Empowering Equity: Meet the 2024 Recipients of the Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness
Equity in wellness isn’t just an ideal — it’s a global imperative. And thanks to the Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness, emerging leaders on the front lines of this mission are gaining the support, recognition, and platform they need to expand their impact.
This year, over 300 inspiring applications poured in from more than 60 countries. From that remarkable pool, four outstanding individuals were selected to attend the 2024 Global Wellness Summit — the industry’s most influential gathering of thought leaders — as recipients of this prestigious scholarship.
Join us Wednesday, April 30, from 9–10AM ET for a special episode of The Dr. Is INclusive webinar series, hosted by Nicola Finley, MD, as she speaks with three of last year’s scholarship winners:
-
- Cida Ghosn (Australia)
- Linda Kirk (United Kingdom)
- Michelle Saudan (UAE & Zimbabwe)
These three changemakers are leading efforts in their communities to expand access to wellness, address systemic inequities, and make wellbeing a reality for all — not just a privileged few. Representing diverse cultures, regions, and lived experiences, they embody the power of inclusion in a sector still grappling with disparities.
In this live conversation, you’ll hear about their backgrounds, the innovative work they’re doing, and how the Summit experience helped them grow their reach and deepen their impact.
Whether you work in wellness, are part of an underserved community, or are simply passionate about health equity, this conversation is for you. Be part of the global movement to create a more inclusive, just, and accessible wellness industry.
This is more than a discussion — it’s a call to action.
Meet Three of the 2024 Recipients
Resonating with the global movement for equality and inclusion, the third year of the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI’s) Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness welcomed an astounding 300+ applications from over 60 countries. Here are the three recipients on the Dr. Is Inclusive webinar April 30, 2025, 9-10am ET:
Cida Ghosn, Australia
Cida is a Brazilian-Lebanese architect who leads projects in affordable housing, sustainable design and informal settlements. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne, her research focuses on decision-making processes for implementing health and wellbeing strategies along with ESG practices within the real estate market. With exposure across Brazil, USA and Australia markets, Cida is constantly bridging the gap between academia and public and private practice.
Linda Kirk, UK
Linda Kirk is founder of the Just for Women Centre in the UK, supporting the mental and physical health of women and young girls who have experienced trauma or have been affected by abuse through this safe place for counseling, support, wellbeing workshops and healing. She has received the British Citizen Award presented by the House of Lords in January 2019 and the Queens Award in 2022 for outstanding service in her community.
Michelle Saudan, Dubai/Zimbabwe
Founder of Amanzi Wellbeing, Michelle Saudan works at the intersection of wellness and community empowerment and is devoted to raising awareness of Africa’s unique wellness assets. Intently heart-led on creating safe healing spaces for the local Southern African community, her business offers accessible, trauma-informed wellness programs, workshops and retreats. Michelle is the vice-chair for the Global Wellness Institute’s Africa Wellness Initiative.