Dr. Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
RAK Chamber of Commerce
Board Member

• RAK Insurance Company – Board Member
• Emirates Sports & Cultural Club – Board Member
• RAK SME Association – Member of the Board
• RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ – Chairman
• Business Industrial Academic Council Committee HCT, UAE – Member
• Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK – Member
• Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Member
• Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks in UAE  with total 20 years experience in 3 main leading banks – Vice President

Federica Clara
The Resilience Equation / Purple Lemonade
Owner

Federica Ceresa helps organizations build systems of resilience—both macro and micro—that enable people to think clearly, perform sustainably, and stay emotionally agile under pressure.

Partnering with HR, L&D, and leadership teams, she designs resilience training programs and ecosystems that fuel mental clarity, lasting energy, intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and meaningful workplace connection.

With 20+ years of experience in resilience strategy, leadership development, organizational culture, and change, Federica has held senior roles at Mars, Diageo, and Pfizer. She now advises global organizations including LEGO, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Saudi Aramco, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Her approach blends behavioral science, strategic insight, and human-centered design to create cultures where people thrive—not just survive.

Nouf Ahmed Eid AlHarbi
The Islamic Corporation
Staff Training & Development Specialist

A Human Capital professional currently working at the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a proud member of the Islamic
Development Bank Group.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to work across various roles— from recruitment and learning & development, to organizational change and leadership succession planning.
My journey has been driven by one core belief: Human Capital is not just about processes and policies—it’s about people. And when we, as women, step up and lead in this space, we are shaping not only the
future of work but the future of society itself.

Hossam Fekry
Abudawood Group
Head of HR Shared Services

A cross-functional HR strategic leader with a background in audit and over 18 years of experience across the Middle East and Pakistan regions. I’m specialized in HR operations, transformation, and shared services, bringing a business-minded approach to people strategy. I’m currently building & serving as Head of HR Shared Services for a multinational group, supporting 6,000+ employees across six markets. In the same time, I’m Head of HR for 2 of our 4 companies working in UAE. I’m finalist in HR leader of the year in KSA. further, i’m recognized by Favikon platform as top 20 influencers on Linkedin In HR Industry in UAE during March 2025.

Jassim Al Awadhi
Independent Expert
Digital Transformation and AI Implementation Expert

Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi is an expert and visionary leader in Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence strategy and implementation, with over two decades of experience shaping strategic technology agendas across the telecommunications, government, and innovation sectors in the UAE. Holding a PhD and a strong academic foundation, Dr. Al Awadhi brings a unique blend of scholarly insight and practical leadership to the forefront of digital innovation.

Monia Shakshak
Government Entity UAE
Senior Talent Acquisition

Monia is an experienced and results-driven global recruitment professional with over 12 years of expertise in talent acquisition across the EMEA region. With a proven ability to attract, engage, and retain top talent, she has successfully supported a wide range of industries including government, technology, finance, Transportation& infrastructure , and professional services.

Her career has been marked by a series of progressive leadership and managerial roles, where she has consistently demonstrated her capability in building high-performing recruitment teams.

Monia holds postgraduate diplomas in both Executive Management and Human Resources, equipping her with a strong foundation in organizational strategy and people management.

Currently, Monia is a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Government Entity in Dubai.

Ashique Rafi
INSEAD
Assistant Director, Employer Engagement

Ashique Rafi is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate at the University of Northampton, UK. He brings over 13 years of experience in the UAE in higher education, employer engagement, and career development. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Employer Engagement at INSEAD Middle East, he previously held roles at NYU Abu Dhabi, focusing on graduate career advising and postdoctoral professional development.
Ashique’s doctoral research investigates the psychological contracts of administrative employees in UAE-based higher education institutions, with particular emphasis on multicultural dynamics and organisational context. His work aims to develop a contextually grounded framework that enables institutions to understand better, manage, and align employee expectations—ultimately supporting engagement, retention, and institutional effectiveness.
His wider academic and professional interests include organisational behaviour, human resource management, and talent strategy in a global and cross-cultural environment.

Kim Kiyingi
Arjaan By Rotana.
Senior HR & L&D Leader

He has worked across industries, coached people through major transitions, and supported teams in building meaningful careers. My approach is simple: I combine real-world HR experience with personal growth coaching to get the best out of people.

Kristina Khokhiashvili
Earthlink Group
Group Strategic HR Advisor

Chartered CIPD Fellow and global HR leader with a track record of shaping high-impact people strategies across corporates and fast-scaling startups.

Advisor to Boards and C-suite executives, currently co-leading enterprise-wide transformation at Earthlink Telecom with a focus on culture, agility, and future-ready workforce design.

Expert in transformation, digital HR innovation, and inclusive, sustainable AI & HR practices that align people, performance, and long-term business goals

Holds Master’s in HR Management (University of West London, UK), Master’s in Education Management (King’s College London, UK) and FCIPD Level 7

Nidhi Verma
Master East Logistics DWC LLC
Human Resources Business Partner

Accomplished & Resourceful Human Resources professional with over 11 years of progressive experience in HR operations, talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrates strong expertise in Labour Law Compliance, HR policy development, performance management systems, and employee engagement initiatives. Experienced in managing the complete employee life cycle, including onboarding, induction, training, development, retention, and exit management. Committed to fostering positive workplace cultures that promote diversity, inclusion, and high performance across multinational and regional organizations.
Currently seeking opportunities as HR Business Partner | HR Operations Manager | HR Manager | Senior HR Officer | Employee Relations Specialist preferably in Logistics & Supply Chain / Facilities Management / Construction & Contracting / Real Estate / Hospitality & Hotels / Healthcare / Education / Retail / Aviation / IT Security Service / Oil & Gas or another prominent sector in UAE.

Aysha Sulaiman
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Group Director of Human Resources and Development

Aysha Suleiman is the Director of Human Resources and Development at the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), where she leads the design and execution of enterprise-wide HR strategies. She is responsible for overseeing all core human resources functions, including strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition, organizational development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, succession planning, and wellness programs. A key achievement in her leadership has been the establishment and management of a centralized Shared Services Center, through which she delivers comprehensive HR services to multiple entities within the wider group. She plays an instrumental role in harmonizing HR operations, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing service delivery across the group companies. In addition to her executive role at RAKEZ, Aysha actively contributes to the broader governance of HR across the group as a member of various HR Committees, advising on strategic initiatives, policy development, and workforce transformation agendas.

With over 18 years of experience in strategic HR leadership within the UAE, Aysha is recognized for her ability to drive cultural transformation and lead organizations through complex change. She is particularly noted for aligning HR strategies with business objectives and fostering a high-performance culture that supports sustainable growth. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Human Resource Management from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Sharmishta Mitra
Americana Foods
Senior HR Specialist UAE

Sharmishta Mitra is a Senior HR Specialist at Americana UAE, where she leads key People & Culture initiatives across the region. Known for her passion for talent development and creating meaningful employee experiences, she spearheads programs like Lean In Circles, factory engagement frameworks, and AI-integrated HR practices. With a strong belief in the power of culture and human connection, she brings energy, empathy, and strategic thinking to every conversation—aiming to shape the future of work, one bold idea at a time.

Nato Kvachantiradze
Cenomi Retail Georgia
Human Capital Manager

Nato Kvachantiradze is a senior HR leader and organizational psychologist with over 17 years of experience across international retail and education sectors. She currently leads Human Capital at Cenomi Retail in Georgia, overseeing HR operations for 24 global brands including Zara, Inditex, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Kiko Milano, Aldo, and more. Nato is an HR trainer at BDO Academy and an invited lecturer at the British University in Georgia. Certified in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through HRPA, she also trains and certifies HR professionals in DEI, with a focus on addressing gender pay gaps. Her work bridges strategic HR with DEI implementation, helping organizations create fair, growth-focused environments that advance women’s careers.

Khristine Sumo
Dewan Architects & Engineers
Head – Human Capital Department

Khristine Sumo is a seasoned HR Leader with over 20 years of experience in driving people management strategies across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, particularly within the architectural and engineering design sector. She provides comprehensive HR advisory services covering recruitment, performance management, L&D, DEIB, and employee engagement.

She is highly experienced in implementing and optimizing HR systems to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and employee experience across multi-country operations. Her work includes HRIS implementation, process automation, and the integration of HR technologies aligned with business goals.

An adjunct professor affiliated with Bath Spa University and Pole Paris Alternance, Khristine teaches people management, strategic management, leadership, governance, and ethics. She is also a certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer and Master Coach, blending academic insight with practical expertise to foster emotionally intelligent, high-performing individuals and teams.

Hitashi Malik
Gargash Group
Group HR Manager

With over 15 years of experience in the HR field, a passionate and strategic approach to People & Culture has been demonstrated in the UAE. A consistent track record has been established in the crafting and execution of effective people strategies that have been aligned with business goals, fostering an inclusive, healthy, and positive workplace culture where employees are empowered to reach their full potential.

Chartered MCIPD and SPHRi certifications have been attained, and specialization in Organization Development has been pursued. Expertise has been developed in areas such as Talent Management, People Operations, HR Automation, Employee Engagement, Organizational Development, Leadership Coaching, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Experience has been gained across a variety of sectors and geographies, including E-Commerce, Financial Services, Market Research, Retail, Telecom, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and IT Services, with work conducted in the UAE, USA, and India. A mission-driven focus has been maintained on enabling people to fulfill their potential and on generating a positive impact within organizations and the broader society.

Participation has been made in the CIPD Mentoring Program as a mentor, where young HR professionals have been guided, supported, and empowered.

Recognition has been received through multiple awards and honors: Top 50 HR Professionals in 2025 and 2024, HR Manager of the Year in 2025, and LinkedIn Top Community Voice in 2023. Membership and contributions have been made to the Forbes HR Council since 2023, and an esteemed membership has been held with the Harvard Business Review.

Neetu Choudhary
Evolvitude Fze
CEO

Neetu Choudhary is one of the UAE’s most trusted advisors to the C-suite—an award-winning international keynote speaker, business trainer, and neuroscience-based leadership coach.

With over 23 years of experience in leadership, IT, and business excellence, Neetu combines strategic vision with deep operational expertise. She holds a Master’s in Computer Applications and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ, USA), EFQM Certified Assessor Brussels, ISACA CGEIT USA, certified organizational coach, NLP practitioner, emotional intelligence coach, and clinical hypnotherapist.

She has partnered with more than 150 companies, including Fortune 500s and multinational giants, impacting thousands of professionals across 30+ countries. Her expertise spans IT service management, governance, business excellence, enterprise risk management, and PMO leadership.

David S. Cohen
DS Cohen & Associate
Dr of Education

Since 1991, David has been an internationally respected advisor, leadership and culture guru, best-selling author, coach, and business speaker. His impactful presence inspires leaders and teams while revitalizing engagement, ultimately enhancing business outcomes. With a unique blend of insight, humour, and personal reflections, David empowers audiences, teams, and individuals to achieve their best every day.Clients consistently laud David’s team-building sessions and motivational keynote speeches, describing them as “energizing,” “entertaining,” and a surprising blend of fun and learning. His approach extends beyond inspiration as organizations turn to David to facilitate executives’ understanding of the intricate interconnections among company values, culture, and strategic planning. This comprehensive approach has proven pivotal in aligning organizational culture with strategic plans, ensuring sustainable, longer-term success.

Khulood Shaban
Berkeley & Lords
Director

Khulood is a philanthropist, a business leader, successful business entrepreneur, and the most influence Arabic women in Gulf region. She is the CFO & CEO of Berkeley Middle East holding an American Emirati Joint venture conglomerate with a diversified portfolio. Khulood career is diversified over several roles including CEO, Director Finance, Financial Controller, & Chief Financial Officer based on decade of experience. Khulood core expertise to manage financial transactions for the whole group and in ongoing projects, arises through Merger or acquisitions, study the fundamental and technical feasibility, evaluate the investment risks by applying high level financial management tools for stakeholders keeping ERP, budgeting, variance reporting aligns with financial strategy of the shareholders. Her strengths are innovative & creativity toward a particular business venture, preparation of business plan, coordination with external auditors, lenders, regulatory authorities, compliances, meeting with investors for arranging of Funds, building a capital Structuring simple and complex, IPO’s securities, active management, & financial decision making.