In Saudi Arabia, a dynamic wave of women leaders is making a profound impact, shattering glass ceilings and inspiring future generations. Leading this charge are Abeer Al Bornu and Demah Alwan, two exceptional women whose careers at Bupa Arabia exemplify perseverance, determination, and success.
Their achievements underscore their passion and dedication, serving as powerful role models for many and illuminating the path for the next generation of female leaders.
Abeer Al Bornu
An Icon of Corporate Governance
Abeer Al Bornu’s unwavering commitment to corporate governance has catapulted her into a distinguished career within the insurance sector. With over 14 years of experience in governance, risk, and compliance, Abeer has held several pivotal leadership positions in the banking industry before transitioning to Bupa Arabia.
Currently, as the Corporate Governance Director and Company Secretariat, she plays a crucial role in harmonizing the board’s activities with the company’s operations. Her notable contributions include launching the Code of Conduct and enhancing corporate governance frameworks, ensuring adherence to best practices.
Bupa Arabia has been instrumental in supporting Abeer, particularly in balancing work and family life. As a recognized leader in championing women in the workplace, the company offers numerous benefits designed to alleviate the challenges faced by working mothers.
These include flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and in-house nurseries.
Notably, during Ramadan, the company allows mothers to work from home on the first two days and every Thursday, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a supportive and accommodating work environment.
“I recommend specializing in governance, risk and compliance, applying this knowledge across various opportunities, and gaining practical experience in different companies and institutions.”
Demah Alwan
A Beacon of Leadership
Demah Alwan’s journey at Bupa Arabia began in 2017 when she joined the Future Leaders Program within the Information Technology (IT) department. As the only woman on her team, Demah faced challenges but embraced them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Her exceptional communication and interpersonal skills helped her build a network of trust among her colleagues, facilitating her rise to managerial positions. She became the first woman to hold the position of Manager in the IT department and later advanced to Senior Executive Manager for IT Projects and Strategies.
In her current role, Demah oversees a team of 15 employees, developing strategic initiatives that align with the company’s objectives and the latest technology trends. She emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, resilience, and the ability to unite people around a common goal. These skills have been pivotal in overcoming challenges such as implementing new technologies within tight deadlines. Her effective planning and motivational leadership have been crucial to her success.
Both Abeer Al Bornu and Demah Alwan underscore the importance of core skills and the ability to rally people around a common goal. They highlight the significance of perseverance and determination in overcoming professional challenges. Demah advises women to seize every opportunity for learning and development, focusing on acquiring new skills that enable them to make an impact. Abeer recommends specializing in governance, risk, and compliance, applying this knowledge across various opportunities, and gaining practical experience in different companies and institutions.
Abeer Al Bornu and Demah Alwan exemplify the achievements of Saudi women who have reached remarkable heights in their careers. Their stories serve as an inspiration to young girls aspiring to build a bright future for Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that women can excel in various fields and encouraging future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Through their stories, Abeer and Demah not only highlight the opportunities available at Bupa Arabia but also serve as beacons of inspiration, proving that with passion and determination, women can achieve extraordinary success in any field.
“I advise women to seize every opportunity for learning and development, focusing on acquiring new skills that enable them to make an impact.”
