Equity Magazine April 2018

EVENT COVERAGE
Sahar Madani speaks about
her journey and entering the
world of graphic design
Zoe Coussens demonstrated examples
in her comprehensive presentation
The ambitious
Sara Al Madani
inspired the crowd
Hanna Ylijukuri
provided a thorough
case study
Saleha Osmani-Eliard
offers life advice while
sharing personal
experiences
Equity Media’s first-ever conference, WILEF
(Women Inspiring Leadership and
Empowerment Forum) took place at the
stunning Bab Al Qasr, Abu Dhabi, last month.
Keynote speaker, entrepreneur and Founder of WE
(Women Empowerment) Group Sahar Madani discussed
her entrepreneurial journey and setting foot into the design
industry at the age of 40. Touching upon the topic of
entrepreneurship and the world of finance was Saleha
Osmani-Eliard, one of the Managing Directors at Société
Générale Investment Banking. Saleha’s inspirational story
took us through her first job at McDonald’s, right up to her
current job and being instrumental in the launch of the
Middle East chapter of 100 Women in Finance. Sara Al
Madani, one of the youngest Board Members at UAE SME
and enterprise council, ShjSEEN, and Director at Rouge
Couture Fashion discussed perseverance, home/work balance
and how there isn’t a job too small, on the path to success.
For expert knowledge from women within the finance
world, Hanna Ylijukuri, Client Solutions Director of the
MENA region at Asiaciti Trust Administration presented
examples of individuals that need to structure and protect
their wealth. Zoe Cousens, Founder of the Women’s
Investment Network and one of the first women on the
London Stock Exchange taught us how to build and manage
an investment portfolio.
WILEF offered an understanding of the finance world,
entrepreneurial journeys, and tricks of the trade. Each lady
also walked away with goodies from Maison Des Fleurs and
Alexandre J perfumes, courtesy of our sponsors.
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EQUITY