a time.

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Dena is also an inspiring speaker known for delivering powerful keynote presentations that encourage individuals to stay mission-focused, embrace personal growth, and unlock their full potential. Her signature session, Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing, offers practical insights on overcoming challenges, maintaining clarity of vision, and leading with purpose—lessons drawn from her own experiences navigating the non-profit world. She has spoken at events such as the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Midwinter Conference and the Region 10 ESC Counselors Symposium.

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As an author, Dena shares her deeply personal journey in her upcoming book, Collateral Hope. This non-fiction work chronicles her path through hardship, faith, and transformation, reflecting the heart behind her mission. Whether through speaking, mentoring, or writing, Dena is passionate about equipping individuals with the confidence, faith, and tools they need to thrive.

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Dena Petty’s passion for mentorship, leadership, and faith-driven purpose fuels her mission to inspire change. Through her dynamic storytelling, practical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to service, she leaves audiences empowered, confident, and ready to take action toward their goals.