Susie Ellis Scholarship
for Equity in Wellness
Applications are open April 1-June 30, 2025
The Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness promotes greater inclusivity within the wellness community by providing financial support for individuals from underserved populations to attend the annual Global Wellness Summit (GWS). The scholarship empowers recipients to become wellness industry leaders, bringing valuable insights back to their local communities.
- • Full Registration to the 19th Annual Global Wellness Summit, valued at $5,790.
- • Event dates: November 18-21, 2025
- • Venue: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
- • Roundtrip Airfare and Transfers to and from the Summit ($1,500+ value)
- • Hotel Accommodations for the duration of the Summit ($1,800 value)
- • One-Year Ambassadorship with the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) ($1,000 value)
- • Exclusive Access to four days of insights from global wellness leaders
- • Networking Opportunities with industry influencers and innovators
The scholarship honors Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit, recognizing her enduring commitment to equity and inclusion in wellness. This initiative bridges the gap for deserving individuals who may not otherwise have the financial means to participate in the Summit, widely regarded as the premier international conference in the wellness sector.
The Susie Ellis Scholarship Fund was generously established by initial contributions from Katrine and Bill Formby, Rick Stollmeyer, Lynne and Victor Brick, and the Szekely Family Foundation. Since its inception, the fund continues to thrive, supported annually by the live auction at the GWS gala event.
Meet 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.
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.
Anna Petrova, Ukraine
Impact entrepreneur, business advisor and inspiring speaker, Anna Petrova is a pioneer in creating an entrepreneurial culture in Ukraine. Listed on Forbes “30 Under 30,” she is an SME ecosystem builder, a Ukraine ideologist and a visionary of projects like StartUp Ukraine, SelfMade Woman Community, and WakeUp Call. She is passionate about personal development, mental health, wellbeing, mediation, and sustainability.
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.