2025 Worksite Well-Being Summit Recap: Building Healthier Workplaces, Stronger Communities

The first-ever Worksite Well-Being Summit brought together community leaders, employers, and wellness champions from across Pottawatomie County to explore one big idea: healthy employees create stronger, more vibrant communities.

Hosted at Oklahoma Baptist University, the day kicked off with an inspiring welcome from First Lady Jill Thomas, setting the tone for a powerful lineup of speakers and discussions.

Morning Sessions: Connecting Health, Home, and Workplace Success

• Meg Cannon, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, shared practical strategies for supporting mental health in the workplace.

• Amy Moon of Stride Mortgage highlighted how housing stability directly influences workforce productivity and overall well-being.

• Daniel Matthews from Our Community Market of Pottawatomie County connected food access with business success and employee engagement.

Together, these speakers reminded us that well-being extends far beyond the office—it’s about creating systems that help people thrive both at work and at home.

Afternoon Highlights: Leading Well and Learning from Our Community

The afternoon wrapped up with Deja Hurst from DSH Coaching, who challenged attendees to “Lead Well from the Top” by managing stress and modeling balance to promote healthier teams.

A dynamic panel discussion brought local perspectives from across sectors:

• Polly Stone, Gordon Cooper Technology Center student

• Jared Cheatwood, OBU Graduate / Stuart & Clover, PLLC

• Lacey McCrary, BellaDerma Aesthetics & Wellness

• Chad Johnson, Shawnee Public Schools

• Dr. Kathy Laster, Avedis Foundation

Their honest insights showed that workplace well-being takes collaboration, creativity, and community commitment.

Keynote Energy: Go Win with Heady Coleman

To close out the day, keynote speaker Heady Coleman delivered his infectious “Go Win” message, inspiring everyone to live, lead, and work with purpose. His energy sent attendees back to their workplaces ready to turn inspiration into action.

Thank You to Our Partners

A huge thank-you to:

• OBU Recreation and Wellness for hosting

• AARP Oklahoma for sponsoring lunch

• Alicja Carter, our amazing emcee, for keeping the energy high and the day on track

• And to every speaker, panelist, and attendee who made the first Worksite Well-Being Summit a success!

Together, we’re proving that when workplaces prioritize wellness, everyone wins—employees, businesses, and the entire community.