Meet Izzy Smith of Columbus, OH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Smith.

Izzy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins with losing someone I love to suicide. That kind of loss changed everything, how I understood grief, how I moved through the world, and how alone I felt at first. I was just trying to survive and make sense of what life looked like after that.
Finding LOSS Community Services was a turning point for me. LOSS (local outreach to suicide survivors) was established in 2014 by a mother who lost her son to suicide. It’s a space where suicide grief was understood without explanation or judgment. LOSS helped me feel less isolated and more grounded. Over time, simply showing up turned into a deeper involvement, and I slowly grew into my role as Head of Engagement. Today, I support our community through social media and volunteer engagement—helping people feel connected, informed, and welcomed. I’m here because my loss shaped my path, and this work allows me to turn that experience into connection and care for others walking through suicide grief.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Suicide grief is complicated, and there were times when just showing up felt hard. I struggled with feeling overwhelmed, unsure of myself, and at times questioning whether I was doing enoughor doing it “right.” Holding space for others while still tending to my own grief took practice and boundaries I had to learn along the way.
There were also growing pains as I stepped into more responsibility. Learning how to lead, communicate, and stay present without burning out wasn’t automatic. But each challenge taught me something important about compassion, sustainability, and the importance of community not just for the people we serve, but for those of us doing the work too.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers on connection making sure people affected by suicide loss feel seen, welcomed, and not alone. As Head of Engagement at LOSS Community Services, I focus on social media and volunteer engagement, using those spaces to build community, share resources, and open conversations around suicide grief in ways that feel human and accessible.
I also help lead our immediate Response program in partnership with the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. That work involves supporting and coordinating volunteers who respond alongside first responders to provide immediate, compassionate support to families after a suicide loss. Being part of that partnership has deepened my understanding of both crisis response and the importance of showing up with care in the earliest moments of grief.
What I’m most proud of is helping create spaces where people feel safe enough to show up as they are. What sets me apart is that this work is deeply personal to me. I’m not just doing engagement as a role; I’m doing it as someone who understands suicide grief firsthand, and that lived experience shapes everything I bring to this work.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What’s worked well for me is leading with curiosity and authenticity. I’ve learned to connect with people around shared values and purpose, especially in this work where trust and care matter so much. I also try to remember that networking doesn’t have to be loud or self-promotional (especially in this space) it can look like listening well, following up, offering help when you can, and staying connected over time. Those small, genuine moments have built the strongest relationships for me.

Pricing:

• Most Services at LOSS Community services is free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://losscs.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losscommunity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losscommunityservices/