Leadership Artifacts
To lead with authenticity, empathy, and integrity, empowering others to grow, build trust, and reach their full potential through compassionate and ethical action.
Leadership Artifact #1
World Mental Health Day: Strong Minds, Strong Bodies
Fall 2025
EXSC 9150 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio I
Abstract
The World Mental Health Day: Strong Minds, Strong Bodies event, completed as part of Leadership Artifact #1 in EXSC 9150, was created to promote holistic well-being among active-duty service members and veterans through education and engagement. Held in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in San Diego, the event examined the mind-body connection through expert-led sessions on sleep, stress, nutrition, chronic pain, and resilience. Initially, a different fall event was scheduled with an active-duty command; however, when operational priorities called for postponement, the team adjusted the program to align with World Mental Health Day, maintaining mission relevance and continued impact. Guided by the Responsibilities Lens of the Ethical Lens Inventory and supported by CliftonStrengths themes like Achiever and Strategic, the multidisciplinary team collaborated to plan and execute a hybrid event that emphasized innovation, accessibility, and engagement. The project underscores the importance of ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in managing change. Through reflection and shared learning, this initiative shows how purposeful teamwork and values-based leadership can improve resilience, foster connections, and enhance readiness within the military community.
Keywords: sleep, stress, chronic pain, mind-body, military personnel, education, leadership