Gradstock Roadmap - Corporate Secrets to Your Success Sessions! (Part One).pdf

singhabhishekcd 0 views 23 slides Oct 10, 2025
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About This Presentation

Gradstock Roadmap - Corporate Secrets to Your Success Sessions!


Slide Content

GRADSTOCK
2025
https://www.mdx.ac.ae/gradstock-employability-festival
Visit our website
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR
SUCCESS

THE AGENDA
3 October | Strategies for Building a Career in Sports Science and Related Fields as a Recent Graduate
Speaker: Mark Colbourne, Paralympic Gold Medalist, Founder at Mark Colbourne Lifestyle Coaching
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
6 October | From Content to Career: Building Your Future in Media
Speaker: Claire Peach, Media Director at Dentsu
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
6 October | Level Up Your Career: Resume, LinkedIn & Elevator Pitch Masterclass
Speaker: Amanda Fernandes, Manager (Careers & Employability Services) at Middlesex
University Dubai
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
6 October | Opportunities in Motion: Your Path to Supply Chain Success in Dubai
Speaker: Hazem Kiwareh, Head of Networks Local Delivery, CU Gulf at Ericsson
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus

THE AGENDA
7 October | Building Careers and Leadership in Global Banking
Speaker: Fares Antoun, Country Operating Officer MENA at Bank of America
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Location: Hendon Theatre, Block 15, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
7 October | Shape Your Career Journey with CHANEL
Speakers: Gregoire Bacha, Fashion Merchandising Manager at CHANEL,
Eunice Retuya, Learning and Style Expertise Manager at CHANEL
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: Icon Studio 1, Ground Floor, Block 16, DKP Campus
7 October | Decoding MENA Audiences: Performance, Retention & the Future of Digital
Speaker: Meghna Kothari, Director at McCollins Media
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Location: London Auditorium, Block 17, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
8 October | Panel Discussion - Beyond University: Preparing for a Career with Purpose with ICAEW
Speakers: Moderator - Sandile Nka
Panellists - Asim Raza, Anam Khawaja, Daniyal Adenwala, and Syed Awais
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Location: Study District 1, Block 17, DKP Campus

THE AGENDA
8 October | Brand Storytelling & Go-to-Market Communication in the Fresh Food Industry
Speaker: Nithin Philip, GM – Sales at iD Fresh Food
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Location: Block 17, 2nd Floor, Room 14, DKP Campus (17-214)
8 October | Neuropsychology in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Clinic and the Role of
the Neuropsychologist in the UAE
Speaker: Dr. Eleni Margioti, Neuropsychology Lead at The Brain & Performance Centre
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Location: Block 17, 3rd Floor, Room 05, DKP Campus (17-305)
8 October | Networking Day with MMJS: Navigating Tax Careers & Trends in the UAE
Speakers: Govind Rathi - Associate Director (Direct Tax), Tarun Grover - Associate Director
(Indirect Tax), Gokul Anandan - Associate Director (Transfer Pricing)
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Location: Study District 1, Block 17, DKP Campus
9 October | Applied Behavior Analysis in Action: A Hands-On Workshop
Speaker: Bahij Khouzami, CEO/Founder at Autism Intervention Specialists
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Location: Block 17, First Floor, Room 09 (17-109)

THE AGENDA
10 October | From Application to Interview: AI Tools That Supercharge Your Job Hunt
Speaker: Mariya Pushkareva, Specialist (Careers & Employability Services) at Middlesex
University Dubai
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: MS Teams
9 October | Building a Stand-Out Design Career in Dubai
Speaker: Warsha Dhemani, Senior Art Director at Saatchi & Saatchi
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: Graphic Design Studio, Block 16, 1 Floor, DKP Campus
st
9 October | The Architecture of Mega Projects
Speaker: Obi Omoregie, Lead - Program Support (Enterprise Change & Portfolio
Management) at ENEC
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
13 October | Accounting Frauds / Manipulations
Speaker: Saad Maniar, CEO at Baker Tilly UAE
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Location: Classroom AC-10-5-05, DIAC Campus

14 October | Level Up Your Career: Resume, LinkedIn & Elevator Pitch Masterclass
Speaker: Amanda Fernandes, Manager (Careers & Employability Services) at Middlesex
University Dubai
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: MS Teams
15 October | Resume Writing Workshop
Speaker: Nils Hamsa, Former Head - Talent Acquisition & Development at flydubai
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Location: Classroom AC-10-5-05, DIAC Campus
THE AGENDA
15 October | Profile Power: Crafting a Personal Brand That Opens Career Doors
Speaker: Shreea D Mehra, Regional Jr. HR Business Partner & Analytics Lead - Emerging
Markets at Beiersdorf
Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
16 October | Executive Breakthrough - Navigate Your Way to the Top
Speaker: Navid Nazemian, World‘s #1 Executive Coach, Bestselling Author at Navid
Nazemian Executive Coaching FZCO
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus

THE AGENDA
17 October | Creating Opportunity: How One Founder Built a Leading Gen-Z Agency
Speaker: Vishal Menon, Managing Partner at Fireflies
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Location: Study District 1, Block 17, DKP Campus
20 October | Cybersecurity Industry Insights
Speaker: Rafik Gerges, Business Value Lead - Cybersecurity at Microsoft
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Location: Oasis Theatre, Block 16, Ground Floor, DKP Campus
20 October | Driving Competitive Advantage through Innovation in GCC
Speaker: Hasan Habib, Senior Investments Advisor
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Location: Classroom AC-10-5-05, DIAC Campus

SPEAKER
PROFILES Visit our website
https://www.mdx.ac.ae/gradstock-employability-festival

Mark Colbourne – Paralympic Gold Medalist, Founder at Mark
Colbourne Lifestyle Coaching
Mark Colbourne MBE is an international speaker and leadership coach, as well as a former World
and Paralympic Gold Medal cyclist for Great Britain. After a near-fatal paragliding accident in 2009
left him with lower-leg paralysis, he learned to walk again and turned to para-cycling, winning
international races within a year. In 2012, he became World Track Champion and went on to break
two world records at the London Paralympic Games, securing Gold for Team GB. Honoured with an
MBE in 2013 for services to sport, Mark now inspires audiences with lessons on resilience, high
performance, and career development, drawing on both elite sport and real-world leadership
experience.
Claire Peach – Media Director at Dentsu
Expert in Integrated Media Campaigns with proven track record in conceptualising and executing high-
impact integrated media strategies tailored to diverse industries, ensuring alignment with client
business objectives and delivering measurable success. Skilled in interpreting complex client briefs to
design bespoke media campaigns that not only meet but exceed client expectations, consistently
driving exceptional ROI. A key contributor to Dentsu’s Growth Squad, helping direct pitches for large-
scale global accounts and strategic new business opportunities, showcasing a results-driven and
innovative approach. Spearheaded and managed a high-performing team of 15 professionals, fostering
a culture of excellence, providing mentorship, and ensuring seamless day-to-day account operations.
Delivered outstanding media solutions for industry-leading clients, including Kering, Accor, Carlsberg,
Fairmont, Pandora, Legoland Parks & Resorts, and Hilton, achieving strategic business objectives across
markets.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Hazem Kiwareh – Head of Networks Local Delivery, CU Gulf at Ericsson
Hazem Khwaireh is a telecom and supply chain leader with 20+ years of experience at top firms
like Ericsson, DU, and Nortel. As Head of Networks Local Delivery, he oversees mobile network
installation and integration, building on a strong background in supply chain, sourcing, and
logistics across the Gulf.
Known for delivering multimillion-dollar tech projects, Hazem excels at streamlining operations,
cutting costs, and driving quality. Guided by his motto, "Challenge the present to shape the
future," he’s passionate about team building and mentoring future industry leaders.
Rafik Gerges – Business Value Lead - Cybersecurity at Microsoft
Rafik is a cybersecurity expert with 16+ years of experience advising C-level leaders across Europe,
the Middle East, and Africa. As Business Value Lead for Cybersecurity at Microsoft, he blends deep
technical knowledge with strategic insight to drive business impact.
Holding an M.Sc. in information risk management, a machine learning diploma, and over 30 global
certifications, Rafik is committed to staying ahead of the curve. He’s recognised for creating scalable
sales and competition frameworks at Microsoft, and for turning complex security challenges into real
business value.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Eunice Retuya - Learning and Style Expertise Manager at CHANEL
Eunice Retuya is the Learning and Style Expertise Manager at CHANEL Middle East, bringing over 20 years
of experience in luxury retail and client experience. Her career began at Qatar Airways, where she spent
six years as a Cabin Service Purser — a role that honed her cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and
commitment to excellence.
She later led flagship boutiques at Burberry Qatar, focusing on building long-term client relationships in
the Middle Eastern market. Since 2015, Eunice has specialised in learning and development across four
countries, designing impactful programs that enhance service culture, grow talent, and elevate the client
journey. At CHANEL, she is responsible for cultivating a client-centric learning culture and guiding the
next generation of learning leaders. Passionate about empowering individuals and building agile teams,
Eunice seamlessly blends style expertise with learning, always aligned with CHANEL’s values.
Gregoire Bacha - Fashion Merchandising Manager at CHANEL
Gregoire Bacha is a Fashion Merchandising Manager at CHANEL Middle East, where he’s spent over
three years shaping product strategy and ensuring alignment between market demand and brand
vision. With 7+ years in the luxury industry across the Middle East and Europe, he previously held
roles at Hermès Paris as a Business Analyst and Area Manager, overseeing CRM, sell-out analysis, and
market coordination across Europe and Greater China. Gregoire blends analytical rigour with a deep
passion for fashion, craftsmanship, and consumer insights — thriving where creativity meets strategy.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Fares Antoun – Country Operating Officer MENA at Bank of America -
Merrill Lynch International
Fares Antoun is the Country Operating Officer at Bank of America in the Middle East and North Africa region
(MENA). He assists the Country Executive with coordinating the day-to-day operations of the regional offices and
helps ensure governance, supervision, and that internal controls are in place. He coordinates with enterprise
control functions (Finance, Human Resources, Risk, and Compliance) to help ensure that businesses in the country
run effectively and within the requirements of the country's control policies, regulatory requirements, and a proper
Risk Framework.

Fares has more than 15 years of experience in business administration. Before joining Merrill Lynch, Mr Antoun
gained his management experience working for the multinational company Unilever. During his tenure with Unilever
(1999 -2006) he managed a sales force of more than 70 employees. He left Unilever to join Bank Audi, the number
one bank in Lebanon (2007-2008), where he piloted the launch of a new sales unit. His management of their Direct
Sales Force led to a substantial increase in their customer base after the first year.
Meghna Kothari – Director at McCollins Media
With over 18 years of marketing experience, Meghna Kothari leads McCollins Media—an award-
winning digital brand activation agency based in Dubai. The agency specializes in website
development, social media marketing, performance marketing, content production, and AI
development, delivering innovative solutions for brands across the region.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Dr Eleni Margioti – Neuropsychology Lead at The Brain &
Performance Centre
Dr. Eleni Margioti is an experienced Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 18 years of clinical, academic, and
managerial expertise. She currently serves as the Head of both the Adult and Youth Neuropsychology
Departments at the Brain and Performance Centre by DP World in Dubai, where she leads a team dedicated
to advanced cognitive assessment and rehabilitation. The Youth Wing provides specialised care for children
and adolescents with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion
syndrome, and paediatric stroke recovery. The Adult Wing focuses on healthy ageing, elite athletes,
traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, stroke, cognitive decline, long COVID, fibromyalgia, and
Lyme disease. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, her role also includes strategic planning, clinical
leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in evidence-based practice and quality assurance across services.
Nithin Philip – GM – Sales at iD Fresh Food
An MBA in Marketing from Christ University, Nithin is a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of
experience in FMCG sales and e-commerce. As GM – Sales at iD Fresh Food, he has driven India and UAE
market expansion, built high-impact teams, and helped make fresh, preservative-free food a household
staple. His career spans leadership roles across general trade, modern trade, e-commerce, and
international sales in the UAE. Prior to iD Fresh, Nithin held key positions at Sresta Natural Bioproducts
and ITC Limited, where he honed expertise in consumer behaviour, retail dynamics, and sustainable
growth.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Gokul Anandan
Associate Director - Transfer Pricing at
MMJS Consulting
A Chartered Accountant with 12+
years of transfer pricing expertise,
Gokul advises multinationals on
tax-efficient, compliant business
models. He has worked on BAPAs
and MAPs across multiple
countries and previously led
global transfer pricing projects at
a Big Four firm in Singapore and
India.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Govind Rathi
Associate Director - Direct Tax at
MMJS Consulting
Govind is a Chartered Accountant with 11+ years of
experience in corporate and international tax. At
MMJS Consulting, he leads complex projects on
inbound structuring, cross-border taxation, and
UAE corporate tax. He has advised clients across
sectors like energy, finance, automotive, logistics, IT,
and manufacturing. Previously at KPMG and EY
India, he focused on international tax, treaty
advisory, compliance, and tax controversy, while
also delivering training on tax and industry updates.
Tarun Grover
Associate Director - Indirect Tax at
MMJS Consulting
A Chartered Accountant with 10+
years of expertise in VAT and
indirect taxation, Tarun has
advised clients across real estate,
logistics, manufacturing, and
FMCG sectors. He specialises in
implementation, compliance, and
advisory services, with prior
experience at Deloitte (India &
Dubai) and More.

Bahij Khouzami – CEO/Founder of Autism Intervention Specialists
Bahij Khouzami is the Founder and CEO of Autism Intervention Specialists, a Board Certified Behavior
Analyst (BCBA), and an International Behavior Analyst (IBA). With a career spanning the US and the Middle
East, he specialises in ABA, Early Intervention, Verbal Behaviour, PECS, and Behaviour Management. A
graduate of Cambridge College, USA (M.Ed. in ABA/Autism) and a licensed Behaviour Analyst in
Massachusetts, he is also a member of Pi Lambda Theta honour society. In addition to leading Autism
Intervention Specialists in Dubai, Bahij serves as Clinical Director of Evolve Early Intervention Centre in
Kuwait and has trained professionals globally through RBT, ABAT, and IBT certifications. Renowned for
blending scientific expertise with interactive demonstrations, his sessions make complex concepts
accessible and impactful.
Warsha Dhemani – Senior Art Director at Saatchi & Saatchi
Warsha is a Senior Art Director, currently working at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness. Whether she’s breaking
myths around breast cancer, making vaccines cool, or empowering patients to take charge of their health,
Warsha brings heart and soul into everything she touches. Her creative playground includes big-name
brands like Pfizer, where she's led innovative, feel-good projects that blend healthcare with storytelling. With
previous experience across FMCG giants like Nestlé (Nido, Nescafé, Maggi), collaborations with the Louvre,
campaigns for e&, and initiatives with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Warsha brings unmatched
versatility to her work. With a knack for blending strategy with bold creativity, she’s all about delivering
campaigns that spark conversations and inspire action. And when she’s not busy being a creative
powerhouse, you’ll find her chronicling her obsession with the brand Off-White with her best friend and
dreaming up the next big idea to make people think and live healthier.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Obi Omoregie – Lead ~ Program Support (Enterprise Change &
Portfolio Management) at ENEC
Strategic transformation leader with 15 years’ experience across a diverse range of industries
(Nuclear Energy, Finance, Manpower, Technology), shifting change mindset, strengthening decision
culture and embedding lasting change. Known for unlocking team potential through real-world
transformation experience. Obi's expertise covers different interconnected areas: culture change
and leadership alignment, capability building coaching and developing senior leaders, portfolio
management and strategic prioritisation. Through this blend of strategic insight and hands-on
leadership, Obi Omoregie consistently turns ambitious goals into measurable, lasting impact.
Vishal Menon – Managing Partner of Fireflies
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Fireflies, Vishal Menon has bootstrapped the agency into one
of the UAE’s leading firms, delivering campaigns for top local and global brands across the Middle East.
Since its inception, he has overseen business development, operations, and strategy—carving out a
niche in Gen-Z marketing and expanding into full-scale brand management. Under Vishal’s leadership,
Fireflies has earned the trust of major clients including Victoria’s Secret, City Walk, Rove Hotels, and
Casio, cementing its reputation in a highly competitive regional market.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Shreea D Mehra – Regional Jr. HR Business Partner & Analytics
Lead - Emerging Markets at Beiersdorf
Shreea D Mehra is a highly skilled and versatile HR professional with over five years of experience
optimizing HR functions and advancing HR analytics across diverse organizations. Combining an
engineering background with a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Trinity Business School,
Trinity College Dublin, she specializes in gathering, interpreting, and visualizing complex data to create
actionable insights that enhance people processes and drive measurable results. Known for a bottom-
line focus and client-centric, data-driven approach, Shreea excels at diagnosing organizational
challenges, streamlining workflows, and identifying opportunities for sustainable improvement. With
strong business acumen, analytical expertise, and a collaborative mindset, she delivers solutions that
balance operational efficiency with employee engagement, always guided by core values of excellence
and long-term success.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Hasan Habib - Senior Investments Advisor
Hassan H. is a strategic advisor and thought leader specialising in future-centric transformation, AI-
driven decision architecture, and cultural curation in complex global environments. An Oxford and MIT
Sloan alumnus with over 17 years of experience, he advises UHNWIs, family offices, and institutions on
investments, governance, and human capital strategy, helping organisations stay resilient and relevant in
a rapidly evolving world.

Navid Nazemian – World‘s #1 Executive Coach, Bestselling Author
Navid helps executives and their leadership teams accelerate and successfully transition into new roles.
He is the author of Mastering Executive Transitions - The Definitive Guide, a #1 new release and
international best selling book. Navid is an unparalleled expert and a thought leader in executive
transitions, having lived and successfully worked in five countries across six sectors and working with C-
level leaders on the same as an Executive Transition Coach. He brings to the table an eclectic background
that spans over two decades of human resources experience in some of the world’s most admired
companies at country, regional and global leadership level, in both emerging and developed markets.
More recently, Navid has been recognised as HR‘s Most Influential Practitioner by the HR Magazine,
ranked as #1 Coach globally by CEO Today for the third year running, as 100 Most Iconic Coaching
Leaders by CHRO Asia and has received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Education 2.0.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Nils Hamsa -Former Head - Talent Acquisition & Development at
flydubai
Nils Hamsa is a seasoned human development strategist with over 17 years in talent acquisition and
9 in talent development, most recently leading Talent & L&D at flydubai. His work spans global
recruitment, leadership development, and performance ecosystems that unlock human potential
from youth to senior leaders. Nils drives initiatives at the intersection of the future of work, bio-
optimization, and ethical AI education—advising organizations and individuals on how to align talent
with purpose and performance.

Saad Maniar - CEO at Baker Tilly UAE
Nils Hamsa is a seasoned human development strategist with over 17 years in talent acquisition and 9 in
talent development, most recently leading Talent & L&D at flydubai. His work spans global recruitment,
leadership development, and performance ecosystems that unlock human potential from youth to
senior leaders. Nils drives initiatives at the intersection of the future of work, bio-optimization, and
ethical AI education—advising organizations and individuals on how to align talent with purpose and
performance.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Panel Discussion Beyond University:
Preparing for a
Career with
Purpose with
ICAEW
Asim Raza ACA -
Head of Financial Reporting at Parkin PJSC
Daniyal Adenwala ACA -
Auditor at Crowe
Sandile Nkala -
Audit Supervisor at KPMG Lower Gulf
Syed Awais ACA -
Audit Associate III at Grant Thornton
Anam Khawaja ACA -
Ex-Manager at Deloitte
M
O
D
ERA
T
O
R

Sandile Nkala – Audit Supervisor at KPMG Lower Gulf
Sandile Nkala is an Audit Supervisor at KPMG Lower Gulf with over 4.5 years’ experience in external
audits across diverse industries in the Middle East. She specializes in financial reporting, internal
controls, and risk assessment, and is currently pursuing the ICAEW ACA qualification. Sandile is
passionate about mentoring junior professionals and empowering young women through mentorship and
public speaking.
Anam Khawaja ACA – Ex-Manager at Deloitte
Anam Khawaja is a Qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and former Manager at Deloitte Middle East
with over 7 years of experience auditing companies across construction, distribution, manufacturing,
and retail sectors. She is skilled in IFRS financial reporting, audit standards, and project management,
with a strong track record of delivering timely engagements and fostering lasting client relationships.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Daniyal Adenwala ACA – Auditor at Crowe
Daniyal Adenwala ACA – Auditor at Crowe, ICAEW ACA and CMA (US), is an experienced Audit and
Assurance professional with over 4 years in Dubai, specialising in clients across property management,
real estate, holding, and construction sectors. A skilled team leader, he has successfully managed and
guided audit teams on complex engagements. Daniyal is currently pursuing a Master’s in Professional
Accountancy from the University of London to further broaden his expertise in management accounting.

Asim Raza ACA - Head of Financial Reporting at Parkin PJSC
Asim Raza, ACA, is Head of Financial Reporting at Parkin PJSC with over 13 years of experience in
financial reporting, IPO readiness, and strategic advisory. A Chartered Accountant (ACA–ICAEW) and
Business & Finance Professional (BFP), he previously served as Associate Director at KPMG, delivering
solutions to complex financial and regulatory challenges across sectors including public sector, oil &
gas, energy, aviation, and sovereign wealth funds.
GRADSTOCK 2025
CORPORATE SECRETS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Syed Awais ACA – Audit Associate III at Grant Thornton
Syed Awais, ACA – Audit Associate III at Grant Thornton UAE, is a qualified ICAEW Chartered
Accountant with nearly 4 years of audit experience across industries including trading,
commodities, construction, hospitality, real estate, and education. He brings a strong focus on
financial analysis, internal controls, and client-centric auditing, ensuring precision and insight in
every engagement.

Amanda Fernandes – Manager (Careers & Employability Services)
Amanda Fernandes is the Manager of Careers and Employability Services at Middlesex University
Dubai. She brings significant training and development expertise across corporate and education
sectors in the Middle East. She is passionate about equipping students with the necessary skills to
thrive in their careers and is committed to ensuring that students receive vital support as they
transition into the workforce or on entrepreneurial ventures. Amanda provides strategic leadership
in designing and implementing training programs to enhance students' employability.
GRADSTOCK 2025
PREPARATORY SESSIONS
Mariya Pushkareva – Specialist (Careers & Employability Services)
Mariya Pushkareva's professional expertise includes extensive exposure to different industry sectors in
Russia and the UAE, underscoring her versatility and adaptability. With over a decade as a scientific
researcher in the oil and gas sector, she seamlessly transitioned through sales and marketing roles into
Careers and Employability Services. Currently, Mariya is dedicated to sharing her industry knowledge to
empower individuals navigating diverse career pathways. Her specialization lies in employer outreach,
working towards to broaden horizons and enriching the landscape of career opportunities available to
Middlesex University Dubai students.