As the Director of Health and Wellness for the FTMBA Class of 2026, my goal is to support my classmates in prioritizing their overall well-being. My background in occupational therapy has always taught me to take a holistic approach —where both mental and physical aspects are nurtured. Research shows that the brain and body are deeply interconnected, with evidence indicating that what the body does has an impact on the mind, and vice versa, meaning we cannot afford to neglect either.

I hope to be able to collaborate with the Director of Social Affairs (Fit-to-lead), along with subject matter experts within the cohort to address the physical component, which encourages movement, resilience, and stress management, while equally addressing sleep hygiene, nutrition, social connection, and mindfulness practices, as they all play a vital role in maintaining overall well-being.

Drawing from my personal and professional experiences, my plans for this year include setting up accessible wellness initiatives and workshops on mindfulness, stress management, finding balance, and sleep hygiene, as well as monthly challenges to encourage students to maintain their overall health and wellbeing. I also want to introduce equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) focused wellness strategies, ensuring that mental health resources are relevant to our diverse student population.

I want to use my passion for health and wellness, along with my experiences in occupational therapy, education, and EDI, to support my classmates in maintaining a balance between school and self-care. My goal is to equip them with practical tools that promote their overall well-being.

• SEC position: Director of Health and Wellness
• Hometown: Stoney Creek, ON
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Prior Industry: Healthcare (Occupational Therapist), Finance, Education
• Career Focus: Healthcare Consulting/Healthcare Leadership
• Email: gurleen.dhaliwal@queensu.ca