Meet Anthony!

Anthony Hammes is a 2004 graduate of the University of Iowa and joined the NoStigmas Board of Directors in 2010 where he currently serves as our Vice President.

An active member on Chicago's social scene, Hammes annually hosts events that support the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and has been an avid supporter of Human Rights causes posing for the NoH8 Campaign and the I AM EQUAL Project.

Professionally, Hammes commands the post of Chief Compliance & Communications Officer for global financial services firm Seabury Asset Management, a division of Seabury Capital Group, LLC, headquartered in New York, New York. Hammes resides in the River North district of downtown Chicago.

Let’s get to know him a bit better….

Q: So, Anthony what is your role with NoStigmas?
A: Vice President, Board of Directors

Q: How long have you been with NoStigmas?
A: Since December of 2010

Q: What motivates your work with NoStigmas?
A: I am a childhood survivor of domestic violence and as a result have dealt with anxiety and depression for much of my life. Through my work with NoStigmas I've learned the importance of community and a sense of shared togetherness. Sharing stories and connecting other survivors with peers and mentors has given me strength; we're never alone. I often think about the Toni Morrison quote: "The function of freedom is to free someone else, and if you are no longer wracked or in bondage to a person or a way of life, tell your story. Risk freeing someone else." That motivates me to continue to share my story and encourage others to do the same.

Q: How do you practice self care?
A: I think that self care can mean many things to many people - but for me a key to managing my anxiety is organization. It could mean having my home or office clean and organized. It could mean that I have written out a plan of things that I need to accomplish. It could mean sticking to a routine schedule of getting plenty of rest, working out, eating well, etc. The older I get I learn to be less apologetic about what I need in terms of self care -- sometimes it means shutting my phone off and having some quiet time. I have a challenging, albeit rewarding, career and know when I need to take a break from people. I can become easily over stimulated - I've learned to say no to things when I need to.

Q: What are you grateful for?
A: It's hard to name only one -- but I will say my friends and family. I'm a huge believer in community and responsibility and I've surrounded myself with like minded individuals who support and challenge me to be my best self; I'm grateful for that.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self about mental health?
A: Find a trusted resource (family, friend, teacher, etc.) and talk to them - tell them what is going on. Share your story. People innately want to help, you just have to ask.

Q: What was a mental health “aha” moment for you?

A: Learning to say no is totally fine. There will be a next time. Another invite. Take time to take care of yourself.


Q: Do you have any new hobbies these days?
A: I'm rediscovering Transcendental Meditation - and I highly recommend it.


Q: What will you do after this time of staying closer to home so much?
A: International Travel. I miss my European friends and I can't wait to continue exploring parts of the world still unknown to me.


Q: What motivated you during quarantine and more of this time spent at home?
A: I've actually appreciated the opportunity to slow down and take stock of my life, reevaluate who I'm surrounding myself with, and learn more about myself.


Q: How can we all connect with you?
A: Anthony@NoStigmas.org | Facebook.com/AnthonyHammes | Instagram @YKantTonyReed