The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted Shaping Tomorrow: STEM Powered Women, celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Organised by the Doha Women Forum, the event brought together leading female professionals in STEM to inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with accomplished women in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, highlighting their journeys, challenges, and the impact of mentorship in shaping future leaders. Dr. Rosie Bateson, Dean of the College of General Education, opened the event, reaffirming UDST’s commitment to fostering diverse STEM talent.
H.E. Javier Carbajosa Sanchez, Ambassador of Spain to Qatar, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the role of women in driving global innovation. Doha Women Forum founder Conchita Ponce underscored the importance of representation in STEM, noting how these role models are paving the way for future generations.
Event highlights
Panel discussion:
Prominent female leaders shared insights, including:
- Dr. Dhabia Al Mohannadi, Assistant Professor, HBKU
- Narjiss Sallah, AI Consultant, Primary Health Care
- Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari, Group Chief HR & Sustainability Officer, Ooredoo Group
- Ashley Brantley, CEO, Girls in Aviation
STEM excellence awards:
Recognising outstanding contributions in STEM:
- Research & Innovation: Dr. Dhabia Al Mohannadi, HBKU
- Community Impact: Eng. Abeer Abu Helaiqa, Qatar Women Engineers Association
- Sustainability & Environment: Dr. Deema Almasri
- Technology & Innovation: Rhana Kurdi, CEO, Skydrops Water
A special STEM Showcase Award was presented to The Next Generation School for excellence in STEM exhibitions.
Speakers emphasised the importance of diversity in STEM fields. Dr. Dhabia Al Mohannadi highlighted the role of sustainable engineering, while AI expert Narjiss Sallah stressed the need for diverse talent to drive ethical innovation.
Doha Women Forum remains committed to empowering women, fostering mentorship, and expanding opportunities in STEM. With Qatar investing heavily in education, research, and technological innovation, female participation will be key in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.
