The word "vision" encompasses much, from imagining possibilities to literally being able to see. Diane Bernhardt manages to blend both as Executive Director of Hope Alliance, witnessing the suffering of those with impaired eyesight while envisioning meaningful change. For Diane, the Hope Alliance international mission to aid the visually impaired started at home, when her son Daniel was diagnosed with juvenile macular degradation. "I envisioned Dan's future as one of independence, not dependence," she says firmly. Coming to Park City to ski, "I thought, a community that gives birth to the National Ability Center really understands." PCSD’s already-in-place modifications for visually impaired students sealed the deal and in 2013, Park City became home.
Diane became Executive Director in 2019 after encountering Hope Alliance while president of Park City Rotary. "Life prepares you for what's next," she smiles, crediting her career as a software engineer team leader with honing her dynamic leadership style, which has seen the non-profit expand to Moab and then Mexico, Guatemala, Uganda, and later this year, Tanzania. "Nothing comes close to witnessing someone seeing clearly for the first time," she enthuses, "It is the purest blend of amazement, joy and hope."
The suffering presently beyond Hope Alliance's reach is something Diane works tirelessly to remedy. "I met a nine-year-old boy with profound impairment in Uganda. I saw my son in his eyes," she recalls. "Our best efforts could not improve his sight. The contrast between the resources available for Dan and the limited options for this beautiful boy is heartbreaking."
But Diane finds a wellspring of hope and inspiration in Park City's "true character, which is our strong commitment to helping others.” With Live PC/Give PC coming up November 15, she encourages Parkites to remember Hope Alliance. "With community support, we will decrease Vision Center wait times and recruit more volunteer doctors," expanding Hope Alliance’s reach in Utah and internationally.
That's a vision we can all see clearly.