Mentors Profile

Professor Hassan Ugail is Director of the Centre for Visual Computing and Intelligent Systems at the University of Bradford, UK, and a leading researcher in visual computing and artificial intelligence. His work applies AI to real-world problems across digital health, engineering innovation, and sustainable societies. He is especially recognised for human biometrics, creating advanced methods for face recognition and biometric analysis. His expertise supported the identification of the Russian suspects linked to the Salisbury Novichok poisoning case. In 2023, he presented AI-driven face recognition in the 199th Royal Institution Christmas Lecture in London. He advises the United Nations, collaborates with police and law-enforcement worldwide, holds more than 10 patents, and actively translates research into practical commercial applications.

Ahmed Afaal is a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with extensive experience in organizational leadership, healthcare management, and community development. Through guided conversations, he shares practical insights drawn from real-life experiences in leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. His mentorship sessions are informal, reflective discussions intended to help participants broaden perspectives, think through challenges, and explore personal and professional growth pathways. Rather than providing direct advice or solutions, Ahmed encourages open dialogue, self-reflection, and learning through shared experience.

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Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 22 years of experience in the luxury tourism sector. Throughout her career, she has held senior managerial and executive roles across internationally renowned hotel and resort brands, gaining extensive expertise in operations, strategic leadership, brand standards, and guest experience excellence.

Her professional journey reflects a deep understanding of both the global hospitality landscape and the unique dynamics of the Maldivian tourism industry. Known for her strong leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Shafiyya has successfully led diverse teams, driven service innovation, and contributed to the sustained growth of high-end hospitality establishments.

Beyond her operational achievements, Shafiyya is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the Maldivian tourism sector. She actively supports initiatives that promote equal opportunity, professional development, and greater representation of women in leadership roles. Through her experience and voice, she continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals, championing a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.

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Aminath Suzan is a business executive, entrepreneur, and public speaker with extensive experience across banking, construction, and tourism. She previously served as CEO of MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators), where she played a key role in advancing industry collaboration and leadership.

Suzan was the first female Executive Board Member (EBM) of the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry, a former EBM of National Federation of Maldivian Employers. Throughout her career, she has held diverse leadership roles and earned recognition for breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. A recipient of the Rehendhi Awards 2025, she is a strong advocate for women’s leadership, governance excellence, and sustainable development. She also co-founded Women in Construction, an initiative aimed at empowering and elevating women within the industry.

Driven by a commitment to social impact, Suzan founded ESSESS Foundation to champion youth guidance, women’s leadership, and structured social initiatives that strengthen communities across the Maldives.

With an MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK Suzan continues to drive purposeful leadership that bridges business excellence with meaningful social change.

Reema Rasheed is a Leadership and Governance Professional, Mindshift Coach, and Keynote Speaker with over 17 years of experience across internal audit, governance, and mindset transformation. Her work bridges strong systems and human capability, supporting leaders to lead with clarity, courage, and integrity. A former Chairperson of the State Internal Audit Committee, she continues to contribute nationally through her roles as an Executive Committee Member of the Internal Audit Association of the Maldives and the Maldives Professional Speakers Association. Grounded in NLP, Timeline Therapy®, and ICF-accredited coaching, Reema helps leaders shift mindsets, strengthen emotional intelligence, and navigate purposeful conversations.

Recognised with the Rehendhi Award (2025) for Leadership & Governance and the GOLD Award for Career Leadership in Auditing at the Women in Management (WIM) Professional & Career Women Awards (2024), she inspires lasting mindset shifts and purposeful leadership.

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Mohamed Jailam is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Javaabu Pvt Ltd, and one of the Maldives’ most respected technology leaders. With over a decade of experience driving digital transformation across both the public and private sectors. Jailam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the Maldives National University (MNU) and a Master of Science in Information Technology from the University of the West of England (UWE).

In recognition of his contributions to the national technology ecosystem, he was awarded the National Youth Award in the area of Business and Economy in 2022, and in 2025, received the National Award of Recognition in the Information and Communication Technology Sector – Computer Software and Software Application Development, conferred by the President of the Maldives.

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