Afef Yousfi

Shaikha Aysha Alqassimi A Voice of Vision, Heritage, and Bold Leadership from the UAE By Afef Yousfi Ambition often competes with tradition, Shaikha Aysha Alqassimi stands as a powerful example of how the two can coexist, not only in harmony but in momentum. A changemaker, academic, and advocate for culture and identity, Shaikha Aysha represents the voice of a new generation of Emiratis: proud of their heritage, bold in their thinking, and unafraid to shape the future. Her journey is driven by a personal mantra: “inspired by the fear of being average.” But to her, this isn’t about perfection or public recognition, it’s about purpose. That single phrase, she says, has been a guiding force throughout her life. It reflects her inner drive to exceed limitations, set bold goals, and evolve constantly, not just for personal growth, but for the betterment of her community. It’s this mindset that has defined her academic pursuits, her unwavering support for local entrepreneurship, and her rise as a young Emirati woman with a voice that carries both confidence and compassion. At the heart of her values is a deep pride in Emirati culture, which she describes as a living legacy of respect, unity, generosity, and pride. Central to that is the Emirati spirit of karam, hospitality, as well as strong family ties and an unshakable sense of community. What distinguishes Emirati culture, she believes, is its ability to honor the past without being held back by it. “We celebrate our past, but we’re not limited by it,” she explains. “This duality is what makes our culture so powerful on the global stage.” Inclusivity, too, is something that resonates deeply in her worldview. Shaikha Aysha sees the UAE’s multiculturalism not as a byproduct of development, but as part of the country’s original blueprint. Founded on the principles of diversity, respect, and unity, the UAE has become home to over 200 nationalities, a testament to its success as a hub of talent, innovation, and peaceful coexistence. As she sees it, this openness has helped position the nation as a global model for collaborative growth. “We take pride in being global citizens while staying true to our roots.” She speaks passionately about the new generation of Emiratis, a cohort she believes is setting new benchmarks in leadership, innovation, and ambition. What sets this generation apart, she says, is their ability to blend deep cultural grounding with global fluency. Raised with the values of their ancestors and equipped with the tools of the digital age, they are uniquely positioned to lead across industries, from technology and sustainability to entrepreneurship and creative expression. “We’re not afraid to take risks, speak up, or lead change. We dream big, not just for ourselves but for the future of the nation.” When asked what gives the UAE its edge, Shaikha Aysha doesn’t hesitate: visionary leadership. From bold investments in education and technology to trailblazing initiatives in space exploration and green energy, she credits the nation’s success to its ability to anticipate the future rather than react to it. The UAE’s ability to remain agile, forward-thinking, and people-centric has placed it at the forefront of regional and global progress. Yet with all this modernity, she remains rooted in tradition. To her, tradition isn’t something to move away from, it’s something to carry with pride. “Tradition is not a limitation, it’s an identity,” she says. It’s this philosophy that allows her to move confidently between the old and the new, embracing both the values she was raised with, faith, family, and respect, and the dynamic tools of today’s world. She believes that true balance comes from understanding who you are and choosing how you evolve. Shaikha Aysha is also a passionate advocate for young Emirati women, encouraging them to believe in their voice and their value. Her message is one of empowerment: “You already have everything within you to shine. Don’t let doubt silence your voice or dreams.” For her, ambition is something to be celebrated, not apologized for. She urges young women to embrace their identity, stay grounded in their values, and lead with courage. “The UAE supports your growth, so dream loud, lead proud.” Looking to the future, Shaikha Aysha sees Emiratis not only excelling in regional leadership but taking their place on the global stage, in diplomacy, tech, sustainability, creative industries, and beyond. She envisions the next decade as a defining chapter, driven by youth who lead with both purpose and heart. In her eyes, the UAE won’t just be a global hub, it will be a global force for good. With every word she speaks and every initiative she supports, Shaikha Aysha Alqassimi redefines what it means to be a modern Emirati leader: one who honors her roots while lifting others toward the future, with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

Empowering Potential The Transformational Journey of Maryam Al Kass By Afef Yousfi To meet Maryam Al Kass is to encounter a remarkable fusion of purpose, professionalism, and impact. As a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a public health educator, and an experienced career development specialist, Maryam has spent more than 14 years helping individuals and institutions unlock their full potential. Her work spans sectors, from government health initiatives to leadership development and entrepreneurship, proving that true growth happens when education, purpose, and strategy align. Maryam’s professional journey began in the healthcare sector as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the UAE Ministry of Health. Her mission quickly evolved from compliance to community education. Through more than 500 awareness sessions, she translated complex health and safety standards into practical, empowering knowledge for individuals and workplaces alike. Her drive to influence positive behavior change laid the foundation for a broader vision—one that addressed not only physical well-being, but emotional and professional development too. This passion for human development led her to the Department of Human Resources in Sharjah, where she took on the role of Career Guidance Specialist. Over the last decade, Maryam has impacted more than 5,700 individuals through customized training workshops and facilitated over 1,400 one-on-one coaching sessions. Her programs target key professional growth areas such as CV building, interview skills, personal branding, and leadership readiness. Her approach blends strategic insight with empathy, enabling job seekers and professionals alike to gain confidence and clarity in a competitive landscape. In 2015, Maryam founded ecaros Consulting for Occupational Health & Safety, a platform through which she has led over 480 empowerment workshops focused on personal development, team building, and workplace well-being. Her entrepreneurial vision expanded her ability to offer tailored training solutions, while maintaining a clear commitment to public education. She also authored The Little Paramedic, an innovative children’s book series that introduces young readers to life-saving first aid concepts in an engaging and educational format. Maryam’s expertise and influence extend beyond workshops and coaching. She is a certified international First Aid trainer, a member of the Arab Parliament for Training Experts, and has served as an Ambassador for UAE National Identity through the Watani Al Emarat Foundation. For three consecutive years, she was recognized as a Knowledge Ambassador by the Emirates Red Crescent. In 2023, her leadership and commitment to national development earned her a nomination to the Federal National Council. Her coaching philosophy, grounded in emotional intelligence and guided by ICF standards, emphasizes transformation through self-awareness and intentional growth. She works with individuals from all professional levels, helping them navigate challenges, define goals, and take strategic action toward lasting change. For Maryam, coaching is not just a service—it is a mission to ignite the light in others. Maryam Al Kass exemplifies how purpose-driven leadership and evidence-based practices can create measurable, lasting results in both individual lives and organizational cultures. Through her corporate training, coaching, and public speaking, she continues to deliver value to institutions seeking transformation and to people aspiring to reach their full potential. Her story stands as a model for sustainable empowerment, proving that with vision and commitment, leadership can begin at any level and ripple outward to change the world.