Carmel city staffers hosted the inaugural He L.E.A.D.S. Men’s Wellness Breakfast, a free event to foster support, connection and open dialogue regarding unique challenges facing men today. Presented by the Rotary Club of Carmel and held at the Carmel Fire Department headquarters, this initiative follows the success of the She L.E.A.D.S. women’s conference, expanding the community’s commitment to wellness and leadership development across all perspectives.
"Investing in the well-being of our residents is paramount," says Mayor Sue Finkam. "This event provided a vital space for connecting, sharing experiences and prioritizing health holistically: physical, mental, financial and spiritual. Our city is at its best when we're learning from one another."
Ethan McAndrews, chair of the committee that organized the event with Mayor Finkam, adds that the inspiration for the breakfast came from previous community successes. "We saw the incredible impact of the women's conference and knew there was an opportunity to provide a similar platform for men," he says. "We're seeing a real increase in mental health issues among men. Our goal is to build a stronger, more connected community through open conversation and mutual support."