The Woman of the Year Awards 2025 is entering its defining moment as the top contenders in each category come into focus. Across business, culture, community and sport, these finalists reflect the calibre guiding Bahrain’s future. In this special spread, we present the leading three in every category, women whose influence is already reshaping the narrative long before the awards night begins.
WOMAN IN FINANCE
Fajer Saleh Al Pachachi
A purpose-driven entrepreneur and Chairperson known for advancing sustainable innovation through ventures such as Biolights. An ICF-certified business coach and community leader who champions ethical finance, empowerment and impact-driven leadership. Recognised among Business Elite’s “40 Under 40.”
Alaa Busheri
Head of Global Emerging Markets Fixed Income at BNP Paribas Asset Management, leading investment teams across London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. With extensive expertise in global markets and portfolio strategy, she holds an MBA from Imperial College London and is recognised for her leadership in international finance.
WOMAN IN BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Tanima Chakravorty
A purpose-driven entrepreneur and Chairperson known for advancing sustainable innovation through ventures such as Biolights. An ICF-certified business coach and community leader who champions ethical finance, empowerment and impact-driven leadership. Recognised among Business Elite’s “40 Under 40.”
Jehan Mohamed Jamel Mansoor
Serves as Head of Strategies at a leading group holding company and sits on multiple boards, including affiliated non-profit organisations. Holds an MA from SOAS and is the first Bahraini woman to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff to the UN General Assembly President.
Nancy Khedouri
A politician, businesswoman and author serving on the Shura Council since 2010. Widely known for work in intercultural dialogue, community engagement and national development, and a strong advocate for social cohesion and public service.
WOMAN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH INNOVATION
Budoor Steele
An award-winning pioneer in Ocha and Japanese culture, serving as Bahrain’s Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador. Founder of a traditional Japanese teahouse and certified Urasenke tea ceremony instructor, with a master’s degree in Japanese Humanities. Promotes cultural appreciation through tea traditions and arts.
Azza Hujairi
Founder of Azza Jewelry, a visionary Bahraini entrepreneur redefining fine jewelry and pioneering the nation’s first luxury piercing studio. A mother of four, she blends heritage with innovation, empowering women, preserving culture, and shaping a bold regional future for creative entrepreneurship.
Shanee Puri
A long-term Bahrain resident who helps lead an inclusive and forward-thinking educational community as Executive Chair and Ambassador of a well-established family-run school, continuing a legacy of innovation and student-centred learning.
WOMAN IN VISUAL ARTS
Thajba Najeeb
A visual artist and educator with 17 years’ experience, leading Visual and Performing Arts at a major school. Promotes hands-on, student-centred arts education through the DP and MYP curricula, encouraging creative autonomy and authentic self-expression.
Rejeena Niaz
A multidisciplinary artist recognised by the India and Asia Book of Records, with multiple solo exhibitions held across Bahrain, India and Saudi Arabia. Known for a distinctive artistic voice and strong regional presence.
Rand al Kishtani
An interior decorator and artistic designer who integrates sustainable, art-led concepts into functional living spaces. A Women Changing the World Global Award winner and co-author of Begin It Now, contributing the chapter “A Journey from Desperation to Passion.
WOMAN IN PERFORMING ARTS
Anfal Fekri
A rising Bahraini actress and singer who has performed twice before His Majesty the King. Within one year, has starred in award-winning short films, five theatre productions and several live shows, and is now directing an original short film.
Marija Rakic
A professionally trained ballet dancer educated in Serbia and Russia, with an international performance career across Europe, Russia and India. Spent a decade teaching in Qatar and Bahrain and now leads a ballet programme specialising in the Vaganova method.
Michelle D’souza
A Data Science graduate, community leader and reigning pageant titleholder known for visionary leadership and creative excellence. Inspires young women through service, innovation and purposeful achievement.
WOMAN IN LITERARY ARTS
Fatema Yousif Mohammed
A student of Human Resources and active humanitarian, serving on the Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s MENA network. Founder of a volunteer organisation, published poet, certified first aider and contributor to youth and adolescent initiatives.
Ramanpreet Praveen
A filmmaker, entrepreneur, author and IIM alumna with a purpose-driven approach to creativity and leadership. A titleholder in an international pageant, admired for promoting positivity and impactful community work.
Jaya Menon
An award-winning artist, writer and filmmaker living in Bahrain since 1973. Known for championing women through art and for pioneering creative works, including Bahrain’s first Malayalam anthology film featuring local talent.
WOMAN IN FASHION & ACCESSORIES
Krupa Sagar
A Business Development Manager in the jewellery sector with a diploma in Digital Marketing and Social Media. Played a key role in transforming a traditional B2B operation into a luxury retail brand by blending strategic planning with creative vision.
Amal Ahmad
Transforms pain into power and ambition into impact. Through her voice, leadership and unwavering heart, she inspires women to stand tall, dream boldly and break barriers, championing resilience, empowerment and meaningful change across every space she touches.
Eman Darwish
A modest fashion innovator who redefines contemporary Bahraini style through a brand rooted in identity, culture and empowerment. Champions designs that promote confidence, authenticity and cultural pride.
WOMAN IN MEDIA
Aisha Ebrahim
A dedicated media professional with more than a decade of experience in news broadcasting, media relations and corporate communications. Holds an MBA and B.Ed, and advocates for lifelong learning, development and value-driven work.
Amira Al Hassan
A writer and media specialist best known for a long-running inspirational series and contributions to social and developmental initiatives. Encourages individuals to rediscover strength and achieve lasting positive change.
Hawra Marhoon
A lecturer with extensive experience in journalism, videography and photography. An award-winning media practitioner who contributes to major publications and leads empowerment initiatives, while serving as a jury and board member in community organisations.
WOMAN IN DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION
Madhumika Sankar
A watercolour artist, author and educator, founder of a digital creative community with more than 266,000 followers. Her content has reached over 18 million viewers, and she has trained more than 12,000 students worldwide.
Ibtesam Memon
A versatile digital creator passionate about lifestyle and entertainment, known for producing authentic, engaging media that inspires connection and delivers creativity and impact.
Mehreen Fatima
A mother, storyteller and influencer creating content around the honest, unfiltered journey of motherhood, career and personal transformation.
WOMAN IN HOSPITALITY
Ekaterina Akatcevich
A dedicated hospitality leader who progressed from frontline roles to executive management across international luxury brands. With experience at Rocco Forte, Belmond and over a decade at Marriott across Moscow, Qatar and Bahrain, champions service excellence and people development.
Pamela Panduric
With more than 15 years in regional and global communications and marketing, Pamela has worked with leading brands including KHK MMA, Radisson, Sheraton, W Abu Dhabi and The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. She drives strategic, high-impact campaigns and is inspired by the power of storytelling to shape meaningful connections.
Batool Redha
A dynamic marketer whose early start in fashion, hospitality and corporate business shaped her reputation for adaptability, creative clarity and purposeful brand building. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood, she brings resilience, authenticity and ambition to every narrative she crafts.
WOMAN IN EDUCATION
Walaa Aloribi
An educator and entrepreneur with a fresh, modern approach to teaching. She brings practical skills, creative ideas and active learning methods that empower Arab families to raise confident, capable and future-ready children, championing education that is both meaningful and transformative.
Eng. Basma Salama
A senior academic leader with a background in mechanical engineering and engineering management, currently pursuing doctoral research. Leads academic development and innovation at a national institution.
Juwaireya Alshomily
A teacher, cancer survivor and advocate serving as Ambassador for Children with Cancer in the Middle East and Youth Ambassador for Sustainable Development. Founder of a support club and active in awareness programmes, workshops and published work.
WOMAN IN BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Amal Alkooheji
A celebrated hair professional with 30 years of experience and recognised as a global brand educator across the GCC. Known for precision and mastery, and now developing educational resources as an upcoming author for aspiring stylists.
Munara Mostafa
Founder of M&M Beauty Lounge, is a wife and mother of two who grew from beautician to owner of three successful salons in Bahrain. She leads a team of 30 with warmth, believing beauty empowers women by helping them feel confident, calm and cared for.
Vinny Aseeja
A seasoned specialist in beauty and wellness, she brings over two decades of experience in operations, brand development and client care. Her career is defined by purposeful leadership, the ability to inspire teams and a consistent record of creating meaningful impact.
WOMAN IN SPORTS
Manal Fakhrawi
A professional horse rider and long-standing member of the Royal Endurance Team since 2000. A Medal of Honor recipient from His Majesty the King, she serves on the endurance committee and inspires women of all ages to pursue their goals with confidence and courage.
Dana Zubari
A wellness advocate and founder of ‘Lettuce Run,’ inspiring women through fitness and mindful living to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Reem Aldoy
A dedicated athlete-turned-coach and founder of Aldoy Athlete Hub & Inclus sportswear, I empower men & women through movement. My career blends sports performance and community leadership—creating a space where people elevate their physical & mental strength every day
WOMAN IN SOCIAL SERVICES
Rayana Sayyar
An architect, educator and community leader serving on the National Committee for Childhood. Through Our Responsibility NGO and her 8/23 Design Studio, she leads impactful community projects across Bahrain, empowering children and shaping spaces that support learning and social growth.
Eman Sharif
A traveller who turns her passion for adventure and volunteering into meaningful global impact. Through her initiatives and projects, she inspires women to explore, contribute and create lasting change, using each journey as a platform for transformation.
Gloria Anthony
A long-term Bahrain resident, ABA therapist and mother of two who provides dedicated support to the special needs community, offering educational assistance and specialised services that promote inclusion, dignity and care.
WOMAN IN HEALTH
Dr. Amy Bowzaylo
An architect, educator and community leader serving on the National Committee for Childhood. Through Our Responsibility NGO and her 8/23 Design Studio, she leads impactful community projects across Bahrain, empowering children and shaping spaces that support learning and social growth.
Dr. Aysha Al-Moosa
Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology at Salmaniya Medical Complex. An expert in advanced dermatology and cutaneous lupus, she leads professional initiatives, public health campaigns, and international awareness programmes while inspiring women across the region.
Dr. Noof Al-Shaibani
A leading Consultant in Breast Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery with over 20 years’ experience, heading Breast Health and Surgical Oncology services in Bahrain. Internationally trained and board-certified, she pioneers comprehensive breast care, advances surgical innovation, and champions women’s health and cancer awareness.
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