Joining me on the podcast this month is Melinda Cruz. Melinda is the Founder and a Non-Executive Board Director of Miracle Babies Foundation; Australia’s leading organisation supporting premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals caring for them.
The incredible difference Melinda has made to thousands along with her impact as a successful entrepreneur has seen her win numerous awards including the 2011 EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year and be a regular guest on radio, TV and speaker at national and international conferences. She was inducted into the 2013 Australian Businesswomens Hall of Fame and was a 2015 NSW Woman of the Year – Premiers Award finalist.
She is a trusted expert to medical professionals. In 2012, she was awarded the title of Honorary Research Associate by the University of Sydney, Medical School and was the first parent to be invited as an Associate Investigator on a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded neonatal trial.
In 2014, Melinda joined the Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand’s (PSANZ) Consumer Advisory Panel as the inaugural Chair and accepted a position on the PSANZ Clinical Trials executive committee. In 2016, she was asked to join the NHMRC Clinical Trials Ready Development Committee and in 2017, was part of an award-winning global trial improving the lives of millions of premature newborns and facilitated the appointment of the first consumer representatives to take positions on the Australian and New Zealand’s Neonatal Network (ANZNN) Executive Committee.
In 2014, Melinda ran the New York Marathon with 18 others raising more than $230,000 for Miracle Babies.
So what did I learn from talking to Melinda – a woman than inspires and encourages so many, that is leaving a significant mark on the planet and who every day in every way is making a difference…
– Every little thing you do layers up to build something so much bigger – so have a focus
– Story is an incredible gift – sharing stories helps you and others.
– Get clear on “How you want to feel each day”
Grab a cuppa, download and listen in.