Alpha TOP10 WOMEN
Alpha TOP10 Women: A Tribute to Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship
As the leading voice in the world of business and entrepreneurship, we are proud to unveil the “Alpha TOP10 Women” listicle as a part of the special print edition for International Women’s Day this year. It’s a heartfelt tribute to all those remarkable women shaping industries and breaking through barriers.
These exceptional leaders, unveiled recently at the esteemed SHEROES SUMMIT by MICE EXPERTS on International Women’s Day in Dubai, embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership. Curated with care, this list stands as a witness to the global impact of women who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for future generations.
Embark with us on a journey of inspiration and empowerment, as we shine a spotlight on the diverse achievements of these outstanding individuals here.
Dr.Shanila Laiju
Group CEO – Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres
Dr. Shanila Laiju serves as Group Chief Executive Officer at Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres in the UAE. Dr. Shanila’s career started in 1994 when she made her foray into dentistry. From there, she soon progressed into hospital administration. Her journey gradually saw her evolve into a Clinic Supervisor, Operations Manager, Group Chief Operating Officer, and now – Group Chief Executive Officer. One of her several career highlights includes carving out one of Medcare’s Centres of Excellence: the 65-bedded Medcare Orthopedics & Spine Hospital and the 88-bedded Medcare Women & Children Hospital. Part of what makes Dr. Shanila such an inspiring leader is her tireless commitment to sustainability – in all forms.
Dr. Reem Osman
Regional CEO – Saudi German Hospitals Group UAE
Dr. Reem Osman, CEO of Saudi German Hospital (SGH) Group UAE, has been at the helm since 2017, following her leadership at SGH Dubai since 2012. Her strategic direction has catapulted SGH Dubai into a key player in Middle East healthcare and medical tourism. Recognized as one of the UAE’s top 15 influential figures by Arabian Business in 2017, and consistently featured among the most influential women in the Arab World by CEO Middle East, Dr. Osman, a Saudi Arabian of Syrian origin, holds medical and business degrees, including a healthcare management certificate from Harvard Business School. She is married to Engr. Sobhi Batterjee, Founder and President of Saudi German Hospitals Group, and they have three daughters. Dr. Osman’s leadership is reshaping healthcare services in the region.
Sara Al Madani
Serial Entrepreneur | Founder Sara Al Madani Fashion Design
Dr. Sara Al Madani is an Emirati Multi Award-Winning Serial Entrepreneur, Honored Public Speaker, and former Board Member, selected by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, for the UAE SME Council, under the patronage of the Dubai Ministry of Economy, as well as the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sara started her very first business venture at fifteen years old and became a successful Entrepreneur, receiving an Honorary PHD in Leadership and Women Empowerment for inspiring women all over the world to become business owners. Strong from her outstanding Public Speaking skills, Sara has delivered over 250 keynote speeches for GCC-based and international corporate and educational organisations, while being an active member of the community, encouraging the younger generation to thrive in their academic and business careers.
Dr. Sana Sajan
Director – Danube
Dr. Sana Sajan, the driving force behind American Aesthetic Medical Centre in Dubai, embodies a remarkable entrepreneurial streak. Combining her dentistry background with a passion for aesthetics, she fearlessly established the center, offering cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments. Beyond her medical prowess, Dr. Sana’s eloquence and amicable nature have earned her a prominent place as a sought-after speaker at various forums in media and beyond. Her TED Talk, delivered with captivating grace, showcased her insights into aesthetics and personal empowerment, inspiring countless individuals. In addition to her medical profession, she possesses a remarkable talent for art, which she has been using to support thalassemia patients and raise awareness about the disease in the region. Through independent auctions of her paintings, she donates the proceeds to benefit children with special needs and thalassemia patients.
Amira Sajwani
Managing Director – DAMAC Properties
Amira Sajwani, an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother, Amira Sajwani is the epitome of today’s spirited young Emirati woman. She is the Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties as well as the founder & CEO of PRYPCO. In her role with DAMAC Properties, the flagship arm of the Group, Amira oversees the 360-degree development of properties to ensure product values are maximised including but not limiting to design, construction, sales, marketing and analytics. A key focus of Amira’s responsibilities include overseeing the operations of DAMAC’s network of direct and independent sales agents both locally and internationally, as well as the development of agent programmes and initiatives which strengthens partnerships, and empowers agents with the tools they need to sell more effectively.
Malavika Varadan
Managing Director – The Hive
Malavika began her radio and TV career in the UAE in 2008 and spent 12 years as a breakfast presenter on the Arabian Radio Network. Since 2020, she owns and runs the UAE’s largest and most trusted drama and public speaking school – The hive, a community of over 2000 students of performing arts. Her Tedx talk on making conversation with anyone, has over 24 million views and she is a Khaleej Times Woman of Substance awardee. She now also hosts a podcast on women and money called “More Bang For Her Buck” and spends spare time she has reading and climbing mountains. She is also an Instagram influencer, reaching out to an audience of 32,000 followers with her iGTV videos on Motivation, learning and leading. She is a fitness ambassador for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an influencer for DEWA and its efforts in sustainability and an advocate for the UNHCR, to name a few.
Nadezhda Grishaeva
Entrepreneur | Former professional basketball player
Nadezhda Grishaeva, the renowned Russian basketball player, boasts an illustrious career that spans across various teams. She has graced the courts for the Russian national team, Dynamo Moscow, Turkish Besiktas, and French Arras. Notably, Nadezhda represented her country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Beyond her athletic achievements, she founded the Anvil Fitness Club Moscow and transitioned into the role of a basketball agent.
Grishaeva, a seasoned ex-basketball player with experience in the North American basketball league, stands tall as the European Cup winner and a medalist in The Euro League. Her passion extends beyond personal accolades; she envisions a world where basketball is accessible to all. Her inspiring journey is encapsulated in the phrase: “Dreams are like that: today you are dreaming it, tomorrow you are living it.” In addition to her professional pursuits, she cherishes her family, friends, music, memorable trips, and a keen eye for fashion
Sonal Purohit
CEO & Founder – The PaintBrush Art Community
Sonal Purohit, a visionary artist with a background in English literature, is a renowned figure in the world of abstract, mixed media, and experimental art. She’s the founder of a groundbreaking art community in the UAE, disrupting the conventional art scene and championing exposure for artists. Notably, she introduced the concept of Hybrid Online Live Art & Exhibition, with her community TPBAC even being listed on Amazon. Sonal has earned global recognition as one of the top 10 rising CEOs in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Her unique curation style has set benchmarks in the art world, featuring in prestigious publications and winning the esteemed Maharana Award in Art. Beyond her artistic prowess, Sonal is committed to giving back through charity and CSR activities.
Safa Parvez Peshimam
Artist | Poet
Safa Peshimam, known as Kalopsia Wiz, has been a key figure in Dubai’s art scene for over two decades. Graduating with honors from Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, in 2023 with a Masters in International Business Management with Marketing, Honors. Safahas excelled not only in academia but also as a self-taught artist. Despite her self-taught background, Safa has gained international recognition for her art, winning numerous awards. She is the founder of Hayat Arts and has been hailed as an International Award-winning Artist. Beyond visual art, Safa is also a Digital Creator, Content Creator, Poet, Writer, Photographer, Public Figure, and Fashion enthusiast, showcasing her diverse talents and interests. Safa’s artistic achievements include being named the Ambassador of Art – Italy, a Member of The Art Association – Geneva, Switzerland, and a Member of Dubai Women Business Council – Dubai, UAE. Her poetry book, “Elegy,” earned her the prestigious International “Rabindranath Tagore Literature Award” in 2022, underscoring her talent and contributions to literature.
Mamela Luthuli
CEO – Take Note IT
Mamela Luthuli, an accomplished business leader and CEO of Take Note IT, a company providing Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. As a visionary entrepreneur, Mamela has dedicated her career to safeguarding businesses and individuals in South Africa and globally. With a profound belief in the transformative power of technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, she strives to lead her team towards creating a secure and innovative future. Initiating her entrepreneurial voyage at the age of 14, Mamela’s steadfast dedication to technology has elevated her to the leadership of one of South Africa’s few black, female-led cybersecurity firms. Mamela’s pioneering spirit extends to developing a locally produced product designed to detect and prevent theft and vandalism of critical business infrastructure. Mamela also holds key roles as a board member for the Female Founders Initiative in the Middle East and Africa, a Board Member of the Gauteng Management Agency, and an Advisory Board member of Defense and Security CSIR.
As we reach the end of this special edition, we hope that the stories of the “Alpha TOP10 Women” have left you inspired and awestruck. Each of these women, with their unique journeys and groundbreaking achievements, have redefined the boundaries of what’s possible. They have shown us that with resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership, one can not only excel in their field but also pave the way for others.
Their stories are a powerful reminder that every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth, and every barrier broken is a step towards progress. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s carry forward the spirit of these remarkable women in our own lives. Let’s strive to break barriers, to challenge norms, and to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
In closing, we would like to express our deepest admiration for these extraordinary women and all the women around the world who continue to inspire us with their strength and spirit. Here’s to a future where every day is Women’s Day. Thank you for joining us on this journey of inspiration and empowerment. Until next time, keep shining and keep inspiring.
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Disclaimer: The ALPHA TOP 10 listicles by THE ALPHA MAG reflects editorial judgment and research, but perspectives on fame and influence may differ.