In this spotlight, we profile Lamia Hanafi, a leading figure in innovation diplomacy and the Founder and CEO of Nest Accelerator.

Headquartered in Paris and Riyadh, her work focuses on building transcontinental bridges between startup ecosystems in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The episode explores Hanafi’s extensive leadership in the global entrepreneurial landscape, including her tenure as the Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UM6P France, where she spearheaded NextAfrica—the first Pan-African accelerator program established at Station F.

We also highlight her role as the President Global Chair for the Startup Ecosystem at the G100 Women Economic Forum, where she advocates for innovation-driven entrepreneurship and supports women founders on a global scale.

From her beginnings as the Co-founder of the award-winning PropTech startup Lok-iz to her current mission of empowering emerging markets, Hanafi’s career is defined by a commitment to cross-border collaboration and impactful innovation.

In this episode of Women of MENA, we take an in-depth look at the career of Ghada Rashwan, a "path maker" and "fiercely driven" leader who is at the center of Saudi Arabia’s evolving business ecosystem.

Although she isn't joining us today, her extensive portfolio speaks for itself—from her 15-year tenure in the financial and real estate sectors to her current roles as a global strategist.

We explore Rashwan’s journey as the Founder and CEO of SustAInovate.Co.SA and her pivotal work as the Country Chair for G100: Mission Million, where she represents Saudi Arabia on a global platform to foster gender equity and impactful collaboration.

Key highlights of this profile include:

• The Architect of Transformation: How her background at Bank Aljazira and Emaar, The Economic City shaped her expertise in identifying untapped market opportunities and driving millions in revenue.
• A Global Liaison: Her role as the Core Strategic Partner and Head of Arab Regional Engagement for the International Women Day Conference (IWDC) and the Global Women Development Network (GWDN).
• Commitment to the Future: Her active involvement in the Sustainability Professionals of Saudi Arabia (SPSA) and the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), highlighting her dedication to digital transformation and economic progress.

Join us for this comprehensive profile on a visionary leader who is bridging the gap between traditional industry and future-forward innovation in the MENA region.

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Rim Mathlouthi, a seasoned executive with a prolific career in private investment funds, capital raising, and international business strategy.

With over 13 years of experience as a Member of the Board of Advisors for Licorne Gulf Holding, Mathlouthi has navigated complex markets across Qatar, Bahrain, Geneva, and Saudi Arabia.We examine her diverse professional footprint, from her role as Associate Founder of ALWEKA INTERNATIONAL DMCC in Dubai to her work as a private wealth manager overseeing assets for ultra-high-net-worth individuals in global financial hubs like London, Zurich, and Singapore.

The profile also covers her strategic contributions to the Fintech sector in North Africa and her background in luxury operational strategy, illustrating a career defined by versatility and high-level negotiations in the global marketplace.

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Rawan Almogbil, a Riyadh-based serial tech entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Lenks.ai.

Transitioning from a successful career in law, Almogbil has dedicated her expertise to the intersection of artificial intelligence, immersive technology, and education.

We explore her professional evolution from practicing law in the UAE and Kuwait to founding InnovationX and Lenks.ai—ventures recognized by Misk and the Atlantic Council for their potential to transform global collaboration.

This spotlight highlights her commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and her mission to empower others to lead with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Walaa Alattas, a visionary brand strategist and the founder of Project32 Creative Studio.

With over 15 years of experience in brand transformation, Alattas has become a pivotal figure in the Middle Eastern design landscape, advising boards and government leaders on cultural influence and global positioning.

We examine her extensive portfolio, which includes delivering 15.5 billion digital interactions for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and leading successful global campaigns for brands such as Godiva.

The episode also highlights her role in shaping Vision 2030 initiatives and her commitment to advancing design leadership through her work as a founding member of the Graphic Design Association and her pursuit of an Executive MBA for Design Leaders.

This spotlight explores how Alattas bridges the gap between creative execution and business strategy to build lasting cultural impact.

In this spotlight, we profile Dr. Hamida Ouled Slimane, an internationally renowned Clinical and Forensic Neuroscientist and World Scientific Diplomat.

We explore her extensive leadership across global institutions, including her roles as a High-Level Expert for the European Commission, an accredited expert at the United Nations, and the International Vice President of PSAF.

The episode highlights Dr. Slimane’s pioneering research in "Gestational Neurobiology," which investigates the profound impact of prenatal trauma on human development.

We also examine her mission as the CEO of Gaudium, where she integrates brain science with "New Integrative Medicine" to restore dignity to the biological and biographical history of every individual.

Join us for a look at a career dedicated to protecting human rights through the intersection of neuroscience, law, and international cooperation.

In this spotlight, we profile Dina Sam’an, a pioneering Jordanian entrepreneur and the Founder and Managing Director of CoinMENA.

As one of the first to provide digital asset access in the Middle East and North Africa, Sam'an led CoinMENA to become a premier regulated platform with over 1.5 million users and a total trading volume exceeding $5 billion.

This episode explores her role in a landmark moment for the regional ecosystem: the $240 million acquisition of CoinMENA by Paribu in 2025, marking the largest fintech transaction of its kind in the Middle East and Turkey.

Beyond her business achievements, we highlight Sam’an’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through her service on the boards of Princess Sumaya University for Technology and Women in Tech Bahrain, as well as her role as an ambassador for Women Changing the World.

Join us as we examine the career of a leader dedicated to building an inclusive and enduring digital economy in the MENA region.

In this spotlight episode, we explore the professional journey of Nora Almalik, a product leader based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a decade of experience in innovation, digital transformation, and design-driven strategy.

Currently serving as a Digital Product Manager at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Nora has dedicated her career to guiding high-impact ideas from concept to launch.

This profile examines Nora’s unique approach to leadership, which is rooted in a foundational background in Design and Visual Communications from the American University of Sharjah.

We follow her career path through strategic roles at EY and the KAFD Development & Management Company, highlighting her ability to bring clarity, purpose, and empathy to complex digital environments.

The episode also looks at Nora’s commitment to holistic growth as she pursues a Master’s degree in Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University.

From her success at the Global AI Summit’s AI Artathon to her mastery of customer experience design, we profile a leader who is effectively bridging the gap between technology and human-centric design to move businesses forward in the MENA region.

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we explore the professional journey of Dr. Raihan Jumah, the Group CEO of Kingdom International Real Estate.

Dr. Jumah’s career is defined by a unique blend of executive leadership and deep academic expertise.

Holding a PhD in Management Leadership and Organisational Behaviour from Henley Business School, her research has focused on women’s economic opportunities in the 21st century, specifically analyzing female labor force participation.

The episode traces her trajectory from her foundational experience as a purchasing assistant at Aramco in Saudi Arabia to her roles in international distribution and her current position leading a global real estate group.

We also highlight her contributions to academia as a visiting lecturer and her commitment to professional development and change management.

Join us as we spotlight a leader shaping both the business landscape and the study of organizational leadership across the Middle East and the United Kingdom.

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we explore the journey of Maha Shirah, a serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and dedicated advocate for women’s economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

As the founder and CEO of SHEWORKS, Shirah established the first licensed business hub for women created and managed by women, providing a critical ecosystem for female startups to achieve their professional goals through advisory and consultancy.

With an MBA in Finance and over 15 years of diverse experience, Shirah’s mission is centered on preparing Saudi women for the nation’s Vision 2030 transition.

Her leadership extends to influential board positions, including the Business Women Committee at the Riyadh Chamber and the National Women Council.

In addition to her corporate and consultancy work, Shirah is a professional photographer and creative artist, viewing entrepreneurship itself as a form of art.

This spotlight examines her multifaceted career as a bridge-builder for the next generation of Saudi business leaders.