Global BrainTrust Board

Sana is an interculturalist with international experience developing and marketing projects in Africa, Europe, the USA and the Arabian Gulf. She set up the Global BrainTrust to expand grass roots representation in the AI conversation.

Apart from her consultancy work in innovation, digital transformation and sustainability, she focuses on social impact. In 2009 she established Tamakkan to support small businesses (www.tamakkan.com), and Tempo to promote bridge-building, social entreprises and “everyday people doing extraordinary things” (www.feelyourtempo.com). In 2014 she launched The Smovies as a grass-roots short film competition platform to amplify user-generated public-good content. (www.thesmovies.com). After the disruption of Covid, Bagersh authored “What a Leader Should Be’ on compassionate and decisive leadership, and World4Good to promote successful blueprints for a better world. (www.world4good.org).

Professor Banafa is a distinguished expert in IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and AI with a strong background in research, operations, and management. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving the Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco, the Haskell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the Author & Artist Award from San Jose State University.

Prof. Banafa is an accomplished author known for impactful books. His work “Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT) using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” earned him the San Jose State University Author and Artist Award and recognition as one of the Best Technology Books of All Time and Best AI Models Books of All Time. His book on “Blockchain Technology and Applications” also received acclaim and is integrated into curricula at prestigious institutions like Stanford University.

Dr Fran is an international innovator and communication/media specialist. She has over 20 years of experience as a professor, media consultant and communication expert. She has worked internationally and loves to embed strategic media communication within needed synergies. Her expertise ranges from prestigious media companies, top Ivy League academic institutions to government entities.

Dr Fran is an award winning academic, researcher, creative and manager with over 15 years of experience in education, creative industries and entrepreneurship. She served as Media Researcher, Filmmaker & Composer at Yale University, and worked as Creative Director in Saatchi & Saatchi, Reunion in France, and has keynoted and participated in events at the Sorbonne, Oxford University and at Harvard Business Review. She served as Film Festival Director & Creative Consultant in Wyk, Föhr, Germany

Professor Abdullah served as President and Provost of the Abu Dhabi School of Management, providing executive leadership, spearheading strategic initiatives to propel organizational growth and excellence. With a focus on fostering innovation and efficiency, he leads the design and development of academic programs, ensuring their alignment with evolving industry trends and academic standards through local and international accreditations.

Dr Abdullah champions the integration of emerging technologies and streamlined processes, facilitating agile project management and resource optimization. In nurturing a culture of adaptability and collaboration. He actively engages with the community through teaching, research, and advocacy, bolstering the organization’s reputation and visibility through meaningful outreach efforts.

Caroline Heming is a seasoned Creative Director with over 35 years of experience guiding artistic direction, managing creative teams, and executing high-profile projects in corporate settings and Fortune 500 companies. Her professional career is distinguished by a keen ability to blend innovation with business objectives, fostering environments where creativity thrives. Parallel to her corporate role, Caroline is also a dynamic and versatile artist, adept at transitioning between realism, expressionism, and abstract art. Her artistic journey is defined by relentless exploration and a deep commitment to the creative process, free from the constraints of a single genre. This approach has allowed her to produce a rich and diverse body of work that challenges boundaries and embodies the fluidity of artistic expression, reflecting her passion for continual experimentation across various styles and techniques.

Experienced in Business Development and in working in the B2B sector in Abu Dhabi. Skilled in Marketing Management, Negotiation, Business Planning, Sales, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Strong sales professional graduated with a B. Com. He is currently an associate partner with JHEI Services UK, helping startups get business funding from a base of around 9000 worldwide investors.

Soman is also a Sound Healer and a meditation/ manifestation coach. Having been through unimaginable childhood trauma, he has learned to heal, restore and manifest a beautiful life for himself, and now helps people in similar predicaments, to heal and get their normal life back and from there, manifest their desires and live a truly blissful life on planet earth. Soman is a firm believe that you can heal from almost anything.

Brie Alexander is a dynamic cultural producer and media entrepreneur dedicated to social impact storytelling. Her extensive nonprofit work highlights her commitment to driving change and supporting change agents, especially within Africa and the African Diaspora.

Brie collaborates with diverse thought leaders to address AI’s human values and concerns. Her mission is to amplify Africa and the Diaspora’s voices, expanding those often excluded in the narrow dialogues about AI and its impact, creating narratives that reflect our collective ethos and highlight untold stories.

In a media landscape dominated by divisive narratives, Brie stands out by fostering community empowerment and thoughtful dialogue.

Gabriella is a leading strategist and advisor to governments, corporate and startup entities and ecosystems. She has been one of the youngest individuals in foreign government senior advisory positions and acquired a significant amount of hands on experience across over 65 developing and developed countries across the world.

With backgrounds in international economics, marketing, data, governance, legal and finance she has a wealth of exposure, knowledge, creativity and connectivity into these worlds and bridging the gaps between different parts of their world with their individual realities and needs. With a strong ethical underpinning and holistic risk analysis skillset, she ensures that humanity’s wellbeing comes in priority to profit for sustainable business development and growth strategy towards a better future.

Zeshan Zafar brings a wealth of expertise in global faith-based affairs, and has engaged with governments, including the US State Department, British Foreign Commonwealth Office, UK Prime Minister’s Office, United Nations, and World Economic Forum.

Zeshan Zafar is the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and a Commissioner for the AI Faith & Civil Society Commission. Highly experienced in the nexus of faith, society, and politics, he unites diverse groups towards dialogue and cooperation. He champions global communities such as the Abu Dhabi Forum assemblies, the Marrakesh Declaration, and the Charter for a New Alliance of Virtue.

He also served as an advisor and contributor to the World Economic Forum’s recently published ‘Faith in Action’ booklet and participated in the recent UN Consultative Meeting on Wisdom and Faith in the AI Era.

Katherine Shulock, MPH, is a public health professional specializing in managing complex public health projects with an interdisciplinary approach. Katherine is a skilled researcher and grant writer in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), and contributed to building and managing a Youth Clinic in Botswana and publishing research to advance ASRH in Namibia, Kenya, and Mozambique. During the COVID response, Katherine created platforms for public health professionals to connect on COVID-19 issues across Washington State, USA, and generated user-friendly, useful and equitable COVID-19 policy. Katherine holds a BA in Global Women’s Studies from Western Washington University and an MPH in Global Health from the University of Washington. Passionate about creating a more just and user-friendly world, Katherine hopes to bring equity and human-centered design principles to AI conversations.  

Born into a entrepreneurial family, Scott Snyder is currently the president of his namesake company, SJS Enterprises Holdings Inc. Scott became a product of his household environment, and started his own companies early on in life, across various industries.

First in the field of automobile recycling and transportation services. He then transitioned into owning and operating gourmet restaurants, night clubs, advanced eye care centers, manufacturing of custom super-cars, industrial demolition, health, and fitness companies. He is currently focused on executive producing a slate of feature films and television series, all based on true stories, that are in various stages of development with an Oscar award winning team.

Scott was also avidly involved in athletics, becoming a national champion heavyweight boxer and a national champion martial artist.

Executive Director to Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation – a cultural NGO where she launched cultural initiatives in the three pillars of Art, Literature and Social Impact initiatives.

A passionate Social Impact Specialist, she designed and implemented bottom-up inclusive programs to empower and uplift vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia and Africa. 

Through culture work, encompassing the realms of arts, heritage, education, and cultural expression- which play a pivotal role in driving social impact and fostering positive change within communities- these initiatives served as a driving force for positive change and transformational outcomes.

Maysoon Barber has 20 years of experience in the interdisciplinary field of cultural impact.

Wunmi is a women empowerment champion, executive and leadership coach and trainer. She is the Principal Consultant and CEO of The Blooming Hub, a Management Consulting Firm, and the founder of Blooming Ladies®, a global community of empowered women that creates spaces for women to thrive.

Wunmi collaborates with individuals and organizations to build supportive environments, systems, and structures that empower women to succeed. She has worked with start-ups, non-profits, cooperatives, and corporate organizations, providing them with coaching and capacity development programs that help women grow, improve themselves, and become better leaders. Wunmi’s educational and career path has taken her from Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

She holds a BS in Management and Accounting and a MS in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland. She is also a Certified DISC Trainer and Assessor from People Keys, a Neuro-Linguistic programming Certified by Richard Bandler, and a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management UK.

Dr. Wasseem Abaza is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at Zayed University and the Director of the University’s Award-Winning Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. He is also the co-founder and managing director of the Founders Academy, an independent entrepreneurial education and incubation company that integrates business, psychology and sustainability in the development of young female entrepreneurs. He has provided various consulting services on Strategy, Social Innovation and Positive Organizational Development with organizations and entities such as the Dubai Executive Office, Dubai Future Foundation, DP World, Al Ahli Holding Group and the International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent among others. Dr. Abaza is the former vice-chair of the Middle East Chapter of the UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education.

Additionally, he has operated various successful businesses over the course of 20 years and has ventured into Angel investing. In 2019, he was voted one of the Top 100 Leaders in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning.

Elena is a journalist and copy writer with a focus on strategic creative direction and brand development.

Elena run two digital media platforms for the Russian-speaking audiences living overseas. The Arabian Journal provides a broad perspective of life in the Arabian Gulf.

Elena’s platform, Abudhabitiming, which is based in Abu Dhabi UAE, tells the stories of the diverse community of residents in the country, celebrating the integrated and harmonious aspects of life in a bustling metropolis. In addition, Elena has various digital assets, including community websites, Instagram accounts and Facebook Groups. Some of these are focused on entrepreneurs and investors, while others are niche based including one that serves Russian-speaking Mums in UAE.

Elena’s past professional experiences include reporting for Aviamost magazine and Explorer Publishing. Elena has also worked for USAID’s Regional Center of Community Development, and as program producer for Tavria.

Founder and CEO, SCLC SocioCultural Lifestyle Consultancies, Administrative Consultancy and Studies (SCLC ACS) Director of MarCom, Philippine Business Council-Abu Dhabi Degrees in: Psychology and Education with areas of Society and Culture, Psychology, Literature, and Values Education. Advocacy: Special Needs and Mental Health, Intercultural Competency, Social Impact projects, Community grassroots outreach.

As a “Chinoy” woman raised in a multicultural environment, in an intercultural marriage, a mother raising a neurodiverse household in an expatriate setting. MJ has more than two decades of continuous exposure to diverse cultures and corporate environments, navigating the complexities of human nature, industry and society in general. MJ’s mantra revolves around resilience, community support, and fostering hope, all the while practicing empathy and mutual respect.

MJ is active is social impact programming, including gives presentations that simplify complex information for those who need it, especially the vulnerable, the young and the marginalized.

Zainab is an equity-driven talent development leader and strategic consultant experienced in design, program development, change management, learning design, and delivery across industries and global organizations. She brings over 20 years of experience working in various global industries including healthcare, startups, construction, aviation, technology, education and retail sales.

Zainab hosts weekly discussions through her Lunch & Grow sessions in Silicon Valley that bring people together virtually to talk about the ways we grow professionally and personally. She is a contributing writer for ReWorked, the world’s leading community of employee experience, digital workplace and talent management professionals.

Zainab is an advocate for AI and for informed conversation about its use and development is necessary. She believes that AI can potentially solve some of the world’s pressing problems, like climate change and poverty.

Master Productivity Specialist and Executive Coach. expertise in lean management, productivity improvement, and new business development to help clients across various industries achieve sustainable results and growth. Clients have included Hit Hypermarkets Poland, Superfos Denmark, Mibrag Mining & MAN Power Plants in Germany, Husqvarna in the US, Pöyry Engineering Group Finland, NHS Trusts in the UK, BSF Corporate Bank in KSA, ARASCO animal feed, and TNUSA animal feed, and AGA Anglo Gold Ashanti among others.

Also served as C-level executive in the food, feed, and garment sectors, managing complex business strategies and leading multicultural teams.

Lived in eight and worked in 34 countries, building unique insight into cultural differences and client needs. In 2019, he was voted one of the Top 100 Leaders in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning.

Visionary business strategist and entrepreneurial trailblazer, with a track record of launching five companies, Qussay’s work transcends traditional entrepreneurship.

As a subject matter expert in entrepreneurial activity and economic development, Qussay creates cutting-edge platforms and
dynamic programs that drive business development and growth. He is adept at partnering with industry-leading companies and government entities to foster synergy and provide critical resources to drive economic development and entrepreneurial ventures. 

His collaborative approach involves partnering with industry leaders, government entities, and academia to provide critical resources for sustainable economic growth.

His outlook includes identiying emerging opportunities, and assembling high performing teams to overcome complex business challenges.

Sara Bukair is a Stanford University senior majoring in Computer Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). While at Stanford, she also works in various capacities, including the area of consulting where she advises Fortune 500 companies on AI related matters.

While pursuing her education, she also works as lead fellow for a social impact VC where she sources companies that harness the power of AI to foster positive social change. This reflects her passion in leveraging technology that tackle pressing societal issues and contribute to making the world a better place.

Sara also teaches online courses on AI safety to elderly and youth populations in the US. Her approach involves making complex AI concepts accessible, and broadening the conversation around AI ethics and safety. Sara’s multifaceted commitment in all her work is focused on democratizing AI’s adoption and achieving social impact.

Professor Sabouni’s is a seasoned Professional Engineer and Higher Education Strategist with more
than 40 years of diversified experience. He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions, he holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University, and an Executive Certificate in Higher Education from Harvard University.

He has served as a faculty member, researcher, and visiting or adjunct professor across various universities in the USA, Canada, and the UAE and served multiple time as a university president.

Sabouni’s expertise was sought after in prestigious roles such as the Building Design Expert and the Technical Advisor for Projects at the Abu Dhabi Municipality.
He is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada (PEng), and a Fellow of several prestigious international societies (FACI, FASCE, and FCIOB). He is the first recipient of the George Winter award from Cornell University, and the winner of the ASCE Region 10 Distinguished Service Medal
2023 Award.

Moussa has extensive experience in Telecommunications, ICT, and Academia
He holds a Master’s in Telecom Network Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.

Moussa worked as Collocation Manager and Network Traffic Engineer at Verizon and as as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at VITIB, an economic development zone dedicated to ICT companies.

Moussa is a full-time faculty member at the International University of Grand-Bassam (IUGB), where he teaches Management Information Systems (MIS).

In recognition of his contributions to both education and technology, Moussa was appointed Director of IT at IUGB in January 2024, where he continues to influence the institution’s digital landscape while maintaining his dedication to teaching.

Hohete is a Policy Design Professional with over 25 years of experience in the US and Africa in Technology, Health, Public Sector Reform and Project Management working for Bilateral and Multilateral Agencies as well as Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Hohete is the first female Board Member of the Private sector IT Association (ICT-ET), and Co-Founder of “Women in Tech Ethiopia’, home of the Girls-Can-Code Initiative, as well as Founder /Convener /Godmother of the Ethiopian Fintech Council. She is also Founding Member of the Pan African Fintech Africa Fintech Network (AFN)

Hohete was Lead Liaison to the Federal Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) through the Innovation Advisory Council, and formerly led the Working Group addressing Policy, Regulatory and Legal matters in Public-Private Sector Dialogue for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MCIT) and the private sector.

Sara Bukair is a Stanford University senior majoring in Computer Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). While at Stanford, she also works in various capacities, including the area of consulting where she advises Fortune 500 companies on AI related matters.

While pursuing her education, she also works as lead fellow for a social impact VC where she sources companies that harness the power of AI to foster positive social change. This reflects her passion in leveraging technology that tackle pressing societal issues and contribute to making the world a better place.

Sara also teaches online courses on AI safety to elderly and youth populations in the US. Her approach involves making complex AI concepts accessible, and broadening the conversation around AI ethics and safety. Sara’s multifaceted commitment in all her work is focused on democratizing AI’s adoption and achieving social impact.