projects.
B Corp Movement Builder in MENA
B Corp certified companies meet rigorous standards of environmental and social impact, forming a global community of over 9,000 businesses committed to using business as a force for good. Despite being relatively unknown in the MENA region, I am proud to lead efforts to grow the movement and increase awareness by:
1.Launching Awareness Campaigns:
- Engaging audiences on social media through educational campaigns about B Corp.
- Showcasing inspiring stories through content like the MENA Impact Spotlight and impactful B Corp video.
2.Supporting B Corp Certifications in the UAE:
- Guiding two companies through the certification process, contributing to the UAE’s total of 12 certified B Corps.
- Learn more on the B Corp page of the MENA Impact website.
3.Organizing Landmark Events:
- Hosted “The Power of Purpose-Driven Business”, featuring the first B Corp in the region.
4.Publishing Thought Leadership:
- Authored articles for leading regional publications, including Entrepreneur Middle East and Stanford Social Innovation Review Arabia, to champion the B Corp movement.
International Women’s Day Campaign
To celebrate International Women’s Day, I led a comprehensive internal and external campaign with Veolia, highlighting women’s contributions to sustainability and climate action:
1.Special Podcast Series:
- Developed and hosted “Women Driving Climate Action”, featuring inspiring conversations with three women leaders from the GCC, representing the government, private sector, and startups.
2.Half-Day Employee Event:
- Co-created and hosted a half-day event for Veolia Middle East employees as the MC.
- Organized multiple panels showcasing women from across the Veolia Group, fostering genuine discussions about their experiences and challenges in the workplace.
Through this campaign, we celebrated the achievements of women driving change and created meaningful spaces for dialogue and connection.
Empowering Youth Through Green Skills Training
MENA Impact proudly partnered with TAP, the Talent Acceleration Platform, a social enterprise dedicated to creating remote job opportunities for underserved and high-potential youth in the Middle East. Together, we developed a tailored program to:
- Equip young participants with in-demand green skills.
- Increase their employability and chances of securing remote jobs.
Program Highlights:
- Participation: Over 20 youth joined the program.
- Impact: Achieved a 90% satisfaction rate among participants.
- Results: 25% of participants have already secured remote jobs, showcasing the program’s tangible outcomes.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a sustainable future.
Impact Startups Mentorship
As a passionate advocate for impact entrepreneurship in the MENA region, I actively support sustainability-focused startup programs by:
- Mentoring and Coaching Founders: Guiding entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and unlock their potential.
- Defining Impact Business Models: Helping startups align their business strategies with measurable social and environmental impact.
- Building Ecosystem Connections: Connecting founders to the local impact ecosystem, fostering collaboration and growth opportunities.
- Branding and Community Engagement: Empowering startups to effectively communicate their mission and build vibrant, engaged communities.
Through this work, I aim to empower founders to drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.
Speaking Engagements.
Event Moderation at COP28 UAE Green Zone
At COP28 UAE Green Zone, I had the privilege of moderating impactful events, showcasing critical discussions at the nexus of climate action and innovation:
Master of Ceremonies (MC):
- Hosted a half-day event organized by the UAE Ministry of Health and WHO, focusing on the vital intersection of health and climate change.
Panel Moderation:
- Moderated a panel on “The Power of Creativity for Climate Action”, organized by TikTok, exploring how creative platforms can drive impactful climate solutions.
Google for Startups Panel Discussion
I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion organized by Google for Startups, alongside Google representatives and venture capitalists. The session focused on:
- Exploring Critical Climate Issues: Addressing the unique challenges posed by climate change in the MENA region.
- Supporting Climate-Tech Startups: Discussing the obstacles faced by startups innovating in the climate-tech space and the support needed to drive their success.
Keynote Speech with LinkedIn and Dubai Culture
I was honored to deliver a keynote speech hosted by LinkedIn and Dubai Culture, where I shared my journey to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice for Sustainability in the MENA region. Through this platform, I highlighted the power of leveraging LinkedIn to drive meaningful conversations and inspire action in sustainability.
Global Sustainable Development Congress 2023 x KAUST
At the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2023 hosted by KAUST, I played a key role in amplifying the event’s impact through:
1.Social Media Campaign:
- Designed and executed a comprehensive social media campaign covering the two-day event.
- Conducted interviews with entrepreneurs, spotlighting their contributions to advancing the SDGs.
2.Fireside Chat:
- Engaged in an insightful fireside chat with renowned architect and circular economy pioneer William McDonough.
- Discussed the pivotal role of businesses in driving sustainability and fostering innovation.
SEE Institute Panel Discussion
I moderated a dynamic panel discussion as part of the Climate Talks series, titled:
”Sustainability in Action: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Climate-Resilient Tourism, Hospitality, and Mega Events in the UAE.”
The session featured prominent industry leaders who shared insights on:
- Addressing sustainability challenges within the UAE’s key sectors.
- Exploring innovative opportunities for creating climate-resilient strategies in tourism, hospitality, and major events.
Podcasts.
I produce and host two impactful podcast shows, each with a unique mission to inspire change and raise awareness:
1. Impact Talk
Redefining success through stories of purpose-driven businesses.
- This podcast shares the journeys of businesses that balance profit with social and environmental impact, proving that purpose and profit can coexist.
- We amplify the voices of business leaders and entrepreneurs from the MENA region who are spearheading a new wave of sustainable business practices.
2. Let’s Turn the Tide by Veolia Near & Middle East
Highlighting environmental and climate solutions in the Middle East.
- This podcast raises awareness of the region’s environmental and climate challenges.
- Featuring expert guests from Veolia and its partners, we spotlight practical solutions that are being—or can be—implemented to create a more sustainable future.
