Sara da Silva Díez: Engineering Trust in Luxury Resale

Noor Sweid: The Visionary Architect of MENA’s Venture Capital Landscape

In this profile episode of Women of MENA, we explore the career of Noor Sweid, a trailblazer who has fundamentally reshaped the Middle East’s entrepreneurial and financial ecosystems. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures and the Founding Chairwoman of the Middle East Venture Capital Association, Noor stands at the forefront of the region’s venture capital evolution. We trace her professional journey, from her early success managing the US$ 1 billion IPO of Depa Ltd—a landmark event as the first private UAE company to list on NASDAQ Dubai—to her diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including the founding of ZenYoga. Beyond her investment leadership, we examine her vast influence as a board member for transformative organizations such as Clue, TechWadi, and Education For Employment (EFE), highlighting her commitment to female health, regional tech growth, and youth job placement. Join us as we profile a leader recognized by the Forum of Young Global Leaders and the Aspen Institute, whose work continues to bridge the gap between global innovation and Middle Eastern talent.

Deemah AlYahya: Architect of Global Tech Diplomacy

In this spotlight, we profile Deemah AlYahya, the founding Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and a prominent tech diplomat. Over a twenty-year career spanning leadership roles at Microsoft, the Misk Foundation, and the Saudi National Digital Transformation Unit, AlYahya has emerged as a fervent champion for digital inclusion and transformation. This episode explores her work in fostering global multi-stakeholder cooperation to advance an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. We also examine her dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs through her founding of WomenSpark, the first Saudi female angel investment group, which has supported over 26,000 women. Join us as we trace AlYahya’s mission to connect individuals and nations with the resources and skills needed to prosper in the digital age.

Vera Futorjanski: Architect of Global Innovation Ecosystems

In this spotlight, we profile Vera Futorjanski, a Dubai-based serial entrepreneur, investor, and global innovation strategist. As the Founder and CEO of Veritas Ventures Global, she operates at the critical intersection of innovation, venture capital, and policy, advising governments and investors across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The episode explores Futorjanski’s pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s innovation landscape as a founding team member of the Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Future Accelerators, as well as her previous leadership of Middle East operations for 500 Global. We also highlight her commitment to female empowerment through Beyond Global, a curated leadership community she founded for accomplished women. Drawing on a truly international perspective—having lived in ten countries and speaking six languages—Vera Futorjanski continues to drive global progress through her advisory work with the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, and various venture funds. Join us as we look at the career of a leader dedicated to building the invisible architecture of the global startup ecosystem.

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.

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.