World’s Inspiring Women Leaders Making A Difference, 2023

1. Vol. 10 | Issue 08 | October 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Inspiring LEADERS Making A Difference, 2023 Changing the World by Empowering People to Reclaim Their Health Through Education, Transparency, and Nutrition PG NO. 40 Unveiling the Empathetic Leadership by Committing to Personal Values and Problem-Solving PG NO. 56 Tamira Samuel Trailblazing Her Path in Education Equity Policy to Empower Professionals

4. World's Inspiring Women Leaders Making A Difference, 2023 Writing New Denition of Leadership The business women of today are creating a new road to the top by utilizing particular aspects of their gender education. They are seeking out and seizing chances to show their ability to produce results—in a unique way—in organizations that are rapidly developing and expanding. Instead, then failing in spite of traits that are typically seen as "feminine" and inappropriate for leaders, they are succeeding because of them. The cover has Tamira Samuel, Co-Executive Director at ULF. She is marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Her unwavering commitment to transforming educational landscapes and her extensive experience in both education and public policy have earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the field. Early female CEOs adopted many of the "codes of ethics" that were thought to be crucial for success among males since they were pioneers. A second generation of women is now making their way into top executive positions, but instead of adopting attitudes and actions that are more geared toward men, they are doing it by relying on their shared experiences as women. Tamira's journey toward educational excellence began in the classroom, where she quickly established herself as an award-winning teacher in the Clarksville Montgomery County School System in Tennessee. This early success served as a catalyst for her subsequent ventures, propelling her towards influential positions in various organizations dedicated to fostering educational growth. Highly successful executives cannot be categorized into a particular mold, as demonstrated by the medium-sized, unorthodox firms where women managers have smashed the glass ceiling. They have shown that there are other ways to achieve success than command-and-control management, which is frequently used by men in large, well-established corporations. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Inspiring Women Leaders Making A Difference, 2023” features female leaders from a variety of sectors who are thriving in leadership and leading with best practices and methods to put their ideas into action. Lovely read!

5. CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Megan Morgan, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker OCTOBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :

6. COVER STORY 10 Tamira Samuel? Trailblazing Her Path in Education Equity Policy to Empower Professionals

7. 22 April Blackwell Carly Benewith and Rachel Gomez 26 30 Christiana Maxion 36 Dawn Maroney 40 Durana Elmi 44 Hala Tfayli Heather Ripley 50 56 Irena Markovic 60 Loubna Sadiki

10. COVER STORY 10 | October 2023

11. Tamira Tamira Samuel Trailblazing Her Path in Education Equity Policy to Empower Professionals worldsleaders.com | 11

12. 2018 Vintage Park Half Marathon Finisher 12 | October 2023

13. Empowering Change Agents The Urban Leaders Fellowship (ULF) is a program that aims to develop professionals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their ideologies, affiliations, or industries, in the field of public policy. Participants are paired with local or state elected/appointed officials, with the goal of enacting policy changes within a two-year timeframe. ULF operates in ten cities across the United States: Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Nashville, New Orleans, Tulsa, Oakland, and Washington, DC. With a deep-rooted passion for education equity and an impressive track record spanning nearly fifteen years, Tamira Samuel assumes the esteemed role of Co-Executive Director at ULF, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Her unwavering commitment to transforming educational landscapes and her extensive experience in both education and public policy have earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the field. Tamira's journey toward educational excellence began in the classroom, where she quickly established herself as an award-winning teacher in the Clarksville Montgomery County School System in Tennessee. This early success served as a catalyst for her subsequent ventures, propelling her towards influential positions in various organizations dedicated to fostering educational growth. ULF recognizes that creating more equitable communities requires the inclusion of voices and perspectives from all citizens who are willing to join its program each summer. Over the past decade, ULF has welcomed a wide range of professionals, including teachers, attorneys, underwriters, public relations analysts, medical students, anthropologists, architects, entrepreneurs, and many others, who have successfully completed its fellowship. Together, they have contributed to the development and passage of over 120 policies. Throughout her career, Tamira has held pivotal roles as a Regional Director and Fellow at ULF, solidifying her understanding of the organization's mission and the intricacies of driving impactful change. Furthermore, her leadership and capacity-building expertise have been sought after by prestigious institutions such as Teach For America, Texas Public Charter Schools Association, Education Pioneers, Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County, The Beacon Center of Tennessee, YES Prep, KIPP Texas, and Houston ISD. To fulfill its mission, ULF offers three distinct services. Firstly, ULF provides professional development and training in policy writing for early to mid-career professionals who are interested in making an impact in the field. Participants have the opportunity to work alongside local or state officials, gaining hands- on experience and knowledge. Secondly, ULF offers short-term consulting services to non-profit organizations, start-ups, and charter management organizations. These organizations can benefit from the worldsleaders.com | 13

14. Youngest two children son, Matthew and daughter, Stephanie Tamira with husband, Stephen Tamira with their three sons, Jerome, Timothy, & Matthew 14 | October 2023

15. expertise and capacity-building provided by its fellows. Working in Nashville Metro Government, Tamira confronted the harsh realities of domestic violence and witnessed how many children of survivors end up without stable homes. Her time at the Beacon Center exposed her to concepts like charter schools, school choice, and the growing tension between traditional public and charter public schools across the nation. Realizing the need to comprehend different educational settings and their impact on policy, Tamira decided to expand her horizons. She had already become a trained lobbyist on Capitol Hill and represented the United States at the World Youth Congress in Canada, where she recognized that struggles faced in the U.S. were shared by countries like Uganda and Argentina. the approach taken 50 years ago. Tamira was fortunate to be raised and supported (alongside her mother, Bonita) by her maternal grandmother, Celester Cole, a widower with 13 children; was a seamstress and active church member. Celester taught Tamira how to always be in service to others and not of herself. Celester's home was always frequented by sewing customers, pastors, deacons, other business owners, and community leaders. Tamira would help her grandmother by giving all guests sweet tea, collard greens, and vegetables from her grandmother's well-tended garden of 30 plus years. She believes in the power of improving oneself, fostering supportive cultures in both business and personal life, and, above all, serving others. By focusing on leadership as a form of service and understanding the diverse dynamics individuals bring to their organizations, we can enhance productivity and foster an environment where people feel empowered to be authentic, work collaboratively, serve others, and strive for excellence. Lastly, ULF supports local and state elected officials by providing them with policy advisor teams. These teams assist in researching, analyzing, writing, and proposing policies and legislation that can be implemented within a two-year timeframe. By offering these services, ULF strives to empower individuals, organizations, and policymakers in their pursuit of positive change and the creation of more equitable and just communities. A Journey of Impact After graduating from Austin Peay State University, Tamira embarked on a fulfilling career as a high school English teacher. This calling continues to shape her life as she balances her roles as a wife, mother, and non-profit leader. The experience of being a teacher has taught her invaluable qualities such as empathy, compassion, and patience, which can only be truly understood through connecting with the lives and stories of young individuals navigating their own paths. In 2012, Tamira's network of leaders began to shape, prompting her move to Texas to join KIPP: Houston. Over the next 7-8 years, she immersed herself in various roles within the education and policy sectors. In 2020, when the then Co-Executive Director of ULF announced her departure, Tamira was approached with the opportunity to lead the organization into the next decade. Guided by prayer, support from loved ones, and her faith, she applied for the position and, as they say, the rest is history. During her teaching years, Tamira realized that many factors influencing her students' lives, both internally and externally, were beyond her control. After three years in the classroom, she decided to explore a different avenue and was accepted into Northwestern University for Public Policy and Administration. This opportunity led her to internships with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and the Beacon Center of Tennessee. These experiences provided her with a deeper understanding of the issues and influences impacting children and their families, both within and beyond the classroom. At present, ULF is taking a pause in expanding its services globally. The organization is currently in the process of determining its role in the global policy landscape and how it can equip its fellows, partners, and officials to effectively address global challenges within its existing model. Leadership as Service Tamira holds an optimistic view of leadership and recognizes the importance of studying and cultivating impactful leadership, which is different from the approach taken 50 years ago. Tamira holds an optimistic view of leadership and recognizes the importance of studying and cultivating impactful leadership; which is different from A Resilient Business Leader As a business leader, Tamira has encountered numerous challenges, including crisis management, industry shifts, people management, and projection issues. Throughout her career, she has often found herself leading through times of worldsleaders.com | 15

16. trauma, tragedy, or change. In the field of education policy, Tamira faced the complex dynamics of the Tennessee General Assembly's divide between traditional public and public charter schools. This required her, while working at the Beacon Center, to uncover resistance and equip the public with factual information. what she could contribute to the role. This experience empowered her as a woman, particularly as a black woman, and inspired her to pay it forward by sponsoring another black woman to fill the position. This incident also prompted Tamira to form a personal board of directors, consisting of mentors, confidants, friends, advisors, sponsors, and coaches who guide her in all aspects of her life. She emphasizes the importance of not navigating obstacles in isolation and acknowledges the need for supportive individuals like the General Manager who recognize one's potential even in their absence. into its work to positively impact lives, she believes that true change must begin at both an individual and collective level to serve as a catalyst for broader transformation beyond the immediate community. Tamira recognizes the advancements in technology that have expanded our choices and access to various aspects of life. However, she also believes that we are lacking the internal values and character required to navigate, establish, sustain, and shape our society in a meaningful way. As an Executive Director, she understands that her role extends beyond creating and improving policies that change lives. It encompasses governing her personal and professional life with the same level of character and care that she expects from a leader. In her role as a central office administrator, Tamira navigated staff reductions and reorganizations. As a teacher at a low-performing school, she prayed to prevent a state takeover. As a campus administrator, she dealt with the challenges posed by hurricanes Harvey and Imelda, as well as the ongoing pandemic. Now, as a non-profit executive, she faces declining revenue, changes in the philanthropic climate, retention issues, and strategic planning concerns. Additionally, she carries the weight of the day-to-day stresses and impacts on people's livelihoods when making real-time decisions. Tamira actively pays it forward by mentoring through programs like Rice Business Women's Organization Mentorship Program, participating in the Women's Public Leadership Network National Impact Council, and serving as a Guardian Ad Litem and Graduate School Committee member for Harris County Child Advocates. She sees herself as a lifeline to others, just as many have been for her. Tamira attributes her current position to the remarkable leaders who have shaped and challenged her, her supportive family and friends, and her faith in God, which has allowed her to be where she is without compromising her values as a leader. Fostering Transformation Tamira serves as the National Co- Executive Director of The Urban Leaders Fellowship (ULF). In this capacity, she assumes leadership responsibilities encompassing management, strategic planning, recruitment, and alumni engagement. Tamira is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, which includes managing 10 regional directors, 65 alumni leaders, interns, and strategic planning consultants, as well as coordinating with a diverse network of more than 850 alumni. In the face of every obstacle or challenge, Tamira begins by considering whose livelihoods are at stake and ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are heard. She then assesses whether the situation is truly an obstacle or an opportunity for her and her team. This shift in mindset has proven to be a crucial factor in providing clarity. Leading with Purpose Another challenge Tamira has encountered is overcoming projection issues. She recalls a situation where her own assistant superintendent blocked her recommendation for hire consideration due to her being a mother with significant travel requirements. However, a General Manager recognized Tamira's potential and advocated for her, ultimately leading her to speak about Tamira, as a devoted Christian wife, mother, and servant, is passionate about enhancing people's personal commitment to their faith, family, and fitness. She emphasizes the importance of responsibility, accountability, and building strong character for the betterment of society. While her organization strives to incorporate these aspects As the prominent representative of ULF, Tamira engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including over 90 partners, 18 local and state officials, and funders, while managing a multi-million-dollar budget. Her primary joy lies in collaborating with individuals such as partners, board members, regional 16 | October 2023

17. Tamira credits her effectiveness, vision, and strategy to her husband Stephen worldsleaders.com | 17

18. Tamira with some of the Founding Class of YES Prep Northline directors, and alumni to transform their visions into reality through the various services provided by ULF. Nothing brings her greater happiness than witnessing the success of officials or partners and seeing ULF alumni embark on remarkable journeys such as launching businesses, writing books, or running for public office. These moments create a sense of fulfillment and signify the completion of a fulfilling cycle. pandemic, non-profits often relied on employees working longer hours for less compensation to fulfill their missions. However, there has been a significant shift since the pandemic, with some non-profits now implementing month-long sabbaticals to maintain employee well-being, boost morale, and prevent burnout. Additionally, non-profits are seeking ways to streamline their work and alleviate the burden on small teams. This includes the increased utilization of giving platforms to track donor data, the adoption of tools like Mailchimp for communication, and the use of storytelling platforms that automate tasks that would otherwise be done by staff members. The advancement of technology has compelled non-profits to be highly focused on the specific services they provide, who they serve, and how they deliver those services. Adapting to Change Tamira has observed a notable trend within the non- profit industry, where organizations are becoming more deliberate and strategic in defining their mission, values, services, human capital, and priorities. Prior to the 18 | October 2023

19. Corporate Work-Study Program Sponsor for Cristo Rey Houston worldsleaders.com | 19

20. These changes are not only influenced by technological advancements but also reflect a broader professional shift known as The Great Resignation and Great Reshuffle. Many professionals are reevaluating the type of work they engage in and their perception of the philanthropy and non-profit industry. Some professionals are drawn to the gig economy and the desire to be their own bosses, while others are disillusioned with the policy and political processes due to mistrust in government, often fueled by portrayals on social media. Consequently, the non-profit industry has had to adapt to these factors and numerous other variables by staying several steps ahead and demonstrating agility in meeting the needs of clients and partners. applying to the program. She eliminated the need for a bachelor's degree, firmly believing that everyone deserves a chance to showcase their God-given talents. This decision was aligned with ULF's mission of providing access and opportunity to individuals who may not have otherwise had the chance to influence local and state policy. Tamira's willingness to take risks and embrace change stems from her own personal experiences. She acknowledges that she was entrusted with leading ULF during one of its most challenging times, despite not having previously led a national organization. Others recognized her potential and took the risk to entrust her with this important role. Inspired by this support, Tamira is dedicated to paying it forward to others and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive. Embracing Change, Creating Opportunities Last year, Tamira took a significant risk in her role as the National Co-Executive Director of The Urban Leaders Fellowship (ULF). Facing hiring shortages and a decline in interest from applicants, she proposed reactivating declined candidates from the past three years and inviting them to snap interviews for ULF's flagship program. This idea was initially viewed as a long shot, but with the support and input of her advisors, sponsors, and mentors, Tamira pitched the concept to her board. The result was remarkable - the applicant pool not only doubled in size but also yielded a cohort of 114 exceptional fellows with inspiring stories of resilience. This risk paid off, as the fellows brought a wealth of expertise and diversity to the program that had not been seen in previous years. Looking ahead, Tamira envisions herself as a Senior Advisor to Executive Directors or a Board member in five years. She understands the importance of succession planning and recognizes that her skill set, perspective, and value may evolve over time. As circumstances change, including the economy and organizational needs, she believes leaders should adapt and align with what the organization truly needs at any given point. In the end, Tamira's risks and leadership approach demonstrate her commitment to creating opportunities, embracing change, and making a positive impact in the non-profit sector. In addition to this risk, Tamira made another bold move by changing the eligibility requirements for professionals 20 | October 2023

21. With United Way Project Blueprint Program Class XXXVII Profellow Recognition as Top 10 Fellowship of 2022 worldsleaders.com | 21

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26. Carly Benewith Rachel Gomez& o p e r a t e d . w o m e n Two Mompreneurs Join Forces to Create a Booming Marketing Agency A strong partnership is critical to the success of a business. With shared responsibility, diversified decision-making, and access to a larger pool of resources, a partnership can achieve more significant growth and profitability. It is essential to find the right partners and to establish clear communication and mutual trust to ensure the success of the business. Rachel Gomez and Carly Benewith have formed a remarkable alliance as the proprietors of Mountain Air Marketing (MAM), a thriving marketing agency in Colorado Springs that is both owned and operated by women. This boutique agency has been experiencing rapid growth and has become a shining example of successful female entrepreneurship. w o m e n o w n e d . . Rachel and Carly divide most of the responsibilities in their company between them. Rachel focuses more on the operational aspects of the business, while Carly works closely with their team members. As business owners, they both understand the challenges of juggling multiple roles, but they work together seamlessly to ensure that everything gets done. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial to their success, and they strive to foster these values every day. Whether it's brainstorming ideas, managing busy schedules, or completing projects together, they believe that working as a team can achieve amazing results. Their team members would probably agree that their favorite part of the day is enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and working with a group of supportive and empowering women. 26 | October 2023

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28. Before Mountain Air Marketing Upon meeting each other, Rachel and Carly discovered a shared aspiration of aiding small businesses in achieving their full potential. With their respective backgrounds in digital marketing for corporate agencies and experience in navigating various industry cultures and growing companies, these impressive women possessed the necessary knowledge. The only thing left to do was to collaborate! What Made This Duo Successful? Rachel and Carly's achievements were built upon countless late nights, hard work, and a shared devotion to their company from the outset. Even with only two people at the helm during the infancy stage, Mountain Air Marketing managed to soar due to both partners' equal commitment, which only grew stronger over time. holistic approach to their clients' needs, they can offer innovative ideas that provide fresh perspectives and help their clients achieve new heights of success. Their experienced and creative team is devoted to assisting business owners in thinking outside the box and exploring new processes to achieve positive results. They specialize in delivering creative solutions that move the needle in the right direction, and their dedication to their clients' growth is evident in every aspect of their work. With Mountain Air Marketing, clients can expect a partnership that goes beyond simply meeting expectations to one that exceeds them. However, it was only after expanding the team and bringing in industry experts that real success began to take shape. With the company's portfolio of skills now bolstered by the expertise of its talented team members, they can confidently provide services of unparalleled quality. This expansion has propelled them even further, kind of like scaling a mountain. Carly, who has expertise in SEO gained from her corporate agency work, continues to refine her skills as the industry evolves. Meanwhile, Rachel excels in operations and enjoys expressing her creative talents by creating visually appealing websites that help businesses thrive. Their combined broad skillset and passion for supporting small business owners are what have made Mountain Air Marketing a thriving enterprise today! Significance of Workplace Culture Rachel and Carly understand the importance of company culture in ensuring the overall success of a business, and they believe that it is one of the most crucial aspects of Mountain Air Marketing. When they started bringing on employees, they made it a priority to prioritize the culture, and this has remained a central focus over the past five years. Premium Marketing Offerings Mountain Air Marketing provides a comprehensive range of services, including web design, SEO, paid advertising on social channels and Google, social media management, email marketing, and content creation. What sets them apart from others is their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to building meaningful relationships. By taking a Inception of the Company Rachel and Carly had been acquainted for approximately a year before they decided to combine their skills and create a female-owned marketing agency. Their goal was to establish an agency in Colorado Springs that provided transparent and ethical digital marketing solutions to local businesses. Their team members share a strong bond, both inside and outside of work, Through their unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and unyielding determination, this dynamic duo has progressed from solely depending on word-of-mouth recommendations to building a thriving team of seven female professionals with an expanding global presence. Six years and four children later, they have achieved their objective: offering businesses an affordable pathway to digital triumph while also enjoying the best of both worlds—a family life that is flexible and optimal working conditions. 28 | October 2023

29. The team at Mountain Air Marketing relies on data analysis to understand what has worked in the past and what hasn't, before collaboratively brainstorming new ideas that can help their clients progress. The team is always learning and educating themselves on emerging platforms in the digital space, keeping abreast of trends discussed by other digital marketers, and focusing on understanding different audiences and human behaviors. By staying ahead of the curve in terms of trends and emerging technologies, Mountain Air Marketing is able to provide innovative solutions to their clients and ensure that they remain competitive in the digital space. True Success is Making Things Better Rachel Gomez and Carly Benewith have an authentic and transparent approach that extends beyond their professional lives. They both possess distinct personalities, but share a common trait of being compassionate and committed. Their families, team members, and clients are all of great importance to them, and they make a concerted effort to prioritize them. Rachel is drawn to tranquil environments, such as the forest, where she can relax with her husband and children. Meanwhile, Carly loves discovering new places with her family, but also takes pleasure in being at home. Nevertheless, their thoughts are often occupied with Mountain Air Marketing and devising new strategies to enhance its success. Both women are driven by their objectives and have a structured approach to achieving them. which not only enhances the company culture but also contributes to their collaborative approach to client work. The team holds weekly collective meetings and brainstorming sessions, and on a monthly basis, they work together to share educational training on industry-related topics. Guidance for Emerging Leaders According to Carly and Rachel, as a new leader, it is crucial to prioritize listening, communication, collaboration, and setting a positive example for your team. To establish trust in the workplace, make sure that you create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and opinions. Be open to learning from your superiors and peers, as you may encounter challenges that require collaborative problem- solving. Remember that you set the tone for your team's work environment, so it's important to model the behaviors and attitudes you want them to adopt. Practice what you preach! Ultimately, your leadership and influence will be instrumental in fostering a high-performing team, so be mindful of how your actions and words impact those around you. The company's team members enjoy spending time together outside of work, engaging in activities such as hiking, snowboarding, and lunch meetings. When team members enjoy each other's company, they are more likely to enjoy working together and supporting each other's efforts, which is the foundation of a successful team. The strong company culture at Mountain Air Marketing has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their continued success. Aligning Idea and Innovation The team at Mountain Air Marketing is not only highly creative but also innovative in their approach to generating new ideas that help their clients succeed in the ever-changing digital landscape. With the digital marketing industry evolving at a rapid pace, Rachel and Carly place great emphasis on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and adopting forward-thinking strategies to remain ahead of the curve. worldsleaders.com | 29

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36. A Pioneer in Healthcare Organizations' Success in Medicare, Medicaid, and Underserved Markets 36 | October 2023

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38. With more than 25 years in the health care space, Dawn Maroney is regarded not only as an industry expert, but also a pioneer in positioning health care organizations for success in the challenging Medicare, Medicaid and underserved markets. Currently serving as the President of Markets at Alignment Health, a tech-enabled Medicare Advantage company revolutionizing senior care, and as the CEO of Alignment Health Plan, Dawn has made significant contributions to the healthcare industry. Her previous role as the Chief Medicare Officer at Blue Shield of California, formerly Care1st Health Plan, saw her leading operations for over 400,000 Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in California, Arizona, and Texas. Dawn's executive responsibilities at Blue Shield included sales, marketing, product development, revenue management, and membership accounting. During her tenure, Blue Shield's membership doubled, and the organization achieved improved CMS star ratings and significant revenue growth. Her leadership played a vital role in driving the company's success, making her a highly respected figure in the healthcare space. Prior to her role at Blue Shield, Dawn served as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at CareMore Health Plan, where she was instrumental in the company's growth from 3,500 to 65,000 members. She also contributed to CareMore's status as a top- performing and profitable industry leader. Dawn's expertise and leadership have earned her recognition as one of the most influential figures in the healthcare industry. Her innovative ideas and strategic approach continue to drive success in the Medicare, Medicaid, and underserved markets. 38 | October 2023

39. Revolutionizing Healthcare through Data Integration revolutionary care model that can and should be replicated throughout the healthcare industry. For years, healthcare organizations have struggled with effectively utilizing the vast amounts of digitized data generated within the industry. Often, this data is siloed within individual organizations and cannot be effectively used to enhance business operations, improve clinical outcomes, and drive consumer satisfaction. Alignment Health recognized this challenge and seized the opportunity to implement an integrated data management system, which has become a significant competitive advantage for the organization. By leveraging technology and data, Alignment Health has established a unique care model that is driving better outcomes for patients and improving the overall healthcare experience. Alignment Health, provides a wide range of services that leverage technology, support the doctor, and put the senior first. Specifically, Alignment's proprietary AVA technology platform processes information from more than 200 unique data sources against more than 170 artificial intelligence models to provide our teams with actionable insights to provide personalized care at scale. Alignment Health has developed a worldsleaders.com | 39

40. Durana Elmi COO Cymbio?ka LLC 40 | October 2023

41. Durana Elmi Changing the World by Empowering People to Reclaim Their Health Through Educa?on, Transparency, and Nutri?on T tasks and priori?es with great efficiency. Being a successful household manager can require skills such as budge?ng, planning, delega?on, communica?on, and problem-solving, which are also valuable in the business world. Likewise, being a successful business leader can require skills such as adaptability, strategic thinking, collabora?on, and empathy, which can also be applied to household management. he ability to balance responsibili?es at home and at work is not limited by gender. Many women have demonstrated strong organiza?onal and leadership skills in both areas, o?en handling mul?ple Durana Elmi, a mother and wife, is not only an entrepreneur but also a founder and a leader. Although born in Afghanistan, she moved to the U.S. with the goal of building a successful life for herself and her future family. A?er comple?ng her studies at UCLA, she began her career at T-Mobile and, subsequently, AT&T, where she advanced up the corporate ladder with the help of great mentors. However, with years of experience in Corporate America, Durana shi?ed her focus and together with her husband, co-founded five startups, three of which were successfully sold. Among these ventures, she is especially proud of building two nine-figure companies from scratch, including Dash Radio, a digital radio broadcas?ng pla?orm. worldsleaders.com | 41

42. includes plant protein, vitamin C, and magnesium L- threonate, which is a potent form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier to enhance cognitive function and concentration. Focusing on Team Success According to Durana, Cymbiotika's success is largely attributed to her people-first leadership style. She states, "If you step inside our headquarters in San Diego, you will see that our team exudes positivity, community, excellence, and support." Durana believes in fostering a workplace that motivates and uplifts team members, which she considers to be a top priority. Cymbiotika has implemented various initiatives to promote team bonding, such as weekly family lunches, quarterly team-building events, and an open-door policy. By adhering to these traditions, the company has cultivated an environment where every aspect of the business, from customer experience to technology and marketing, is influenced by the team's diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach has enabled Cymbiotika to stay ahead of its competition and continuously generate innovative ideas that fill gaps in the industry. As a leader, Durana believes that team processes are more crucial to achieving organizational success than individual heroics. While individual efforts can be useful in specific situations, a culture that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration can lead to consistently high-quality results that surpass the achievements of individual efforts. Cymbiotika has experienced the benefits of a team-oriented approach firsthand. By prioritizing open communication, cross-functional collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence, the company has consistently met and exceeded its targets. Cymbiotika's unique culture allows the team to leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives of its employees to develop innovative solutions and drive growth. Founding Cymbiotika Durana was involved in the establishment of Cymbiotika, a remarkable movement that was founded in 2018 by herself, her husband, Shahab Elmi, and Chervin Jafarieh. The company's main goal is to become a leading force in the health and wellness industry by offering customers clean, scientifically-backed supplements and products that they can incorporate into their daily routines. Moreover, depending solely on individual heroism may result in exhaustion, high staff turnover, and a deficiency of responsibility. Conversely, team procedures establish responsibility, inspire ongoing enhancement, and cultivate a communal sense of achievement. In essence, although individual heroism may be required on occasion, Durana firmly upholds that teamwork and cooperation are the fundamental components for long-term prosperity in an organization. Cymbiotika provides a range of high-quality natural supplements that combine modern scientific innovation with traditional eastern medicine to develop formulas that work in synergy with the body. Their supplement line 42 | October 2023

43. Leadership Insights Durana, as the COO, is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization. She collaborates closely with department heads and the operations team to provide daily support. The most gratifying aspect of her job is observing the diligent efforts of everyone and seeing their happy expressions. Durana believes that developing leadership skills requires time and consistency, and it's essential to acknowledge that not everything will go as planned, and mistakes will be made. However, by learning from these errors and continually striving to improve, anyone can become an exceptional leader. She opines, "As long as you learn from your mistakes and always work on improving, you are already a fantastic leader. When you are in a leadership position, it is your full- time job; you are setting an example every waking minute.” Durana always says that she is not threatened by anyone taking her position—in fact, she wants someone to sit in her chair one day. Durana's encouragement for her employees to seek her guidance and advice stems from her desire to share her experiences, both the successes and failures, for their learning and growth. By learning from her accomplishments and mistakes, she hopes to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters continuous improvement and development for everyone. worldsleaders.com | 43

44. Hala Tfayli A Female Entrepreneur Redefining Boundaries in the Advertising Industry Founder & CEO The Channel MENA 44 | October 2023

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46. S tep into the world of Hala Tfayli, the remarkable Founder and CEO of The Channel MENA, whose career trajectory defies convention. Breaking away from the traditional path of advertising agency founders, Hala brings a unique perspective as a former client-side professional. With an illustrious background as the head of marketing for a renowned architecture and engineering consultancy in Kuwait, Hala honed her skills in selling professional services and gained invaluable insights into the construction sector at large. Additionally, her tenure at Al Shaya, a prominent conglomerate, provided her with an in-depth understanding of the rules and fundamentals of the dynamic retail world. In 2017, feeling the call of entrepreneurship, Hala boldly stepped away from the corporate realm to embark on her own business venture. Since then, she has relished every moment of her journey, eagerly anticipating the future that lies ahead. 46 | October 2023

47. From Research to Retail Hala embarked on her professional journey as a research analyst at Zawya Reuters, a role that provided her with invaluable exposure to the research sector. Recognizing the significance of research in shaping effective strategies and business plans, she developed a strong foundation in this field. Seeking to broaden her horizons, Hala transitioned to Alshaya, the leading retailer in the Middle East. This opportunity allowed her to acquire fundamental knowledge and insights into the retail industry. Immersed in this dynamic environment, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the essentials of retail operations. Driven by her passion for exploring new avenues, Hala then ventured into the professional services realm, joining SSH, a prominent architecture and engineering consultancy. In this role, she took on the challenge of establishing and nurturing the marketing department to support the regional expansion initiatives of a newly appointed international team. These experiences proved to be transformative for her, shaping her into the capable individual she is today. Driving Growth and Innovation proven immensely beneficial for the agency. The Channel MENA, a boutique advertising and marketing agency, first originated in Beirut back in 2018 and has since expanded its operations to Kuwait and more recently, KSA. Despite being a relatively young agency, it adopted a flexible and remote business model ahead of its time, recognizing the effectiveness of such an approach. This foresight has With a strong creative foundation, The Channel MENA consistently provides strategic insights and input for every creative brief, demonstrating a deep understanding of our clients' commercial needs. As a result, the agency has garnered a reputation for being one of the fastest-growing agencies in Kuwait today. worldsleaders.com | 47 Throughout her career, Hala consistently demonstrated a keen interest in sales and business development. She relished the art of negotiation and took pleasure in fostering connections and bridging gaps between different stakeholders. These skills and interests have been an integral part of her professional growth.

50. Heather Ripley Founder and CEO 50 | October 2023