“Mental Health = Heart Health” VIP Reception | 5:00pm - 6:45pm
The VIP Reception precedes the Most Powerful Voices Concert. This gathering is an opportunity for leaders to dialog about our community’s heart and stroke issues and realize their power to help create healthy change – through whatever position they hold. This year, we are working with strategic alliances to invite diverse professionals and use the VIP Reception as a platform to discuss challenges associated with balancing stress, anxiety and while working towards career advancement and financial independence. Unfortunately, statistics are showing that minorities are suffering disproportionately from high blood pressure which is a risk factor for premature stroke and early heart disease.
A panel discussion on “Mental Health=Heart Health” will have leaders sharing testimonials and honest advice on protecting the greatest wealth- health. Each panelist will share their journey of finding strategies/interventions to balance life’s struggles. Leaving a call to action for VIP guests to advocate for worksite wellness programs at their places of employment and to check their blood pressure regularly to prevent heart disease and stroke.
VIP Reception Panelists
Deirdra Copeland
Deirdra Copeland is a native New Yorker that now calls Milwaukee home. In her current role as Global Head of Affinity Groups for BMO Financial Group, Deirdra is responsible for the governance, growth, and impact of BMO’s Employee Resource Group Network globally. With over 5,000 members, Deirdra also serves as the primary liaison for the Line of Business Councils and the Office of Inclusion. Her leadership ensures that Executive Sponsors, and Employee Resource Group Leaders are achieving efficient success by executing on the following Mandates: Professional Development, Market Engagement, and Learn from Difference. Deirdra has been with BMO Harris Bank since 2013 after relocating from Philadelphia, Pa. to serve as the Retail (Branch Network) and Small Business Market President for the Southeast, Wisconsin Region. Over the course of her 16 year career, Deirdra has developed both an individual brand; and proven track record of being an effective professional- with comprehensive experience in leading leaders while generating significant growth and results.
Deirdra is ardent about Community Service. Since relocating to Milwaukee, Deirdra has partnered with organizations such as The Fellowship Open, ALIVE MKE Mentoring Group, and The Rotary Club to promote and support the common cause of youth development and empowerment. She currently serves as on the following boards: Pearls for Teens Girls (Executive Committee), Girl Scouts of America SE Wisconsin, Aurora Health Care Systems (Compliance Committee), Cream City Foundation (Scholarship Committee), and Alive MKE.
Deirdra is also a proud member of the Diversity Council for the United Way (Greater Milwaukee/Waukesha).
Jason Fields
Hector Colon
Hector Colon is results oriented senior executive with extensive health care and human services experience. He has a solid track record of producing results in large, complex organizations through innovation, adaptive leadership and employee empowerment. Colon has led organizations with budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars with over 1,000 employees. He has demonstrated skills in achieving alignment, integration and coordination of systems that has led to improved organizational performance and outcomes. Colon has been recognized for his ability to establish effective strategic partnerships to address complex issues affecting people, systems and communities.
Currently Hector is the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services for Milwaukee County where he oversees over 800 employees and a $320-million-dollar budget. The department of Health and Human Services consists of the Behavior Health Division, Delinquency and Court Services, Housing Division, Disabilities Services and Management Services.
Colon held several leadership positions in the Governor Doyle and Mayor Barrett administrations.
Additionally, Colon served as Associate Executive Director for the United Community Center and Assistant Director at the Wisconsin Correctional Services.
Colon received his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Occupational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also earned certificates in Management and Leadership at Harvard Business School, UW-Madison and Marquette University.
