Sudha Maridu, the winner of Uniting AgeWell’s inaugural Imas Thompson Scholarship for Clinical Leadership, is now being supported to study an MBA part-time.   

She was awarded a Uniting AgeWell scholarship to support her aged care career to flourish.  

Uniting AgeWell has positioned itself as an employer of choice and is committed to investing in staff, providing opportunities for professional and personal development, and supporting further education.  Now in its third year, the Scholarship Program is open once again for staff to apply. 

The Residential Services Manager at Hawthorn is the first woman in her family to be educated past Year 10, the first to go to university and the first to live outside her homeland, India. 

She started studying at Australian Catholic University in July this year and anticipates she will complete her MBA in either 2028 or 2029. 

“My family has always been my strongest support system,” says Sudha.  “They encourage me to dream bigger and achieve greater success because they recognise my ambition, dedication, strong work ethic and commitment to turning ideas into reality.  My two young children have also been very enthusiastic about my studies.  They often think about sitting alongside me at their desks while I study, and it feels as though they have found a new study buddy.”  

Sudha says she is excited to further develop her knowledge and skills.   

“I believe that my maturity, life experience and professional achievements will enable me to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts taught throughout this course.  More importantly, I will be able to apply this knowledge in a broader and more practical way within my professional role.  I am committed to using the skills and insights gained through this education to enhance the quality of care and support provided to residents, while also contributing positively to the growth, success and continuous improvement of the organisation.”