Mental Health Forum Showcases Urgency, Innovation, and Inclusion in Workplace Wellness
At the latest Business Equity for Indy (BEI) forum, mental health took center stage—not as a passing trend, but as a critical, cultural imperative. Leaders from across industries gathered for a deeply impactful morning designed to spotlight workplace mental health, share innovative strategies, and empower organizations to create psychologically safe environments where all employees can thrive.
Kicking Off with Intention: A Mindful Moment
To begin the day, attendees were invited into a “Mindful Moment” led by Raymond Achille, founder of Balance Period, a wellness solutions company committed to closing the racial health gap. His guided breathing practice helped the audience tap into calm, focus, and clarity, setting the tone for a day centered on presence, energy, and engagement.
Keynote Spotlight: Hazel Owens on Why “This Is Not Sustainable”
In a powerful keynote titled “This Is Not Sustainable: The Urgency of Mental Health in the Workplace—Especially Now,” therapist, author, and speaker Hazel Owens challenged employers to move from performative wellness to proactive prevention. Her message was clear:
“Mental health can’t just show up during Mental Health Awareness month. It must be embedded in how we work—every day.”
Hazel offered five culture-shifting strategies, including:
- Designing jobs with rest, reflection, and clarity in mind.
- Partnering with culturally responsive therapists who understand trauma and racialized stress.
- Normalizing mental health days and therapy stipends.
- Equipping managers to lead with empathy.
- Measuring psychological safety, not just productivity.
Her call to action landed with urgency: workplace wellness isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Panel Discussion: Reimagining Mental Health at Work
Moderated by Kimble L. Richardson of Community Health Network – Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health, the forum’s panel discussion brought together four dynamic voices:
- Kimberly Bryant, Director of Associate Relations and HRSC, OneAmerica
- Julie Hayden, Director, Mental Health America of Indianapolis
- Jamie Wright, Head of DE&I – Americas, Roche Diagnostics
The panel examined how employee mental health needs are evolving and how companies must adapt accordingly. Key themes included:
- The Growing Role of HR Leaders as Mental Health Advocates.
- The Importance of Lived Experience in Shaping Supportive Policies.
- Increasing awareness and accessibility of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Leveraging tools like the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health to guide and recognize impactful practices.
A powerful stat opened the conversation: 76% of U.S. workers reported at least one mental health symptom in the past year (Mind Share Partners, 2023)—a sobering reminder of just how widespread and urgent this issue has become.
Community in Action: Vendor Spotlights
Attendees also had the chance to engage with vendors offering hands-on wellness activations and resources:
- Peak Mind offered calming immersive experiences using virtual and augmented reality, a hit with attendees seeking sensory relaxation.
- Black Onyx Management raised awareness about its groundbreaking Mobile Crisis Accelerator Program—a critical resource bringing immediate mental health support to communities in need.
- Exhale App provided attendees with access to wellness content tailored for Black and Brown women, helping bridge the gap in culturally relevant care.
Special thanks to our event partners and contributors, including Mathis Media for photography, Inner G Consultant, Cooking Besties for catering, and Weatherhouse Company LLC for videography.
The Mental Health Forum was more than an event—it was a call to action. It reminded us that mental wellness and equity are inextricably linked. From guided mindfulness to trauma-informed policy conversations, the day provided practical tools and powerful insights that organizations can apply to their teams.
Together, let’s commit to building workplaces where mental health is protected, employees are valued, and equity is more than a promise—it’s a practice.
