US Department of Transportation official joins high-profile personalities from US Consulate, Emirates Airline, Dubai Civil Aviation, Fly Dubai in discussions

Date: November 13, 2011

Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) recently hosted a roundtable session to tackle current issues affecting women and discuss career opportunities for women in the transportation and energy industries. Raja Al Gurg, President, DBWC, was joined by DBWC Board Members, and Susan Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs of the US Department of Transportation, at the roundtable session, which also included Justin Siberell, US Consul General; Anne Wylie, Economic Officer, US Consulate; Tania Spencer, US Consulate Representative; and Julie Abraham, US Consulate Staffer.

Also attending the event were Dr. Fiona Rennie - VP, Aviation and Occupational Medicine, Emirates Airline; Ms Lisa Williams, Legal Advisor; Alison Ward, Vice President of Recruitment, Emirates Group; Rania Khbays and Shaima Al Qasimi from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; and Heather Astbury, Head of Public Relations at Fly Dubai.

The discussions revolved around finding ways to encourage young girls and women to join the transportation and energy sectors. The participants proposed trading intern programs between the UAE and US in the transportation field, and also encouraging companies in this sector to take middle school students on field visits to give them a better understanding of the industry.

Susan Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs of the Department of Transportation, USA, said: “The Dubai Business Women Council has done a commendable job in promoting the welfare of women and creating opportunities for them to enhance their socioeconomic contributions to the society. The roundtable session is a great example of their proactive efforts that are certainly making a huge difference on the lives of women in Dubai and across the UAE. It was certainly a pleasure to be part of this activity and I wish DBWC more success in organising similar projects in the future.”