The Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2025 International Women’s Day Luncheon shined a spotlight on personal and professional wellness, inviting attendees to explore well-being in a variety of unique, engaging ways. The Chamber’s signature event, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, featured eight Wellness Hubs, from a build-your-own flower bouquet station to learning more about the benefits of art therapy.
Explore this year’s Wellness Hubs below.
Michigan Humane hosted adoptable kittens and dogs for attendees to destress with, providing information on how pets can improve well-being and highlighting a new program, Dog Day Getaway. Currently available at the shelter’s Westland and Detroit locations, Dog Day Getaway invites individuals interested in adopting or seeking companionship to enjoy a day out in the community with one of the shelter’s adoptable dogs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCMSM) invited attendees to reflect and set their intentions for the year, which included writing down a word on a slip of paper and sticking it to a 2025 vision board. Selected words ranged from ‘grace’ and ‘compassion’ to ‘discipline.’ BCBSM’s station also highlighted the company’s free maternity and menopause programs for women, which aim to provide personalized care navigation, clinical and emotional support, and education.
Henry Ford Health’s Kelly Drake, a licensed art therapist, spoke with attendees on the benefits and power of art therapy. Those interested in experiencing the benefits firsthand are encouraged to attend Henry Ford Health’s Creative Mindfulness Art program, which meets virtually at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. most Thursdays. Drake emphasized the neuroscience behind art therapy, sharing that “looking at artwork that is beautiful lights up the same part of your brain as if gazing at a loved one.”
Community Financial Credit Union’s station encouraged attendees to share meaningful words with those who need it the most, inviting them to write kind, impactful messages on a board. The business is currently empowering and uplifting women in the community by partnering with First Step of Wayne County to pilot a loan program to aid domestic abuse survivors. Ninety-nine percent of domestic violence cases also include economic abuse. Community Financial Credit Union’s Emily Sutton shares, “We want women to know that you are enough wherever you are.”
International Women’s Day attendees received a short lesson on hands-only CPR from Corewell Health’s Jennifer Shea. Shea works with Corewell Health’s Student Heart Check program to assist teachers in the community with their CPR certification, ensuring student safety on campus. One useful tip Shea shared is that the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” song is the perfect tune for hitting the 100-120 beats per minute required for ideal chest compressions.
Filling the room with pops of purple, pink, yellow, and green, Mia’s Flower Truck welcomed event participants to make and take a flower bouquet. Attendees were able to choose from an array of flowers, including tulips, mums, and leafy greenery, to create their own special bouquet to bring home and brighten their space.
Girl Scout Troop #78237 was on site with cookies of all sorts, including Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Trefoils, and Girl Scout S’mores. Attendees were encouraged to purchase cookies to support the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Lights, camera, action. Event participants experienced the magic and fun of Pixel-Vue’s 360 Video Booth. Attendees selected props, including hats, boas, and signs, grabbed a friend(s), and struck their best poses, experiencing the power of camaraderie and sisterhood and commemorating the event.
Dana McAllister Armenteros, Chief Executive Officer of The W Buchanan Group, led attendees in a group meditation, sharing that “we cannot control the outside world, but we certainly can control how we respond.” Armenteros encouraged the crowd to focus on their breath while moving their spine in six gentle directions. She encouraged the crowd to set aside time in their morning routines for a short meditation session to create a sense of calm before a busy work day.
Interested in Becoming a Wellness Hub Next Year?
The Chamber’s annual International Women’s Day event offers a number of affordable sponsorship opportunities to gain brand awareness and exposure for your business. For more information, please contact the Chamber’s Senior Director of Marketing Opportunities, Jim Connarn, at 313.596.0391.