Celebrating Leadership in Workplace Wellness: The CMHA WW Workplace Wellness Champion Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) is proud to introduce the Workplace Wellness Champion Award, an annual recognition presented to an organization or individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in fostering mentally healthy workplaces. This new initiative aligns with CMHA WW’s broader mission to promote mental wellness across all environments, including the workplace.

The inaugural award was inspired by and presented to Cecilia Marie Roberts of the County of Wellington, by former councillor Neil Dunsmore and Susan Farrelly, the County’s Director of Human Resources at the annual Here4Hope event on November 5, 2025 at The Grandway. Cecilia Marie’s work has exemplified the integration of physical and psychological safety in the workplace. She has been a driving force in cultivating a culture of care, creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental health and encouraging others to do the same.

Her leadership has had a profound impact not only within her organization but also across the broader community. Cecilia’s efforts remind us that supporting mental health must be a collective, ongoing commitment—one that reaches into every aspect of our lives.

Since 2018, Cecilia Marie Roberts has led Here4Hope’s life promotion and suicide prevention efforts across Wellington County. Upon receiving the award, she shared personal reflections on her experiences with suicide, underscoring the vital importance of sustaining initiatives like the Support After Suicide program. She also commended Here4Hope for its role in fostering community dialogue around mental health and bringing people together to have these essential conversations.

“Suicide is not about wanting to die, it’s about struggling to live, and each of us can help ourselves or someone else with that struggle,” said Cecilia. 

Her words and work continue to inspire meaningful change, reminding us that leadership in wellness is not just about policy—it’s about compassion, courage, and connection.