She Innovates Launches Successfully with Its First Edition Spotlighting Lifestyle and Consumer Brands
The Technology Express, in partnership with Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC), successfully hosted the first edition of She Innovates, a curated leadership and innovation gathering bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts for high-impact conversations shaping the future of brands and technology.
She Innovates is a year-long initiative comprising multiple editions, each dedicated to a key sector influencing innovation and technological progress. The inaugural edition focused on Lifestyle and Consumer Brands, exploring how design, technology, payments, and marketing innovation are redefining how brands are built, experienced, and scaled.
Watch the highlights of the first edition of She Innovates here!
Held on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 at DTEC, the event welcomed a diverse and highly engaged audience, including C-suite executives, founders, technology professionals, and business leaders, reflecting the inclusive and forward-thinking spirit of the initiative.
Opening Remarks and Welcome Addresses
The event commenced with a welcome address by Sinji Washnam, Ecosystem Builder at Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, the hosting partner, highlighting DTEC’s commitment to fostering innovation-led ecosystems.
This was followed by Abhinay Bhartia, Head of Commercials at McFill Media & Publishing Group, who spoke about the vision behind She Innovates and the importance of spotlighting leadership, collaboration, and innovation across industries.
The sessions were hosted by Mommina Asif, Senior Partnerships Executive – Content Alliances, McFill Media & Publishing Group, who welcomed attendees and set the tone for the panel discussions
Panel Discussions Driving Insight and Exchange
Panel 1: From Click to Loyalty – Tech Decisions That Drive Repeat Customers
Moderator:
Tanishqa Kambli, Editor, The Technology Express Magazine
Panelists:
Jennifer Cohen Solal, Co-founder & CEO, Hushday
Noora Ahmed, SVP – Managing Director, Strategic Business, Network International
Vibha Suvarna, Creative Director, noon.com
Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director – Middle East & Africa, Nothing Technology
Insiya Shahna, Senior Marketing Manager, Sharaf DG
This highly engaging discussion explored how technology decisions quietly influence customer loyalty beyond traditional points and rewards systems. Panelists shared perspectives on building loyalty through luxury access, payments infrastructure, experience design, and consumer technology, emphasizing that retention today is driven by seamless, emotionally resonant brand experiences.
Panel 2: Payments Infrastructure in Transition – What’s Working, What’s Next
Moderator:
Ayushi Sharma, Editor, Finance World Magazine
Panelists:
Sajini Jacob, Marketing Director, CoinMENA
Alexandra Will, Partner – Risk Advisory & Financial Crime Compliance, Grant Thornton UAE
Arushi Goel, Advisor, Chainalysis
Khalil Alami, Founder & CEO, Telr
Kashif Ahmad Khan, Founder & CEO, Peko
The panel delivered an insightful deep dive into the evolving payments landscape, discussing what technologies are delivering real value versus those that are overhyped. Key conversations centered on embedded finance, wallets, BNPL, security and compliance, regulatory frameworks, and how payments innovation is reshaping consumer and lifestyle ecosystems across the region.
Panel 3: MarTech That Matters – How Leaders Drive Growth
Moderator:
Enas Allozi, Acting Director – CTI NexGen Center, Zayed University
Panelists:
Ulyana Vilkina, Regional Marketing Manager, Fix Price Retail Group
Jessica Schroeder, Head of Corporate Communications & Government Relations – Middle East & Egypt, BASF
Lobna Saad, FMCG Brand Building Expert
Rand Alkhushman, Founder & Director, Jathwa for Environmental Development
Larisa Tseng, General Manager, Vecow Tech Trading LLC
This panel explored how modern MarTech stacks, data-driven strategies, and purpose-led communication enable brands to scale sustainably. Panelists shared practical insights on aligning technology with creativity, performance marketing, and long-term brand equity.
A Platform for Diverse Voices & Meaningful Exchange
While She Innovates proudly spotlights women driving innovation, the panels also featured male leaders and founders, reinforcing the initiative’s belief in inclusive dialogue and collaborative progress. The event concluded with a lively networking session, where conversations, idea exchanges, and new connections continued in DTEC’s dynamic innovation environment.
The energy, engagement, and depth of discussion marked a strong beginning for the She Innovates series, setting the stage for future editions that will continue to spotlight impactful leadership and transformative ideas.
About She Innovates
She Innovates is a leadership and innovation forum by The Technology Express, presented in partnership with Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC). The initiative spans multiple editions annually, with upcoming gatherings on 14th April, 21st July, and 24th November, each dedicated to sectors shaping the future of innovation and technology.
