Innovation is shaping the future, and the top 10 female leaders of 2025 are driving change across industries. From technology and healthcare to sustainability and finance, these leaders are introducing new ideas, solving real-world problems, and setting new standards. Their contributions are not only transforming businesses but also creating opportunities for future generations.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 female leaders who are making a difference in 2025. Each of them has shown dedication, expertise, and leadership in their respective fields. Their work is not just about success—it’s about impact.
Top 10 Female Leaders | International Women’s Day 2025
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the powers behind the innovation and success in the business landscape of different industries. Below is the list of the top 10 female leaders we believe are driving innovation in 2025 in GCC and beyond. Let’s get to it.
1. Sahar Al Marzouki: Inspiring Saudi Arabia’s Next Generation
A visionary from the start, Sahar Al Marzouki’s childhood dream was to open a school. Following a successful banking career, she found the opportunity in 2004 to establish Al Faris International School in Riyadh to offer a world-class education for Saudi youth. Soon recognized as an educational trendsetter, she implemented innovative teaching methodologies and classroom technology, leading Al Faris to become the second IB Continuum School in Riyadh and the third in the Kingdom to offer the PYP, MYP, and DP programs. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the school now has 2000+ enrolled students, representing over 30 nationalities; a second branch in AlUla, and a new Riyadh campus underway.
Reflecting her commitment to the people and communities that surround her, Sahar and her team built a social responsibility program in the school several years ago with the help of UNESCO, and part of their curriculum involves participation in social responsibility activities.
Sahar’s leadership not only revolutionized KSA education but earned her numerous honors, including the 2022 recipient of the Education and Training CEO of the Year Award from CEO Middle East Magazine, Dubai, and keynote speaker at Forbes Women’s Summit 2023, Riyadh. Additionally, she is recognized for her support of cancer awareness, refugee assistance, underprivileged families, and environmental advocacy.
Her inspiration and energy come from her belief in the transformative power of knowledge and her striving to ensure that quality education is available to everyone. She views Al Faris as a launchpad for a continuous adventure of life-long learning for both her students and her staff. The school’s ethos is one of curiosity, open-mindedness, risk-taking, creativity, collaboration, and responsibility. Through her unwavering vision and commitment to innovation, Sahar Almarzouki is helping to build the intellectual capital to power the future of Saudi Arabia.
2. Iman Yelena Kissane: Revolutionizing Communication and Storytelling in the Oil & Gas Industry
Iman Yelena Kissane’s journey began in journalism, working for France24, where her deep curiosity and passion for storytelling took shape. Now after 7 years in the UAE, she is breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and is redefining how the oil and gas and subsea sectors communicate, educate, and engage. Currently, she leads as the Head of Communication and Marketing Manager at PETRODIVE.
Through innovative storytelling and gamification, she has introduced groundbreaking projects, including a diving-themed comic book for the company PETRODIVE and an industry-first Monopoly-style game tailored for the subsea industry enhanced with branded 3d printing pieces. By merging creativity with industry knowledge, she is transforming complex topics into compelling narratives that drive engagement and learning. She believes, “Innovation isn’t just about technology- it’s about how we communicate, connect, and inspire change in even more traditional industries.”
As one of the few women driving innovation in the subsea sector, Iman is paving the way for more inclusive and creative approaches to business communication. Her vision for the future is clear: to continue challenging norms, empowering businesses with storytelling-driven solutions, and proving that communication and gamification can be powerful tools for transformation. “When we reshape the way industries communicate, we don’t just tell stories- we create impact, drive progress, and create a legacy.” Iman reflects.
Iman brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, planning and creativity, she excels in crafting impactful marketing strategies, leading her projects to success. With her fearless approach to innovation, commitment to change, and business acumen, Iman Yelena is setting a new standard for leadership in the oil and gas sector, proving that creativity is essential and has a vital role in shaping the industry’s future.
3. Shreya Shri | Pioneering Digital Innovation and Blockchain Growth
Shreya Shri is a visionary entrepreneur and digital strategist redefining the landscape of blockchain, fintech, and digital marketing. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Dave Labs, Director & Co-Founder of Shri Lab, and Founder of Siamaq, she has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to build brands, drive technological advancements, and create high-impact marketing solutions. With a background in IT and services, Shreya seamlessly integrates creative design, digital assets, and Web3 strategies to deliver exceptional business outcomes.
Her journey began in Kolkata, where she nurtured a relentless drive to challenge conventions and push boundaries. After earning her B.Tech in Computer Science from RCEW, she embarked on a dynamic career that included working with industry giants like Electronic Arts. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Siamaq in 2019, turning a small team of three into a thriving company of 50 professionals. Today, Siamaq is recognized for its expertise in brand building, digital marketing, and strategic consulting, helping businesses grow through data-driven insights and innovative campaigns.
Beyond digital marketing, Shreya is deeply invested in accelerating blockchain and fintech innovation. Through Dave Labs, she leads efforts in Web3 strategy, digital assets, and financial markets advisory, positioning her as a key player in the evolving digital economy. Her work in fintech and forex has not only driven financial transformation but also empowered businesses to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies with confidence.
Shreya’s fearless leadership is rooted in independence, determination, and an unwavering belief in her vision. She has consistently broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, standing firm in her decisions and inspiring a new generation of female leaders in tech and business. With her bold approach and future-focused mindset, she continues to shape the digital world, proving that innovation and resilience go hand in hand.
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Siamaq | Dave Labs | Shri Lab
4. Dr. Desziree Richardson | A Voice For Humanity And Empowerment Icon
A luminary of inspiration, Dr. Desziree Richardson is a beacon of empowerment and a transformative force in the world. As an award-winning visionary and global leader, she has dedicated her life to uplifting women, amplifying their voices, and redefining what it means to thrive in today’s world. With unparalleled expertise in women empowerment advocacy and branding icons, Dr. Richardson has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and boundless potential.
A vibratory voice healer and international speaker, Dr. Richardson possesses a rare gift for connecting deeply with her audience, awakening their heart chakras, and igniting a profound shift in their perspectives. Her words are not just heard—they are felt, resonating with love, positivity, and the power to transform mindsets. Through her work, she inspires individuals to see themselves in a new light, embracing their worth and contributing to the healing of our planet through happiness, wisdom, and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Richardson’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized globally, earning her over 100 international awards across diverse categories. These accolades celebrate her unwavering commitment to empowerment, leadership, and humanitarian efforts, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and role model for future generations.
Her visionary brands and platforms—Face of Woha, Women of Heart Awards, Gentlemen of Heart Awards, and Happy Mood Swagger—stand as testaments to her mission: to create a world where everyone feels happy, included, loved, and celebrated. Her advocacy for a positive mindset and vibrant energy transcends borders, touching lives and fostering a global community rooted in compassion and unity. Dr. Richardson’s remarkable achievements include her 100+ international awards while maintaining a motivational and empowering tone.
Dr. Richardson envisions a future where society is balanced, the values of love, equality, and acceptance are inherent, and where resources are abundant and shared with those in need. She reminds us that by embracing our true nature and reconnecting with the Earth, we can nurture and support all living beings, creating a harmonious world for future generations. Dr. Desziree Richardson is more than a leader—she is a catalyst for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a heart-centered healer whose work continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives across the globe. Her legacy is one of love, light, and limitless possibility.
5. Elise van Zeeland – Promoting Inclusivity And Empowering Women
Elise van Zeeland isn’t just navigating change and innovation—she’s driving it. After building a powerhouse career across Europe in energy and healthcare, from the WHO and politics to Shell plc, she took her ambition to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a relentless focus on inclusion, leadership, and innovation, Elise turns bold ideas into lasting transformations, forging cross-industry partnerships that leave a global footprint.
Whether writing a book on thriving in your thirties, mastering a new language, or sharpening her expertise at Harvard Business School, she doesn’t just keep up—she sets the pace. Her journey is a testimony to resilience, vision, and the power of building bridges that redefine what’s possible. Currently serving as Executive Director CEO of Habib Medical Group, Elise leads strategic initiatives that drive growth, innovation and change.
A trailblazer in women’s empowerment, Elise has launched and led influential networks that reshape leadership landscapes. She is well-known for her hands-on approach and relationship-building skills, helping thrive organizations in interdisciplinary teams to achieve top performance. In the Netherlands, she founded écrassée, a movement amplifying and empowering women’s voices, and the Els Borst Netwerk, propelling women into political leadership. Now, she’s taking her impact global.
Alongside Riem Elfar, she co-founded W Women’s Network—an exclusive executive platform empowering female leaders, starting in Riyadh and expanding across the GCC. Elise’s forward momentum is unstoppable. She documents her journey on Instagram and LinkedIn, sharing insights that spark action. With a book on the horizon about how to navigate life in your thirties and a global movement in motion, one thing is certain—you’ll be hearing more from Elise. And you’ll want to be part of it.
6. Dawlat H. Tarifi | Driven by Purpose: Steering Her Journey at the Intersection Where Mobility, Innovation, and Sustainability Meet
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi
“We stand at the dawn of a transformative industrial revolution,” says Dawlat H. Tarifi, reflecting on the seismic shift from traditional combustion engines to electric powertrains and diversified energy solutions. “This is not a passing trend but an inevitable evolution. To thrive in this rapidly changing world, both individuals and organizations must do more than simply embrace change—they must innovate, adapt, and lead with vision and purpose.”
With over a decade of experience in business development, market analysis, and strategic decision-making, Tarifi’s career has been a journey of continuous growth and reinvention. Raised in a family with a distinguished heritage on both sides, success was never viewed as a mere aspiration, but as a natural expectation—earned through perseverance, integrity, and a relentless work ethic. Her family’s legacy spans a wide array of fields—from law and medicine to engineering, politics, business, academia, and the arts—each contributing to her understanding of success and motivating her to leave a meaningful mark on the world.
“Living up to such a distinguished lineage has been both an honor and a challenge,” she shares. Tarifi explored multiple career paths before discovering one that not only aligned with her passions but also provided a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. “This journey has been transformative—evolving me from someone driven by ambition to someone propelled by purpose, running the marathon of success with a clear, steadfast vision.”
Throughout her career, she has delivered significant value to organizations across a diverse range of industries—from agile startups to established global enterprises. Her expertise spans media, law, digital marketing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and large-scale events and exhibitions, with a particular focus on her current role at Terrapinn Middle East. “In every role I’ve taken on, my primary objective has remained the same: driving top-line growth, creating sustainable revenue, penetrating new markets, expanding market share, and facilitating foreign direct investment into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East.” She has had the honor of collaborating closely with both government stakeholders and private sector leaders, fostering strategic partnerships that fuel scalable growth and enhance competitive positioning in dynamic, rapidly evolving markets.
A deep-rooted passion for clean energy and sustainability has been a cornerstone of her professional and academic journey. During her MBA in International Business at Regent’s University London (2017–2019), she focused on solar and renewable energy, critically evaluating whether nations were truly prepared to embrace a sustainable and green future. “That experience solidified my commitment to advancing transformative change within the global energy sector,” she notes. “The world needs bold, sustainable solutions to secure a better tomorrow.”
Among the most rewarding milestones of her career has been her involvement in the creation and expansion of Mobility Live Middle East. What began as a visionary concept in 2023 has rapidly grown into the region’s most influential and widely recognized exhibition dedicated to mobility and transport. “Seeing the event flourish year after year, with a diverse range of participants and a strong presence of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry leaders, has been incredibly fulfilling. Mobility Live ME is now the premier B2B and B2G platform in the Middle East’s mobility sector.”
Looking to 2025 and beyond, the ambition is to continue evolving Mobility Live ME into a fully integrated, energy-diversified, and mobility-centric platform. “We aim to expand its global outreach, positioning it as a leading force in the ongoing transformation within the transport industry,” she states. Through her work with the highly talented transport family at Terrapinn, Tarifi has learned that true success is never achieved in isolation. “Collaboration, community, and the collective dedication of a motivated and united team—this is what drives real progress.”
Dawlat H. Tarifi holds a double BA in Public Policy & Management and English Language, with a concentration in Creative Writing, from the American University of Beirut (2014). She also earned an MBA in International Business, specializing in Clean Energy, from Regent’s University London (2019).
7. Nicolette Packwood | Empowering Women In The Sports Industry
Nicolette Packwood, Founder of Pitch Direct, and the Co-Founder of Bititi Strong Women, is a pioneering leader in sports marketing and women’s empowerment, driving strategic partnerships, gender equality, and sustainable business solutions. As the Founder of Pitch Direct, she has built a specialised sports agency focused on sponsorship solutions, sports tourism strategies, and driving commercial growth for federations, clubs, and major events. Under Nicolette’s leadership, Pitch Direct has secured multi-year sponsorships, expanded City Mountainbike into Africa and North America, and played a key role in sports tourism campaigns like award winning Visit South Africa’s partnership with the Atlanta Hawks.
Beyond sports marketing, Nicolette is also the Co-Founder of Bititi Strong Women, a networking hub and events platform empowering women and girls in sports. Bititi provides mentorship, career development, financial literacy, and mental health resources, alongside the Bititi Awards, which honour women making a significant impact in the industry. Nicolette and her co-founder, Tsaone Sebele, a professional sprinter and national team captain for Botswana, are launching the Bititi Strong Women Podcast, which will extend year-round engagement and continue growing their community, ensuring ongoing support and visibility for women in sports.
With a vision for a more inclusive and sustainable sports industry, Nicolette is expanding commercial opportunities for underrepresented markets while advocating for equitable sponsorship and leadership for women. Moreover, to introduce new sports and bring global sporting events to the Middle East, Nicollette is partnering with NGOs and federations to develop programs that empower girls in sports. With unwavering commitment and dedication, Nicollette is redefining the sports industry by empowering women, inspiring the ambitious female leaders of tomorrow.
LinkedIn | Bititi Strong Women | Pitch Direct | Website | Instagram
8. Tathiana Machado | Helping Professionals Transition Into Fulfilling Careers
A seasoned strategist turned career coach, Tathiana Machado is empowering professionals—especially women, to create fulfilling and purpose-driven careers. With a decade of experience in Management Consulting at McKinsey & Company across the Americas and the Middle East, as well as leadership roles in strategy for high-growth tech startups, Tathiana has built a deep expertise in solving complex business challenges. She holds an MBA from INSEAD, ranked among the world’s top business schools, and has worked across four continents, giving her a truly global perspective. Leveraging this background to help professionals navigate career transitions, and overcome self-doubt, Tathiana helps build meaningful careers that align with their values.
Her coaching journey was inspired by her career transition after becoming a mother. She realized that many professionals—especially women, struggle to balance ambition with fulfillment, often feeling stuck in careers that no longer serve them. As the Career Coach at MBM Coaching, she offers structured programs that take clients through a step-by-step process of defining and achieving their ideal careers. Helping them uncover their purpose, clarify their core values, and build a vision for where they want to be, Tathiana guides her clients in identifying the roles, companies, and even locations that align with their aspirations. The process then shifts to execution—whether that means acquiring new skills, expanding their network, improving their branding, or preparing for interviews and career-defining conversations. By breaking career transitions into clear, actionable steps, she ensures that her clients move forward with confidence and clarity.
As the Gulf region continues its rapid economic transformation, Tathiana sees a growing opportunity to empower women in the region to take charge of their careers. She has also observed a rising trend among consultants in the region—many professionals move to the GCC for consulting roles but, over time, find the lifestyle unsustainable or seek a shift to industry roles where they can have a more hands-on impact.
Recognizing this need, Tathiana has developed specialized coaching offers for consultants looking to exit into careers that bring them more fulfillment, whether in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, startups, or other strategic roles. Personally facing the stage where she struggled to find the true purpose and balance in her profession, a coaching journey helped her rediscover her true purpose, inspiring her to follow the path of helping others struggling in a similar phase. Through her coaching, she hopes to redefine success for professionals in the region—not just as climbing the corporate ladder, but as building careers that align with their long-term aspirations and personal values.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
9. Marchia Rampath | Advancing Sustainable Car Care in the UAE
Marchia Rampath, Chief Executive and Owner of Green Shine UAE, is leading the way in sustainable car care with a focus on waterless detailing solutions. For over 12 years, Green Shine has provided high-quality services while helping to reduce water consumption in the region. Under Marchia’s leadership, the company has built a reputation for efficiency and environmental responsibility, offering an alternative to traditional car washing that conserves resources without compromising results.
Before starting Green Shine, Marchia spent 15 years in the corporate sector, where she developed expertise in project management, quality assurance, and operations. Her decision to become an entrepreneur was driven by a clear goal: to grow a business that aligns with the UAE’s sustainability efforts. Green Shine’s mission supports the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036, ensuring that its services contribute to a more sustainable future.
Green Shine has not only helped customers maintain their vehicles but has also raised awareness about the importance of water conservation. By replacing water-intensive washing methods with innovative alternatives, the company is setting an example for how businesses can operate responsibly. They are also partnered with ENOC and EMARAT. Marchia believes that sustainability should be practical and accessible, and she continues to refine Green Shine’s offerings to make eco-friendly car care more widely available.
As the company moves forward, Marchia is focused on expanding its services and forming partnerships that promote sustainability. She is committed to exploring new technologies and refining Green Shine’s processes to improve efficiency and environmental impact. Her goal is to ensure that Green Shine remains a leader in responsible car care while continuing to serve the growing demand for sustainable solutions.
Through her work at Green Shine, Marchia Rampath is demonstrating that business success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. By focusing on practical solutions and long-term impact, she is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the car care industry in the UAE.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website
10. Yasmine Gueddiche | Driving Innovation In Fashion Retail Landscape
Born in Paris, being French with a rich Arab heritage, Yasmine has always been driven by a passion for fashion, business, and innovation. She reflects, “My journey—from the heart of Europe to the dynamic retail hubs of the Middle East—has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a vision to redefine how fashion brands operate in an era of retail transformation.” Four years back when Yasmine moved to Dubai, she observed not just a thriving market, but a landscape brimming with untapped potential—one that required bold strategies, data-driven decision-making, and a forward-thinking approach to retail merchandising.
Currently, as part of Adidas Emerging Markets, she contributes to shaping retail merchandising strategies for a EUR950M+ yearly network, driving innovation in inventory optimization, strategic trading decisions, and profitability growth.
Throughout her career, Yasmine has spearheaded transformative projects—introducing auto-replenishment systems to combat stock shortages, implementing advanced analytics tools to revolutionize merchandising insights, and redefining pricing and markdown strategies to maximize revenue. She says, “Whether shaping the product vision or driving large-scale innovation, my mission has always been to bridge creativity with strategy, data with intuition, and vision with execution.”
The Middle East is more than just her workplace— it is the place where she is driving change in retail, leveraging insights to enhance operations and contribute to new standards of success. Passionate about blending fashion, entrepreneurship, and innovation, she has a strategic mindset and a visionary approach as she thrives on dealing with new challenges and driving growth in the fashion industry. As she continues to drive innovation in 2025, Yasmine is focused not only on transforming businesses but also on inspiring the next generation of female leaders to challenge the status quo and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion
The achievements of these top 10 female leaders show that innovation is not limited to any one industry or region. They are proving that leadership comes from vision, persistence, and the ability to adapt to change. By pushing boundaries and finding better solutions, they are shaping the future for the next generation of leaders.
As more women step into leadership roles, the landscape of innovation will continue to evolve. Their success is a reminder that when given the opportunity, women can drive meaningful progress in any field.
Also read: Top 10 Most Dynamic Business Personalities in The GCC Region
The Top 15 Business Leaders in GCC’s Fastest-Growing Industries
