be nice. Business Symposium

be nice. Business Symposium

Lead the Way in Workplace Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Unified Sports & Inclusion Center

Located at 160 68th St. S.W., Grand Rapids

A Business Symposium for Leaders at Every Level

Mental health is a leadership priority. Join business leaders, human resource professionals, executives and community partners for a powerful day of learning and connection focused on building healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Together, we’ll explore how to foster a culture of well-being, reduce stigma and empower mental health in your organization using practical, actionable strategies grounded in upstream mental health education and the be nice. action plan. Speakers include:

Register Today!

Registration is $25

Registration is FREE for be nice. Business Clients

Lunch Included with Registration

Current be nice. Business Client Registration Not a be nice. Business? Purchase Tickets Here

Registration closes April 15, 2026

Keynote Dr. Elizabeth Lojewski, DO

University of Michigan Health – West

Dr. Elizabeth Lojewski

Drawing from her experience as a physician and residency leader, Dr. Lojewski will explore the critical role mental health plays in workforce performance, retention and organizational resilience.


She will share practical insight on early intervention, open communication and why mental health literacy among leaders is essential — along with clear steps business leaders can take to notice, invite, challenge and empower within their organizations.

Leadership Panel Discussion Featuring

Christy Buck
Christy Buck, LMSW
CEO & Founder, be nice.
Shawn Premer
Shawn Premer, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Chief Human Resources Officer, Consumers Credit Union
Lori Balow
Lori Balow
CEO, Atonne
Carrie Mull
Carrie Mull, RN
Administrative Director, Inpatient Clinical Operations, Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Jean Holthaus
Jean Holthaus, LMSW, LISW
Pine Rest, Director of Employee Assistance Program
Michael Benko
Michael Benko
Senior Account Manager, Group Sales, Jacksonville Jaguars
Emory Ericksen
Emory Ericksen
Group Ticket Sales and Special Projects Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
Megha Parekh
Megha Parekh, JD
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars

What you'll gain

  • Practical tools to recognize changes in mental health in the workplace
  • Strategies to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention
  • Insight from organizations actively implementing mental health programming
  • Clear next steps you can bring back to your team immediately
  • A deeper understanding of how Protective Factors strengthen workplace resilience
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
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Contact the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan

160 68th St. SW Suite 120
Grand Rapids, MI 49548


info@benice.org | 616.389.8601

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