Shine A Ligh7 was founded in 2017 by Paul Martin and Todd Luoma, who first connected decades earlier when Todd fitted Paul with his first pair of Mission Hockey skates while playing for Elk River High School. Paul went on to play hockey for the Minnesota Gophers, winning national championships in 2002 and 2003, and enjoyed a fifteen-year professional career with the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks. He was also honored to be named to three U.S.A. Olympic Teams, competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games.

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Throughout Paul’s career, he navigated his own mental health journey while witnessing the impact that suicide and mental health struggles can have on families, communities, and teams. Motivated to create change, Paul launched the Shine A Ligh7 Foundation — a movement dedicated to championing youth mental health education and awareness throughout Minnesota.

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At its core, Shine A Ligh7 believes that healing happens when we move, feel, and connect. Today, the foundation is harnessing the transformative power of music and movement as essential tools to help young people process emotions, build resilience, and feel seen. By combining emotional education with creative expression, Shine A Ligh7 empowers youth to share their stories and access vital mental health resources without shame or stigma.

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Following Paul’s retirement from the NHL and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation brought together a team of nonprofit professionals to form an ‘architect squad.’ This group brings expertise in strategy, activation, communication, development, and creativity — but most importantly, they share Paul’s deep commitment to serving others. The result is an inspired, action-driven nonprofit fueled by passion, purpose, and a growing community ready to let their soul shine.