Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Courageous Leadership in Action
Panel Discussion | Heriot-Watt University
May 10th, 2025
As part of the “Women in Business: Practicing Courageous & Empathetic Leadership” conference at Heriot-Watt University, Nadine Halabi de Francesca, Head of Business Development and Operations at DBWC, proudly represented the Dubai Business Women Council as moderator of the panel discussion, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Courageous Leadership in Action. The session brought together an inspiring and diverse group of women leaders, including keynote speaker and entrepreneur Juliet Chioma; Dr. Beatrix Henkel, Co-Founder of Hempy People; Angel Tharakan, student at Heriot-Watt University; Betse Irene Orji, Lead Strategist at Evenim Consulting; Noelle Parks, Founder of Ivy Lead Academy; Zehra Fattah, Founder and Managing Director of Kent Consulting & Events; Camila Cascio, Director at Dart; Jihane Bachir, Corporate Affairs and Engagement Director at L’Oréal Middle East; Sonali Chopra, Co-Founder of Project Happiness UAE; and Dr. Tracie Scott, Assistant Professor of Law at Heriot-Watt University. Together, they shared compelling stories of courageous decision-making, navigating uncertainty, and leading with purpose. Under Nadine’s expert moderation, the panel delivered an empowering conversation that left attendees inspired to lead boldly, embrace strategic risk, and foster empathetic leadership in their own entrepreneurial journeys.
