On Thursday, February 15th, 2024, the Hawaii Employers Council was proud to be a Special Partner with Hawaii Business Magazine in sponsoring the Stressed to Strong Mental Health and Wellness Conference at the Japanese Cultural Center in Moiliili, Hawaii. The Conference’s goal was to provide a platform for thought leaders to share their insights on mental health in the workplace, uncover strategies, learn from professionals, inspire attendees, and build paths to a resilient and thriving workplace.

The Conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote presentation by Joe Roberts, also known as the Skidrow CEO. Joe spoke passionately and humorously of his experience both as a successful President and CEO of a multimedia company as well as his life before his successes when he was homeless and living on the streets of Vancouver, Canada, with a substance use disorder. Joe’s passion is ensuring that all children have access to those who believe in them and sharing his message that we are all capable of more than we can imagine if we believe in “the possible.”

After the inspiring keynote, the Conference was split into two breakout sessions, “Financial Wellness in the Workplace” and “Generational Differences between Management and Young Professionals.” In “Financial Wellness,” panel members Evan Leong of Brain Gain Hawaii, Bunny Tanaka of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Stevette Santiago of UHA Health Insurance, Candice Wong of Altres, Daniel Shiu of UBS Financial Services, and moderated by Michael Story of UHA Health Insurance, discussed the stress and burnout caused by Hawaii’s high cost of living, and how health and well-being can be a factor in employee retention.

In “Generational Differences,” Steve Petranik of Hawaii Business Magazine, Haylin Dennison of Spill the Tea Cafe, Dr. Emily Kahumoku-Fessler of Chaminade University, Lord Ryan Lizardo of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Steve Rix of PlayLab spoke of the mental health challenges that Members of Gen-Z face as they begin in the workplace.

Further Breakout Sessions included “Stressed to Strong Managing Today’s Diverse Workplace” and “Sustaining Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment.”

To promote the understanding of employees’ outside roles as caregivers and dual job holders and to empathize with their individual struggles to create a workplace culture of empathy, support, and inclusion, “Stressed to Strong” offered insights from Jessica Morikone of Alexander and Baldwin, Kimberly Soares of Atlas Insurance Agency, Robin Stueber of People-Centered Leadership, Anna Elento-Sneed of ES&A, A Law Corporation, Tia L.R. Hartsock of the State of Hawaii and moderated by Francoise Culley-Trotman of AlohaCare.

HEC’s President and CEO, Sarah Guay, moderated a panel that included Brandie Ota of Aloha Care, Dr. Dana Arakawa of Thrive808, and Dr. Lisa Hartwell of Hartwell Therapy & Consulting, LLC. The panel discussion offered real-world advice and best practices to address organizations’ remote and hybrid work challenges.

The closing session featured a soul-baring presentation and a question-and-answer session with Angela Lee Pucci, President and Director of Fightstory. Angela shared her own story, highlighting her personal struggles with mental health as a Champion, professional fighter, daughter, mother, and sister.

Overall, the Stressed to Strong Mental Health and Wellness Conference was a successful event that provided valuable insights and strategies for creating a resilient and thriving workplace. The Conference was an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn from professionals, network with peers, and inspire each other to create a healthier and happier workplace culture.