Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education, U-M School of Public Health

Victor Strecher, Ph.D., MPH, Professor, University of Michigan School of Public Health Founder and CEO, Kumanu, Inc. Vic Strecher (pronounced Streker) is a visionary leader and expert in the fields of behavior change, digital communication, and wellbeing. Strecher is a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and Founder of Kumanu, Inc., a next generation wellbeing company. His latest neuroscience, behavioral, and epidemiologic research; his two books, "Life On Purpose" and the graphic novel "On Purpose"; his free massive open online course "Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life", which in its first seven months has over 90,000 enrollees; and the Purposeful application his business (Kumanu) created are all focused on the importance of developing and maintaining a strong purpose in life.

Co-Founding Partner, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and author of “The Story of Visioning at Zingerman’s: Four Visions, Forty Years, and a Positive Look Towards the Future”

University of Michigan alum and founder of renowned Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Ari Weinzweig, is this year’s Big Hearts featured storyteller. From washing dishes in a local restaurant to philanthropic entrepreneurship, Weinzweig’s story is colored with national speaking engagements, awards, and multiple publications.

Professor Wallace Bridges has been teaching theatre courses and directing plays at Eastern Michigan University since 1992. He is the recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award which allowed him to teach theatre courses and to direct Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” at the University of Ghana. Bridges is a member of Actors’ Equity Association having originated the role of Lenny in the Purple Rose Theatre production of Mitch Albom’s “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel”. He holds memberships with Actors’ Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Bridges has acted in feature films, most recently playing Rudy in “No Sudden Move”. He is scheduled to appear as Johnny in “Jukebox for the Algonquin” at the Purple Rose Theatre this summer.

Kasey Hilton has been an educator for 12 years. An alumni from the University of Michigan, she teaches within Ann Arbor Public Schools and stays connected to her alma mater. Hilton is a wife and mom of two boys born at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Since then, she has become an advocate for the disability community through education and advocacy. When she is not teaching in the classroom she spends time volunteering through Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and with her children’s school. She is currently working on a children’s book to teach others about the disability world and inclusion, giving her children the opportunity to see themselves in the stories they read.

Audrey Lucas moved to Ann Arbor from Connersville, IN with her family in September of 1941, prior to the start of World War II. She has been active in the community ever since. She attended the Ann Arbor Public Schools and graduated from Ann Arbor High School and Cleary College. She has always enjoyed singing and has had opportunities to perform and be involved in many events around town. Lucas worked at the University of Michigan Hospital for 47 years, the last 35 in human resources. Lucas volunteers with many local organizations, social groups, and nonprofits, including the Turner African American Services Council (TAASC). She is currently an active member in the Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor and has been for over 70 years. Lucas has been blessed to have two wonderful children: Kevin and Robyn Lucas. She is grateful to live in this community where she has a great family and many, many wonderful friends.

Chris Mosley is a screenwriter of dark, gritty thrillers that often include tragic moments from his life. Mosley is also a veteran TV professional covering news, professional sports, and entertainment. He is a regional Emmy® Award winner and has achieved success in multiple screenwriting competitions. The Detroit-born writer recently completed his first comic book, “I Ride for Them”, a sci-fi story touching on mental illness, and finding purpose. One of his passions is volunteering at Michigan Medicine - the hospital that saved his life.

An energetic personal safety speaker and award-winning police leader with a multicultural perspective, Ruiz shares real-world expertise and proven tools that empower organizations to take control of their safety, enhance emotional wellness, mitigate risk, and increase return on investment.

Ruiz retired as one of the highest ranking Latina police officers in the United States to serve a 25+ year career, is the only minority female subject control officer in Michigan to train police officers and police academy recruits survival skills and de-escalation techniques for 19 years, was the first police officer ever appointed to the Michigan Governor’s Board of Medicine, and one of the few municipal officers to have ever worked on a locally created federal grand jury team.

Ruiz is proud to continue the public safety concept with her business and serve a global community. She can be contacted at www.traciruiz.com and LinkedIn.

Breeda Miller is a renowned speaker, playwright, and caregiving expert with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. With over two decades of experience, her passion for caregiving led her to become a sought-after speaker and advocate for family caregivers. As a playwright, she uses her talents to raise awareness and provide education on the challenges of caregiving in “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home”. Breeda is also the author of "The Caregiver Coffeebreak," an award winning tip book dedicated to supporting and inspiring family caregivers. Her expertise, combined with her engaging personality and dynamic speaking style, make her a popular choice for conferences, workshops, and other events focused on caregiving and healthcare.

Brian Cox is a newspaper editor in Detroit. He’s received a variety of journalism awards and has published numerous short stories. His short story “The Surrogate Initiative” was selected for Houghton Mifflin’s “The Best American Mystery Stories 2020” anthology. He is a New York Times crossword constructor. He is the founder and artistic director of Pencilpoint Theatreworks. He is the producer of "Snapshots: Stories of Life," a live local storytelling event in which people share true stories from their lives based on personal photographs. His full-length play CLUTTER received the 2017 Wilde Award for Best New Script. He and his wife Dana have two children, Elijah and Annie.