Women Entrepreneur | Page 5

The talent is there, the willingness is there- but there are needs that the corporate and startup worlds must address head-on, if we are to encourage and retain the talent of working mothers within a successful ecosystem.

How a two-year-long hiatus allowed Youmna Khoury to reimagine her enterprise, Youmi Beauty- and make it a bigger success than it was before.

As an initiative of Entrepreneur Middle East Impact, the 2023 Achieving Women Awards aims to celebrate the accomplishments of women across the MENA who have set themselves up as role models for the region's business community.

"I'm a believer in building one's sense of self, because life puts us in numerous situations where a strong sense of self-worth becomes our best defense against feeling lost, insecure, or stuck."

4get-me-not is a UAE-based social enterprise with a mission to raise awareness on the latest news, research, and best practices on Alzheimer's disease and dementia, while engaging members in various creative pursuits and events.

"Many of the problems we work on as entrepreneurs are so much bigger than us and our individual companies, so even on the days when it seems like nothing works, remembering that you are making a difference, no matter how small, helps."

"It's not about money or power or status, but about who you are, and what you value, and how you can contribute to others. When you get a taste of that, it's hard to want to go back."

The New Zealand native has been running the homegrown UAE brand Bliss since 2008, when Dean's decision to become an entrepreneur was sparked by her love and passion for all things floral.

"I personally consider that my work is an extension of myself, and my values don't stop or start when I go home or get into the office."

When talking about her company's exploits in 2022, Saeid doesn't hesitate in stating that the highlight of the year has been Saudade, Styled Habitat's installation at this year's Dubai Design Week in November.

As a woman in the workforce, you must believe in yourself. Ask enabling questions that empower growth, with a focus on upgrading your skills. Stay determined and be relentless in your ambition.

Tara Emad will share tips on growing her self-confidence and resilience in the next edition of the Against All Odds webinar series, helmed by Entrepreneur Middle East Managing Editor Tamara Pupic.

Professional skydiver and stuntwoman Nicole Smith-Ludvik shared her message of hope, positivity, and courage.

Emirati showjumper Amna Bani Hashem and Espand By Maz founder Maz Hakim share insights on what it takes to balance two careers.

"The life we live are the lessons that we teach, so we all have the responsibility to teach what we have learned."

Pallavi Dean offered her perspective on what it takes to build a successful career in the sector that she operates in the MENA region.

Fatma Ghaly will talk about growing Azza Fahmy Jewellery from a homegrown Egyptian brand to an international luxury designer house employing over 250 people.

"I walked into the room expecting to see all men, but there were all women ... This is not how this place [the UAE] is portrayed back home, and to see these women who are real executives, decision makers, and women in power, giving me strategy for my ice cream business, like, 'Do it like this or that,' or 'I can get you this person for distribution,' and so on, was amazing!"

Nominations are now open for the inaugural Women SME Leaders Awards 2022, the first initiative of its kind to recognize and further empower women-owned and run SMEs across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, staged by Mastercard and Entrepreneur Middle East.

Kanwal Ahmed, the founder and host of Conversations with Kanwal and SoulSisters Pakistan, will take part in the next edition of the Entrepreneur Middle East Live webinar series, Against All Odds, on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7pm (UAE).

Nicole Smith-Ludvik will share her unique life story to inspire others with her message of hope, positivity, and courage.

In the next edition of Against All Odds webinar, Entrepreneur Middle East Managing Editor Tamara Pupic will host Pauline Nguyen, an award-winning Australian entrepreneur, author, and executive developmental coach.

More women are making their mark in the traditionally male-dominated finance industry, but they remain underrepresented in leadership positions.

Learn what is possible for those who play at the intersection of design and entrepreneurship in the next edition of the Against All Odds webinar series, helmed by Entrepreneur Middle East Managing Editor Tamara Pupic.

"As a brand, we've become strong enough for people to recognize us whenever they see our flowers. And as somebody who has worked with luxury fashion for a long while, I think that's a big achievement."

As a woman working in a male-dominated industry, Mahendra admits that she has often felt neglected or forgotten by her peers in the sector- however, she made sure that such challenges never deterred her from realizing her goals.