Creative Women – International Conference for Entrepreneurial Women
We cordially invite you to participate in this prestigious event in Saudi Arabia, where global perspectives will illuminate pathways toward advancing a more inclusive and empowered future for women, fostering growth and collaboration across diverse sectors.
Mako Abashidze is a visionary leader with a background in psychology, having earned her BA/PhD from Tbilisi State University. After moving to London in 1993, she held various roles with UK companies, primarily focusing on the CIS market. In 2007, she cofounded The British Georgian Chamber of Commerce alongside Lord Cromwell. Mako is also the co-founder of the UK Georgian Trade Hub and an active supporter of numerous charities in both the UK and Georgia.
Kariman Abuljadayel made history as the first female Saudi sprinter to compete in the 100m at the Rio 2016 Olympics. After the Olympics, she transitioned to rowing and cofounded the Saudi Rowing Federation, earning multiple international medals, including at the World Championships. In 2023, Kariman set a Guinness World Record for the fastest 10km row in open water!
Beyond her remarkable athletic career, Kariman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Northeastern University and a second master’s in the history of art and architecture from SOAS, University of London. She has also served as a highperformance advisor for NEOM and as a creative advisor through her family owned company, Suraya Productions.
Born in Saudi Arabia, Salwa Abuljadayel has made a significant impact in both the art and equestrian worlds. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MA in History of Art and Archeology from SOAS, University of London.
As an artist, Salwa specializes in painting horses and portraits in watercolor, beautifully capturing the essence of her subjects. She is also a talented photographer and videographer, having worked as a journalist with Okaz Newspaper and Saudi Gazette, covering major events like the annual Hajj Season (2021/23).
Baria Alamuddin is an esteemed journalist and broadcaster with a distinguished career in geopolitical and international affairs. Known for her in-depth interviews with heads of state and influential figures, Baria is a respected commentator on global politics, human rights, and women’s issues in the Arab world. Her editorial roles in leading publications further solidify her as a powerful voice in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.
In May 2024, Baria was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the May Chidiac Foundation, recognising her remarkable contributions to journalism and global affairs.
Sawsan Albahiti is an artist, coach, and pioneer, celebrated as the first Saudi opera singer. She discovered her talent in 2008 at the American University of Sharjah and trained with global institutions like the Strasbourg Opera House, Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Guiseppe Verdi Conservatorio di Milano. In 2019, she debuted professionally, introducing opera to Saudi Arabia and becoming its first soprano.
Sawsan’s performances span local and international stages, including Zarqa Al Yamama, Saudi’s first grand opera. She has performed with Andrea Bocelli and artists from the National Opera de Paris. She is also the founder of The Soulful Voice Institute and a certified vocal coach.
Professor Fatemah Alharbi is a renowned academic, cybersecurity expert, and consultant, recently recognized as one of 15 remarkable Arab Female Scientists. She was a top 20 finalist for the Cybersecurity Woman of the World Awards 2024 and ranked on Cybercrime Magazine’s “WOMEN KNOW CYBER” list. In 2023, she was featured in the “40 under 40” list by Top Cyber News Magazine.
Her groundbreaking research, published in top conferences like USENIX and journals such as IEEE TDSC, focuses on cyberattacks on DNS infrastructure, implemented on platforms like macOS, Linux, and Windows. A seasoned speaker, she inspires future cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
Basmah Al Sinaidi is a seasoned investment professional with vast experience in technology and start-up investments across the Middle East. As the Managing Partner and Head of Asset Management at Impact46, Basmah’s expertise spans a variety of sectors including e-commerce and FMCG, along with her background as a financial advisor for multiple industries.
She is also the co-founder of the Saudi Women Leaders Network (SWLN), a pioneering network of over 180 women leaders and C-level executives in finance and technology, offering a platform for knowledge sharing and investment opportunities for female thought leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Althari is a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology industry and the Founder & Managing Partner at the Althari Group. With a Ph.D. from Oxford and extensive research experience at Harvard, she has led groundbreaking initiatives in the Kingdom, including her role as the inaugural Managing Director of Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals at the Saudi Ministry of Investment. Dr. Althari’s visionary leadership has fostered powerful investments and strategic partnerships with global biopharma leaders, advancing technology and ecosystem development in Saudi Arabia.
Ayumi Moore Aoki is a social entrepreneur, international speaker, and mother of four. She is the Founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global, the world’s leading organization for women empowerment in STEAM. Ayumi is a member of UNESCO’s International Consultative Group of Experts for Closing the Gender Gap in Science and was selected as one of the 40 Women Forbes 2023 for her remarkable contributions to the tech industry.
Somi Arian is a tech philosopher, entrepreneur, filmmaker, author, keynote speaker, and podcaster. Her work is at the intersection of AI, Blockchain, the Future of Work, Venture Capital, and the Startup Ecosystem. As the founder of InPeak, Somi has created an innovative platform that fosters a thriving ecosystem of startups, VCs, LPs, and service partners. She is a true transition architect, bridging the gap between technology, society, and business, and offering invaluable insights for the fastevolving digital age.
Somi is currently working on a documentary trilogy that delves into the startup and investment ecosystem in the Middle East, further cementing her role as a thought leader in this space.
Dr. AlBuhairan is an accomplished international healthcare expert with over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors. She has an unmatched track record in investment promotion and attracting foreign direct investment in healthcare. As a Fellow of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships Organization and a member of various international boards and committees, Dr. AlBuhairan’s influence and expertise extend far beyond the local sphere.
Shaikha Fouz Fahad Al-Sabah is a pioneering leader in the creative economy, founding Khaleejesque, an award-winning media brand that has been exploring the Arab Gulf’s creative and cultural scene since 2009. She is also the founder of Khaleejesque Consultancy, specializing in strategy and research for the creative economy in the Gulf region.
Dedicated to creating opportunities for youth, creatives, and entrepreneurs, Shaikha Fouz worked on Kuwait’s first creative economy strategy and recently delivered a strategic and investment plan for the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) in Oman. Her work extends to creative economy research and development projects with governmental entities and nonprofit foundations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
Princess Reema is a pioneering leader and the first woman in Saudi history to serve as Ambassador to the United States. Her remarkable career spans from championing women’s empowerment in the private sector to her impactful roles in public service, including her leadership at the Saudi General Sports Authority and the Mass Participation Federation. A visionary for Saudi Arabia’s future, she is also the founder of Alf Khair, an enterprise dedicated to advancing Saudi women’s professional development.
Farzana Baduel co-founded Curzon PR in 2009, a global strategic communications firm that advises corporations, cultural institutions, and charities. Based in London, Curzon PR has a global reach, offering expert insights across industries. Farzana is the Resident Public Relations expert at Oxford University’s Said Business School, where she shares her expertise with emerging entrepreneurs.
A Chartered PR practitioner and Honorary Fellow of CIPR, Farzana is a highly respected figure in PR, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She serves as a trustee for the British Asian Trust, founded by King Charles III, and Soho Theatre, one of London’s most vibrant cultural institutions. Farzana is passionate about using storytelling as a powerful communication tool to bridge worlds and create positive change.
Olga Balakleets is an internationally celebrated concert pianist and dynamic entrepreneur, known for her leadership in global cultural and philanthropic initiatives. As the CEO of Venus Global Events, Olga has orchestrated numerous prestigious cultural projects worldwide. In 2016, she founded the Creative Women International Platform, now active in over 50 countries, dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs who integrate creativity into their business practices.
Olga’s influence extends to governmental advisory roles, sports, and youth development. She serves on the steering committee of Football for Peace and the Board of Directors of Nicosia Young Ballet. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Pushkin Medal and “The Business Woman of the Year Award.”
Dr. Batoul Baz is a distinguished scientist and leader with a doctorate in Pathology from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a post-doctoral fellowship from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. She currently serves as the Director of the National Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Research and is the Supervisor of the Southern Genome Program at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). With over 15 years of research and administrative experience, Dr. Baz has made significant contributions to the fields of biotechnology and biomedical research in Saudi Arabia. Her leadership at KACST is instrumental in driving advancements in genomic research and technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Ouafa Belgacem is a strategist and Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) financing expert with extensive experience in designing and financing international cooperation and development programs across Africa, Asia, and the MENA region. She is the founder of Culture Funding Watch, CCIBoost, RMDigithon, and Artnstay, leading initiatives to empower creatives through financing intelligence platforms that connect artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals with decision-makers and funders.
Ouafa is dedicated to building equitable and sustainable ecosystems for CCIs in the global south. She serves as a UNESCO expert and member of the UNESCO 2005 convention, promoting diversity of cultural expressions in the digital age. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential creatives of African descent in 2021 and among the Most Powerful African Doers of 2022, Ouafa is a prominent voice in the cultural sector.
A visionary in social entrepreneurship and a pioneer in women-led, gender-focused development initiatives for over 30 years, Dr. Iman Bibars has revolutionized the field of social innovation. She is the Co-founder and Chairperson of Egypt’s first microfinance organization, the Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW), which provides credit and legal aid to impoverished female heads of household.
Dr. Bibars is also the founder of Ashoka’s Women’s Initiative for Social Entrepreneurship (WISE), a movement aimed at redefining success and elevating women social innovators globally. With a PhD in Development Studies from Sussex University and both a BA and MA in Political Science from the American University in Cairo, Dr. Bibars continues to be a powerful advocate for women’s empowerment and social change.
Dr. Boulos is a distinguished neuroscientist at the intersection of academia and industry, holding a dual Ph.D. in neuroscience from McGill University and the University of Strasbourg. As an Associate Professor at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, she leads pioneering research on the impact of chronic multi-crisis contexts on brain health through the “ENSA” project. Committed to innovation, Dr. Boulos is focused on transforming scientific advances into digital tools to aid society during crises. Her groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2020 L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize as one of the world’s 15 most promising female researchers. Additionally, she is a Partner at Globivest, a venture capital fund investing in startups that promote human and environmental health.
Jacqueline Bourke heads up a team of researchers, art directors, and curators at Getty Images, where she is responsible for producing visual insights, imagery, and video creation used in award-winning advertising, design, and editorial projects. As the leader behind Getty Images’ VisualGPS offering, Jacqueline provides fresh, regionally relevant creative content and insights that engage and inspire creatives and marketers across EMEA.
With expertise spanning advertising, cinema, social networks, and press, Jacqueline brings over 20 years of experience in academia, advertising, and media. Her role as a Creative Director positions her as an influential figure in shaping how visuals impact storytelling and brand engagement in today’s digital world.
With over 20 years of experience in investment banking and IT, Althea Bunce has held senior management roles, leading large teams and delivering major business improvement programmes. Seven years ago, she founded a luxury bespoke travel boutique, specialising in Sri Lanka, where she is now a leading expert. A finalist in the 2023 International Women in Travel & Tourism Awards, Althea is also the Chair of Creative Women in Sri Lanka, leading impactful initiatives for women and girls.
Pernilla S. Corizza is renowned for her innovative leadership philosophy, which transcends traditional paradigms by focusing on Leading Through People. Her approach emphasizes creating meaning, empowering individuals, and ensuring that every person feels valued for both who they are and the contributions they make. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Pernilla’s expertise in motivation,
psychological safety, and perceptual understanding is sought after by leaders around the world.
As the founder and CEO of Honor Your Leadership, Pernilla has been instrumental in driving a global shift in leadership practices that prioritize the well-being of people and organizations alike.
Ana Irene Delgado currently serves as Panama’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. Her distinguished diplomatic career includes being Panama’s youngest Ambassador to the U.K. and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as Ambassador to Iceland, Ireland, and Norway. A former member of the Panama Parliament, Ana Irene was the first female representative of her constituency and authored significant legislation, including the Incentives for Sports and Athletes bill.
A former national athlete in fencing and modern pentathlon, she is also the Vice President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and leads the FIE Environment and Sustainability Group. Her career is an extraordinary blend of diplomacy, politics, and sports leadership.
Gabriella Di Laccio, named one of the BBC’s 100 most inspirational and influential women, has built an exceptional international career in opera, oratorio, and chamber music. Recognized by Sir Charles Mackerras as “a singer of outstanding talent,” she regularly performs on global stages, covering a wide repertoire from baroque to contemporary music.
As the founder of Donne, Women in Music, Gabriella is a champion for gender equality and diversity in the music industry. Her initiatives include creating the world’s largest database of female composers and setting a Guinness World Record with the Let HER MUSIC Play™ Campaign. She has also partnered with the Royal Albert Hall to amplify female voices in music. Her work, featured in The New York Times, highlights the significant gender inequality in music, with only 7.5% of global performances featuring works composed by women.
Amal Dokhan is an entrepreneurship advocate, venture capitalist, and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience in the MENA region. She is currently a Managing Partner at 500 Global, where she leads the Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator Fund, investing in early-stage tech startups. Amal’s career includes key roles at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Babson College, where she spearheaded innovation and accelerator programs for major organizations like Aramco, STC, and Sabic. A seasoned angel investor, Amal also serves on the boards of VCPEA and the Middle East Venture Capital Association. As a Kauffman Fellow, she is part of a prestigious global network for venture capitalists. She has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the Middle East for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024.
Jill Douka, MBA, is a Master Certified Coach, ranking in the top 4% of coaches globally, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. A 3-time #1 best-selling author and 2-time TEDx speaker, she has also been recognized as an award-winning business mentor by the European Union. As the founder of the Global Academy of Coaching, Jill has been a pioneering force in helping individuals achieve success and personal fulfillment.
Kahwa Douoguih is a visionary entrepreneur, economist, and educator with a focus on sustainable economic development and creating resilient systems. Over the course of her career, she has successfully founded and grown businesses in the natural resource, energy, and agribusiness sectors. Kahwa has also developed innovative modeling and scenario testing tools that use economics and data analytics to improve executive decision-making.
With extensive experience across Africa and the Americas, she has worked with public and private sector institutions, including Vale (Inco), Africa Finance Corporation, IMF, and various startups. As a professor at Norwich University, Kahwa draws on her global expertise to provide students with a globalized perspective on business and entrepreneurship, preparing them for an unpredictable future.
Dr. Viola Edward is a highly awarded mentor, leader, and humanitarian, renowned for her pioneering work in emotional wellness and mental health fitness in the workplace since the 1990s. As the CEO and Co-Founder of GRIT Academy and a Partner of Creative Women Platform, Viola has developed groundbreaking methods such as BQ-Breath Intelligence, the GRIT Method, and Leadership Intelligence (LQ). She also serves as President of the Global Mentoring Network (GMN) and Honorary President of Charity on Wheels.
With a background in transcultural psychotherapy and a deep commitment to alternative education, Viola’s expertise spans breathwork, mentoring, and holistic business consultancy. She is the author of two books and co-author of 22 others, establishing herself as a leading voice in leadership, wellness, and emotional intelligence.
Nahed Eshaq is a visionary designer with over 20 years of professional experience. As the founder of PLAN Concepts, she has become a prominent voice in Bahrain’s design community, seamlessly blending traditional and modern aesthetics to craft unforgettable interiors. Her passion for design is evident in her ability to curate spaces that harmonize furniture, art, and textiles.
In addition to her design work, Nahed founded Art Link, an art space that merges interior design with fine art, featuring painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Her dedication to social entrepreneurship and design innovation has made her a key figure in Bahrain’s creative industry, inspiring others to enrich their lives through art, design, and creativity.
Yasmeen Gailani was born in London and spent much of her life in Muscat, Oman, before relocating to Dubai in 2015. With a strong academic background in Middle Eastern Studies and International Development, Yasmeen has become a key expert in the Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art market. At Sotheby’s, she has played a pivotal role in overseeing the valuation and cataloguing of major collections for Sotheby’s Middle East auctions in London.
Yasmeen has also been instrumental in developing a robust calendar of events to support Sotheby’s traveling exhibitions across the region. She has organized educational lecture series, workshops, collector dinners, and specialist tours to engage and inspire both art collectors and enthusiasts.
Cassandra Heilbronn is a seasoned leader, currently serving as the CEO of a Private Family Office based in Riyadh, where she oversees global operations, investments, and strategy. Prior to this role, Cassandra worked as a Sports & Corporate Risk Lawyer in both Australia and Saudi Arabia. Her leadership and expertise have garnered her numerous accolades, including being named in the Top 20 under 40 in 2017 and featured in the Who’s Who List of Australian Women in 2015 and 2017.
Cassandra’s dedication to the legal and corporate sectors is further highlighted by her past role as President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland and her appointments to various boards.
Lamia Kamel, a trailblazer in political communication and public relations, has made significant contributions to Egypt’s tourism and communication sectors. As the former Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Promotion, Lamia applied her vast expertise to enhance the performance of the tourism sector in Egypt. In 2006, she founded CC Plus, which has since grown into one of Egypt’s leading consulting firms. She is also the visionary behind the Narrative PR Summit, Egypt’s premier platform for nation branding, which has successfully hosted seven editions under the patronage of the Egyptian cabinet.
Aradhana Khowala is a global leader and expert in the luxury hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. With a career spanning 24 years across five continents and over 75 countries, she is renowned for her transformative work in regenerative tourism development. As the CEO of Aptamind Partners, Aradhana leads a strategic consultancy that advises governments, emerging destinations, and organizations on sustainable tourism solutions.
Join us on October 7th and 8th, 2024, to hear from Aradhana Khowala and other distinguished speakers at this transformative event, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Aleksandra Shchelkonogova is a seasoned event and project management professional with over a decade of experience. Since 2016, she has served as the Project Coordinator for the Creative Women Platform and Project Manager for the prestigious Ballet Icons Gala, contributing significantly to the conference and live entertainment sectors.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Hons) from a Russian university, Aleksandra transitioned to Event Management in 2014 after moving to the UK. She holds a Diploma in Event Management and a Certificate in Digital Marketing, enabling her to manage a wide range of events, from large-scale productions to bespoke and virtual experiences.
Aleksandra’s expertise spans over 9 years in event management, excelling in client relations and project delivery. She has successfully led events in the UK, Cyprus, and the UAE, and her 7 years of experience in integrated marketing campaigns further enhances her reputation for driving success with innovation and precision.
