Women of MENA — Spotlights

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Women of MENA — Spotlights is a narrated series highlighting women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Each episode is an audio adaptation of an editorial spotlight, offering a concise and professional overview of leadership journeys, roles, and contributions. The series documents presence and impact with clarity, respect, and accuracy.

  1. Nada Nasri: Building the Financial Architecture for Global Venture Success

    9h ago

    Nada Nasri: Building the Financial Architecture for Global Venture Success

    In this profile episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we explore the career of Nada Nasri, a financial engineer and the Founder and CEO of Strategic Alpha Ventures®. With a career spanning over 15 years, Nasri has dedicated herself to closing the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and the robust financial infrastructure required for institutional scaling. We trace her professional evolution from her 11-year tenure at Syriatel Mobile Telecom and her work as a Financial Manager for UNDP Syria to her current role as a strategic advisor to venture-backed boards. The episode highlights her pioneering work with The Alpha Framework™, where she integrates AI-native financial systems and predictive analytics to prepare Series A and B companies for high-stakes raises and acquisitions. Join us as we spotlight a leader who is redefining the role of the CFO through the lens of technology and strategic discipline in the Middle East.

    32 min
  2. Women of MENA Spotlight: Sandra Atallah

    4d ago

    Women of MENA Spotlight: Sandra Atallah

    In this spotlight, we profile Sandra Atallah, the Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for Accenture Middle East & Africa. Based in Riyadh, Atallah brings over 20 years of experience to her role, where she leads integrated strategies designed to accelerate business transformation and market leadership. The episode explores her focus on "Total Enterprise Reinvention" and her commitment to incorporating AI-driven insights into organizational growth, a path supported by her executive studies at Stanford University and MIT. We trace her professional journey from managing global accounts like Emirates and PepsiCo to her current leadership in navigating complex technology narratives and brand storytelling across the region.

    21 min
  3. Nouf Badr Al Saud: Advancing Financial Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment

    6d ago

    Nouf Badr Al Saud: Advancing Financial Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment

    This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Nouf Badr Al Saud, a strategic leader dedicated to driving positive change through the intersection of business, education, and public service. Currently serving as a Consultant for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Director of Investment and Financial Sustainability at the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program, Nouf oversees critical financial and investment strategies within Saudi Arabia. Her professional journey is marked by a strong foundation in business law and finance, as well as executive leadership training from the University of Oxford. Beyond her expertise in revenue and contract management—developed through years of service at the Public Health Authority of Saudi Arabia—this spotlight highlights her passionate advocacy for women’s empowerment. We explore how she utilizes her leadership roles to mentor others, break professional barriers, and foster equality through sustainable business practices.

    27 min
  4. Adwa AlDakheel: Architect of the Saudi Venture Ecosystem

    Jun 13

    Adwa AlDakheel: Architect of the Saudi Venture Ecosystem

    Welcome to Women of MENA — Spotlights. In this series, we highlight women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa. In this profile, we explore the career of Adwa AlDakheel, the Founder and CEO of Falak Investment Hub. With more than 12 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, AlDakheel has dedicated the last six years to growing Falak into a central pillar of the Saudi Arabian investment ecosystem. We trace her journey from her early days as a competitive public equities trader in the U.S.—where she won multiple trading competitions—to the successful exit of her first e-commerce startup for more than 180 million AED. Today, she leads Falak as a hybrid business accelerator and angel investment firm, overseeing a portfolio with a market cap exceeding 1.13 billion SAR. Beyond venture capital, this spotlight examines AlDakheel’s diverse leadership roles, including her service as a representative for Riyadh Expo 2030 in Paris and her positions as President of the TeqBall Federation and a board member of the Saudi Squash Federation. A best-selling author with an MBA from MBSC, she also balances her professional achievements with a wide range of personal pursuits as a professional guitarist, private pilot, and master diver. This has been a Women of MENA spotlight.

    26 min
  5. Women of MENA Spotlights: Nouf Al Moneef

    Jun 11

    Women of MENA Spotlights: Nouf Al Moneef

    In this episode, we profile Nouf Al Moneef, a pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and architectural transformation. As a Senior Director and Creative Arts Advisor for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, she serves as the Festival Director for Noor Riyadh, leading significant initiatives within the Riyadh Art program. The episode explores her career trajectory, from her early work designing residential villas and cafes to her leadership in large-scale urban projects and mega-events. With an M.F.A. in Interior Architecture & Design, Al Moneef has applied her expertise to diverse environments, including high-profile design consultations for MDL BEAST and quality assurance for the Diriyah E-prix. Join us as we spotlight her professional journey and her role in shaping the creative landscape of Riyadh.

    30 min

  6. Jun 8

    Women of MENA Spotlight: Nora M. Alsarhan, Architect of Saudi Venture Capital

    In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Nora M. Alsarhan, the Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC). Appointed to the CEO role effective July 1, 2026, Alsarhan has been a central figure in the rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s venture capital ecosystem. We trace her professional journey from her foundational years in transaction advisory at EY to her leadership at Monsha’at, where she directed equity funding initiatives for the Kingdom’s emerging small and medium enterprises. Before stepping into the CEO role, she served as SVC’s Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer, overseeing strategic investments in funds and direct ventures that have helped catalyze the growth of the Saudi startup landscape in alignment with Vision 2030. Beyond her executive leadership, Alsarhan is a Kauffman Fellow and contributes her expertise to numerous boards across the healthcare, sports, and investment sectors. This profile highlights her disciplined approach to capital allocation and her long-term commitment to shaping Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

    21 min

  7. Jun 6

    Her Royal Highness Princess Sora bint Saud: A Legacy of Soulful Enterprise and Cultural Preservation

    In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights, we profile Her Royal Highness Princess Sora bint Saud, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who is redefining the intersection of Saudi tradition and modern innovation. As the founder of Sora Saud Company, HRH has established a diverse portfolio of culture-driven brands—spanning luxury hospitality, fine jewelry, and conscious retail—each designed to serve the community and preserve national identity. We explore the breadth of her "soulful ecosystem," from the Sora Collection, which brings Saudi Arabia’s regional history to life through art and storytelling, to So. by Sora, a boutique platform championing sustainability through pre-loved lifestyle pieces. Beyond her commercial ventures, HRH is a dedicated humanitarian; we look at her work with the Ahyaha Foundation, where she drives meaningful change through initiatives focused on education, women’s empowerment, and social development. This profile highlights how HRH Princess Sora bint Saud utilizes the power of business to tell meaningful stories and leave a lasting legacy of purpose for future generations.

    37 min

  8. Jun 4

    Women of MENA Spotlight: Ashwaq AlShathri

    In this spotlight, we profile Ashwaq AlShathri, a distinguished leader and AI specialist driving digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. Currently serving as the Saudi Country Lead and Managing Director at Publicis Sapient, AlShathri’s career is defined by a unique blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. With a background in Computer Science from King Saud University and specialized leadership training from INSEAD, she has held pivotal roles at global technology giants including Microsoft, where she served as a Government Executive Territory Manager, and Oracle. Beyond her corporate success, AlShathri is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and led Vogue Brand Co. and Chocolate Recipe Co.. This episode explores her multifaceted journey as a strategic visionary, board member, and champion of innovation within the region.

    35 min
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About

Women of MENA — Spotlights is a narrated series highlighting women shaping industries, institutions, and communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Each episode is an audio adaptation of an editorial spotlight, offering a concise and professional overview of leadership journeys, roles, and contributions. The series documents presence and impact with clarity, respect, and accuracy.

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