Our Mission
As technology becomes more integrated in our society and creates a new paradigm, it is up to us to be intentional about equity, inclusion, and diverse representation in the space. The 2018 Women of MENA technology conference is first of its kind, bringing together speakers and attendees that have been powerful catalysts of change, and now will come together to connect and evolve ideas of bettering the technology landscape from within Silicon Valley and beyond.
Speakers
Hear from inspiring panelists and speakers influencing the technology industry
Roxane Zand began a career in museum and arts administration after three years in UNESCO. She left Iran after the Revolution to resume professional activities in London in the field of education and the arts, and as one of the founding members of the Harvard Club of London.
Ms Zand was an officer of the Iran Heritage Foundation before moving to Asia House, as well as a freelance consultant for numerous projects for the British Museum and elsewhere in the art world before joining Sotheby’s in 2006 where she is now Deputy Chairman for the Middle East. Currently she sits on the Advisory Council of the Pictet Art Prize, the Development Board of the University of the Arts London, and has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London for her services to Middle Eastern art and culture. She is also arts editor for the Encyclopedia Islamica.
At Sotheby’s she has played an instrumental role in developing and contributing to sales of Arab and Iranian art, and has conducted a number of charity auctions to benefit causes in the MENA region.
Tara Sharifi, 11 years old
Maths and technology lover. Bronze & Silver award winner of The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise. Swimmer, Dancer and Guitarist. Year 7 Student at Aylesbury High School. Scored highest possible mark of 162 at Mensa UK IQ test.
Fun Facts: Came 5th in the UK in rock & roll dance at the age of 7.
TARA SHARIFI
Maths and technology lover
Scored highest possible IQ mark
Dr Ali Parsa is a British-Iranian healthcare entrepreneur and engineer. He’s the founder and CEO of Babylon, the revolutionary artificial intelligence and digital health company. Babylon’s mission is to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on earth.
Dr Parsa was listed in The Times 100 people to watch. The Health Service Journal recognised him as one of the ‘50 most influential people in UK healthcare’. He was featured in the Maserati 100, a list that recognises game-changing entrepreneurs who are disrupting the world of business. The Independent Healthcare Awards presented Dr Parsa with an Entrepreneurial Achievement award. He is also a UK Cabinet Office Ambassador for Mutuals and has a PhD in Engineering Physics.
Get Inspired
Join us for the Women Of MENA In Technology Conference to:
- Connect with like-minded professionals from a range of industries within tech and build an unparalleled network
- Find mentors, investors, co-founders, employees, new clients through networking opportunities
- Meet senior executives, business leaders, experts, influencers
- Gain a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and attributes needed to be a successful leader
- Examine the barriers currently female leaders (and future leaders) are facing in the workplace and hear how to overcome them
- Encounter brands and services targeting professional women
