Team Member Spotlight

The Mission 34 team is made up of passionate individuals who bring their skills, experiences, and hearts to the mission every day. This month, we’re highlighting Emily Portal, who serves as Mission 34’s first Chapter Liaison, as well as an event planning pro! Her commitment helps fuel the growth of Mission 34 and ensures that our work reaches the young people and families who need it most.‍‍

Emily Portal, Chapter Liaison‍

Q: What first brought you to Mission 34?

A: I was first pulled into Mission 34 through the one and only Patty Lambert! I loved working with Patty when she was a Star Dancer while I was Special Events Manager for Charlotte Ballet. Last July Patty asked to pick my brain about the event she was co-chairing, and well- the rest is history!‍

Q: What made you decide to join the Mission 34 team?

A: Throughout the event planning process for Rock the Cause I kept thinking how refreshing it was to work with such passionate and driven women to the cause! When Heather asked if I would be interested in Chapter Liaison, I knew it was a perfect fit.‍

Q: What excites you most about your role?

A: I am most excited to get deeper into my role and have the opportunity to meet more of the leaders at the college chapters. I just attended the kickball tournament for the firsthand it was so awesome to meet Sean’s friends plus the whole community of Mission 34supporters. I was truly moved by Heather and Sean’s remarks that afternoon. I am truly in awe of what they have created out of the unthinkable happening to their son. Knowing that I now have a small role in the big picture of how M 34 helps saves lives really excites me for the future.

Q: What do you hope people learn through Mission 34?

A: I love that Mission 34 is making mental health resources accessible to the young people that need it most. In the past 10 years the conversation surrounding the stigma of mental illness has come a long way, however there is still much work to do. It starts with small conversations. How do we speak about mental health? How do we speak about suicide? Stepping out of your comfort zone to talk about suicide could help save someone's life.

‍Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of working with Mission 34 so far?

A: So far it is has rewarding to learn about QPR training (Question, Persuade, Refer). I hope to get certified this year in order to be able to help someone in the future. It is amazing that so many student and student athletes are able to receive this training at the college chapters.‍

Q: How has being part of Mission 34 impacted you personally?

A: 11 years ago, I found myself in a dire mental health crisis. I didn’t have the right resources. Since then, I have come full circle but staying mentally healthy is a daily commitment. I am so happy I have found a role with an organization that is making areal difference with at the college level and into the young professional stage. The more I tell my family and friends about the work that Mission 34 does the more I know this role has been sent to me for a reason.‍

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Mission 34 team(or getting more involved)?

A: Come join us! Our next event is Sean’s Angelversary walk on November 16. You also won't want to miss the 2nd Annual Rock the Cause February 21, 2026! There are plenty of committee and volunteer roles that are a great way to give back to Mission 34 while having some fun.‍

Fun Facts!

‍Hometown? I lived in Charlotte in elementary school but then moved to Tampa, FL. After graduating from University of Florida I have lived back in Charlotte since 2011.

‍Family Life? My husband Greg and I have two daughters, Eliza (5) and Isabelle (3).Greg is a native Charlottean. His 3 siblings and parents all live in Charlotte! Plus, all our nieces and nephews. My parents and sister live in Tampa and St. Pete, Florida.‍

Favorite Charlotte Restaurant? McNinch House because that is where we got engaged in 2013. Definitely a special occasion restaurant but the service there is so special.

‍Favorite Sport? The Portals don’t miss a Carolina Panthers game! I like College Basketball (Go Gators!) and look forward to every 4 years when I can finally watch some Olympic swimming.

‍Favorite Cuisine? Mexican food. It’s a little absurd how comfortable I am with eating some variation of rice and beans and tortilla entrees multiple times a week. Can’t forget chips and salsa!‍

What’s a book you recommend to everyone?‍

Favorite historical read is the Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, Allison Pataki

‍Favorite Mental Health related book Good Morning, Monster, Catherine Gildiner

‍Favorite Memoir From Here to the Great Unknown, Lisa Marie Presley (listen on audiobook!)

‍