WAW-GCC Riyadh Edition


Last 16–18 April 2025 in Riyadh, women from across the Gulf Cooperation Council and around the world gathered for the Women Around the World Forum. The event united inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to share stories, exchange ideas and celebrate women’s leadership across cultures and industries.


Our forum featured a dynamic lineup of speakers including entrepreneurs, executives, activists, and thought leaders from across the globe. These speakers share their insights and stories, inspiring attendees to pursue personal and professional growth.

WAW - GCC Forum 2025
(Riyadh Edition) Speakers
Amina
Leelo Weewo
Founder & CEO of Stella Polare Boutique Events, WAW-GCC, WAW-Nordics and Stella Women Around the World, Ambassador of Flame of Peace of Austria in Bahrain, Champion of Women Empowerment, Global Connector, Advocate for Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Bahrain 🇧🇭
Linda
Al-Faisal
Public Figure, TV Presenter, Actress, Brand Ambassador and Winner of MBC Academy’s National Creativity Tour
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Dr. Sara
Al-Reefy
Consultant General & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon, Founder & Medical Director of London Breast Care Centre Bahrain & Advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness and Patient-Centered Care
Bahrain 🇧🇭
Razan
Al-Ajmi
Saudi Arabia’s first female skydiver, Founder of Saudi Skydive Agency, Co-founder of ThirdEye Agency, entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Dr. Sahar
Jawad
Executive Consultant, Strategy Management Expert and PMO Director with 15+ years of experience in strategic planning, project management, innovation and governance frameworks, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Abeer
Tadmori
PhD Candidate, Serial Entrepreneur, EdTech Consultant Driving Innovation at the Intersection of Education, Technology, and Social Investment, CEO of Nuhieh, CEO of Tadmori Technologies, Consultant at Premier Social Investment Firm,
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Sara Saud
AlOtaishan
Founder and CEO of Global Health and Wellness Ventures, Founder & CEO of Lakma Studio, Redefining Fitness Focused on Strength, Community & Holistic Well-being, Strategic Vision, Empowering Leadership, Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Global Wellness Trends
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Dr. Muhra
AlMuhairi
G100 Global Advisor for Family Business & Future of Work, Former Advisor at Abu Dhabi Government, Founder of The Art of Being Academy, Grow Research & Development (NGO), & SMAA Design, Over 20 years of experience in UAE government and private sectors
UAE 🇦🇪
Hamsa Saeed
Johar Juma
Founder of Hamsa Coaching Consultancy, professional certified coach PCC-ICF, life and corporate coach, author of Closed Doors, 100 Global Coaching Leaders Awardee, first Bahraini coach to promote coaching in Arabic, coaching projects across Bahrain Kenya Zimbabwe KSA and UAE
Bahrain 🇧🇭
Roaa
A. Serhan
Group Marketing Director at ALSAFA UNITED, Brand Transformation & Digital Strategy Expert, Visionary Marketing Leader, 13+ Years in Retail & Franchise Sectors, Led Brand Transformations at Apparel Group, Cenomi, Alshaya, and Azadea
Lebanon 🇱🇧 & Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Sarah
Hassanein
Group People Experience Manager at Power International Holding, awarded the UN Women Award 2024, HBR Advisory Council Member, Happiness Coach, advocate for Green HR and Corporate Social Responsibility, and Empowering Women Leadership in the MENA Region
Egypt 🇪🇬 & Qatar 🇶🇦
Iman
Khan
C-Suite Executive, Investor, Managing Partner at ePage Global Group Holding, Business and PR Consultant, Influencer and Founder of MISH Productions
UAE 🇦🇪 & Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Mavis
Yao
General manager of culture and art division at MIE Groups DMCC, leader in China-MENA cultural trade, board member of China-Arab Friendship Association, adviser to Yixing “Going Global” Platform, strategic partnerships across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran
China 🇨🇳 & Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Gülpari
Bayramova
CEO of Agromix LLC, Chairperson of Azerbaijan Business Partners Club, Founder of Karabakh Women’s Revival Center, Agricultural Trade and Investment Leader, Women’s Empowerment Advocate, Author and Speaker
Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Dr. Elizabeth
Coffey
Internationally recognised trusted advisor, lecturer and author, develops CEOs of Global 500 companies, worked across industries in more than 40 countries, former senior partner at Korn Ferry and Mercer Delta Consulting and distinguished lecturer for SPE in 2022–23
USA 🇺🇸 & United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Lamia
Hanafi
Global Chair of Innovation & Startup Ecosystem at G100, Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of NextAfrica, Co-founder of Lok-iz, Forbes & Voice of America Recognition, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Trophy Awardee, Strategic Advisor to Global Corporations
France 🇫🇷
Dr. Sarifa
Alonto-Younes
Internationally recognized award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, bestselling author and philanthropist, CEO of the Australian Women Council (AWC) & Arndell Park Early Childhood Learning Centre (Australia) and President of the International Academy of Marawi (Philippines),
Philippines 🇵🇭 & Australia 🇦🇺
Javeria
Asad
Mechanical Engineer, Optimism & Life Coach, Social Entrepreneur, Champion Toastmaster, Founder of Elite Forum, Author, Trainer, Community Leader, Mentor & Public Speaker on Resilience and Positivity, Dedicated to Creating Transformative Change in Communities
Pakistan 🇵🇰 & Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Jodiann
Goulter
Animal Behaviour Consultant, Energy Alignment Guide, Transformational Speaker, Near-Death Experience (NDE) survivor, expert in holistic leadership and intuitive animal connection.
Australia 🇦🇺
Sheree
Johnstone
Founder of Unseen Styling, Personal Stylist, Image Consultant, former international model, fashion entrepreneur, and expert in personal styling, wardrobe curation, and brand development.
Australia 🇦🇺
Nina Stamenkovic
Shamtanis
UK-Certified Expert in Professional Etiquette and Communication Excellence specializing in business social and cultural settings & Vice President of Business and Professional Women in Cyprus (BPW Cyprus)
Serbia 🇷🇸 & Cyprus 🇨🇾
Nikiara
Purmambietova
CEO and founder of Modestbeauty.Co, global e-commerce platform for modest fashion, advocate for inclusive style and digital entrepreneurship, empowering women through fashion and innovation
Ukraine 🇺🇦 & Turkey 🇹🇷
Gita
Nayee
Intuitive Coach, Award-Winning International Speaker, Women’s Empowerment Advocate
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Nazgul
Shamshetdinova
UK & NEBOSH-certified expert in Environmental & Occupational Health and Safety with 15+ years of experience in oil, gas, construction and FMCG across the Middle East and Kazakhstan and Member of the International Occupational Health & Safety Professional Board (IOSH)
Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 & Bahrain 🇧🇭





















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