Global Wellness Summit announces winners of Global Wellness Awards

MIAMI, FL – The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) announced winners of its prestigious Global Wellness Awards, which honor outstanding industry leaders in seven categories. Dr. Richard Carmona, M.D., the 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Chief of Health Innovation, Canyon Ranch, received the Summit’s first Leader in Social Impact award for his commitment to expand access to health and wellness to all people around the world.

In a surprise announcement, Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, introduced Jane Iredale, founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd, who presented spa and wellness visionary Deborah Szekely with the first GWS Wellness Award for Living a Well Life. Szekely–who recently celebrated her 95th birthday–co-founded Rancho La Puerta in 1940 and the Golden Door in 1958. Recognized for embodying wellness principles and practices throughout her life, she received a standing ovation from delegates who gathered to honor her renowned contributions to the industry.

“I’d like to congratulate this year’s Global Wellness Award winners and thank the sponsors and the Global Wellness Summit Advisory Board for making these important honors possible,” said Ellis. “These outstanding individuals have made significant contributions to the industry–and their dedication and creativity furthers our goal to bring health and wellness to people around the globe.”

Members of the GWS Advisory Board selected all winners and along with award sponsors presented honorees with their awards at the annual Summit held at The Breakers Palm Beach.   

GWS Social Impact Award
The Social Impact Award, which honors a leader who has worked to make it possible for more people and societal groups to live healthier, happier lives, was presented to Dr. Richard Carmona by Dilip Barot, founder of Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences in Riviera Beach, Florida.  

"The Social Impact Award is close to my heart,” said Barot. “Giving and sharing what we have with others, especially those in need, has been instilled in me from my childhood.”

In his emotional acceptance, Dr. Carmona–who also received a standing ovation from delegates– said, “I have been inspired to help others by being hungry and homeless as a child. I am humbled, flattered and undeserving of this award, and being part of this team is the best honor I could have received.”

Raised in Harlem, of Puerto Rican descent, Dr. Carmona is a nurse, physician, police officer, public health official, combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, and the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. He has used his position on the world stage to advocate for disease prevention, and for access to health services for the underserved. He is also a member of the board of the Global Wellness Institute, and is working to achieve the recently announced Wellness Moonshot and a world free of preventable disease.

GWS Living a Well Life Award
Jane Iredale, who presented the Living A Well Life award to Deborah Szekely said, “When we think about who was the first person to receive this award, we will say, how appropriate, how deserving, how inspiring that it was given to Deborah.”  Szekely remarked, “The award will be on my desk to remind me to deserve it.”

Szekely is recognized for her lifelong commitment to wellbeing and for inspiring others to learn from her example.

All 2017 Global Wellness Award Winners
The complete list of Global Wellness Award winners includes these wellness leaders who received their awards from the presenting sponsors, accompanied by members of the Global Wellness Summit Advisory Board.

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