www.worldsleaders.com Vol.

10 | Issue 08 | October 2023

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
 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
Early female CEOs adopted many of the "codes of ULF. She is marking a significant milestone in her
ethics" that were thought to be crucial for success among illustrious career. Her unwavering commitment to
males since they were pioneers. A second generation of transforming educational landscapes and her extensive
women is now making their way into top executive experience in both education and public policy have
positions, but instead of adopting attitudes and actions earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the field.
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
Highly successful executives cannot be categorized into an award-winning teacher in the Clarksville
a particular mold, as demonstrated by the medium-sized, Montgomery County School System in Tennessee. This
unorthodox firms where women managers have smashed early success served as a catalyst for her subsequent
the glass ceiling. They have shown that there are other ventures, propelling her towards influential positions in
ways to achieve success than command-and-control various organizations dedicated to fostering educational
management, which is frequently used by men in large, growth.
well-established corporations.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
World's Leaders latest edition “World's Inspiring Women read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
Leaders Making A Difference, 2023” features female and industry experts.
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!
 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

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 COVER
STORY
10

Tamira
Samuel
Trailblazing Her Path in Education
Equity Policy to Empower Professionals
22 April Blackwell

Carly Benewith and

26 Rachel Gomez

30 Christiana Maxion

36 Dawn Maroney

40 Durana Elmi

44 Hala Tfayli

50 Heather Ripley

56 Irena Markovic

60 Loubna Sadiki
 COVER STORY

10 | October 2023
Tamira
Samuel
Trailblazing Her Path in Education Equity Policy
to Empower Professionals

worldsleaders.com | 11
 2018 Vintage Park Half Marathon Finisher

12 | October 2023
Empowering Change Agents

The Urban Leaders Fellowship

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

worldsleaders.com | 13
 Tamira with husband, Stephen Youngest two children son, Matthew and
daughter, Stephanie

Tamira with their three sons, Jerome, Timothy, & Matthew

14 | October 2023
expertise and capacity-building Working in Nashville Metro the approach taken 50 years ago.
provided by its fellows. Government, Tamira confronted the Tamira was fortunate to be raised and
harsh realities of domestic violence supported (alongside her mother,
Lastly, ULF supports local and state and witnessed how many children of Bonita) by her maternal
elected officials by providing them survivors end up without stable grandmother, Celester Cole, a
with policy advisor teams. These teams homes. Her time at the Beacon widower with 13 children; was a
assist in researching, analyzing, Center exposed her to concepts like seamstress and active church
writing, and proposing policies and charter schools, school choice, and member. Celester taught Tamira how
legislation that can be implemented the growing tension between to always be in service to others and
within a two-year timeframe. traditional public and charter public not of herself. Celester's home was
schools across the nation. always frequented by sewing
By offering these services, ULF strives Realizing the need to comprehend customers, pastors, deacons, other
to empower individuals, organizations, different educational settings and business owners, and community
and policymakers in their pursuit of their impact on policy, Tamira leaders. Tamira would help her
positive change and the creation of decided to expand her horizons. She grandmother by giving all guests
more equitable and just communities. had already become a trained sweet tea, collard greens, and
lobbyist on Capitol Hill and vegetables from her grandmother's
A Journey of Impact represented the United States at the well-tended garden of 30 plus years.
World Youth Congress in Canada, She believes in the power of
After graduating from Austin Peay where she recognized that struggles improving oneself, fostering
State University, Tamira embarked on a faced in the U.S. were shared by supportive cultures in both business
fulfilling career as a high school countries like Uganda and Argentina. and personal life, and, above all,
English teacher. This calling continues serving others. By focusing on
to shape her life as she balances her In 2012, Tamira's network of leaders leadership as a form of service and
roles as a wife, mother, and non-profit began to shape, prompting her move understanding the diverse dynamics
leader. The experience of being a to Texas to join KIPP: Houston. Over individuals bring to their
teacher has taught her invaluable the next 7-8 years, she immersed organizations, we can enhance
qualities such as empathy, compassion, herself in various roles within the productivity and foster an
and patience, which can only be truly education and policy sectors. In environment where people feel
understood through connecting with 2020, when the then Co-Executive empowered to be authentic, work
the lives and stories of young Director of ULF announced her collaboratively, serve others, and
individuals navigating their own paths. departure, Tamira was approached strive for excellence.
with the opportunity to lead the
During her teaching years, Tamira organization into the next decade. At present, ULF is taking a pause in
realized that many factors influencing Guided by prayer, support from expanding its services globally. The
her students' lives, both internally and loved ones, and her faith, she applied organization is currently in the
externally, were beyond her control. for the position and, as they say, the process of determining its role in the
After three years in the classroom, she rest is history. global policy landscape and how it
decided to explore a different avenue can equip its fellows, partners, and
and was accepted into Northwestern Leadership as Service officials to effectively address global
University for Public Policy and challenges within its existing model.
Administration. This opportunity led Tamira holds an optimistic view of
her to internships with Nashville leadership and recognizes the A Resilient Business Leader
Mayor Karl Dean and the Beacon importance of studying and
Center of Tennessee. These cultivating impactful leadership, As a business leader, Tamira has
experiences provided her with a deeper which is different from the approach encountered numerous challenges,
understanding of the issues and taken 50 years ago. Tamira holds an including crisis management,
influences impacting children and their optimistic view of leadership and industry shifts, people management,
families, both within and beyond the recognizes the importance of and projection issues. Throughout
classroom. studying and cultivating impactful her career, she has often found
leadership; which is different from herself leading through times of

worldsleaders.com | 15
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.
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.
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.
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
16 | October 2023
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.
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.
Leading with Purpose
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
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.
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.
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
Tamira credits her effectiveness, vision,
and strategy to her husband Stephen

worldsleaders.com | 17
 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.
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
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.
Corporate Work-Study Program Sponsor for Cristo Rey Houston

worldsleaders.com | 19
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.
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.
In addition to this risk, Tamira made another bold move
by changing the eligibility requirements for professionals
20 | October 2023
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.
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.
With United Way Project Blueprint Program Class XXXVII

Profellow Recognition as Top 10 Fellowship of 2022

worldsleaders.com | 21
22 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 23
24 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 25
Carly Benewith &
Rachel Gomez
women owned.. women operated.

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.

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
worldsleaders.com | 27
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Their team members share a strong
bond, both inside and outside of work,

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.
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.
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.
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.
worldsleaders.com | 29
30 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 31
32 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 33
 A Pioneer in Healthcare
Organizations' Success in
Medicare, Medicaid, and
Underserved Markets

36 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 37
 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
Revolutionizing Healthcare
through Data Integration
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
revolutionary care model that can management system, which has
and should be replicated throughout become a significant competitive
the healthcare industry. For years, advantage for the organization. By
healthcare organizations have leveraging technology and data,
struggled with effectively utilizing Alignment Health has established a
the vast amounts of digitized data unique care model that is driving
generated within the industry. better outcomes for patients and
Often, this data is siloed within improving the overall healthcare
individual organizations and cannot experience.
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
worldsleaders.com | 39
 Durana Elmi
COO
Cymbio ka LLC

40 | October 2023
Durana Elmi
Changing the World by Empowering People to Reclaim Their Health
Through Educa on, Transparency, and Nutri on

T 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
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.

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

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.
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
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.
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.
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
Hala Founder & CEO
The Channel MENA

Tfayli A Female Entrepreneur

Redefining Boundaries in
the Advertising Industry

44 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 45
 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
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 Driving Growth and Innovation proven immensely beneficial for the
individual she is today. agency.
The Channel MENA, a boutique
Throughout her career, Hala advertising and marketing agency, With a strong creative foundation,
consistently demonstrated a keen first originated in Beirut back in 2018 The Channel MENA consistently
interest in sales and business and has since expanded its operations provides strategic insights and input
development. She relished the art of to Kuwait and more recently, KSA. for every creative brief,
negotiation and took pleasure in Despite being a relatively young demonstrating a deep understanding
fostering connections and bridging agency, it adopted a flexible and of our clients' commercial needs. As
gaps between different stakeholders. remote business model ahead of its a result, the agency has garnered a
These skills and interests have been time, recognizing the effectiveness of reputation for being one of the
an integral part of her professional such an approach. This foresight has fastest-growing agencies in Kuwait
growth. today.
worldsleaders.com | 47
Heather Ripley
Founder and CEO

50 | October 2023
RIPLEY
PR
A World-class Public
Relations Firm
H eather Ripley started her
entrepreneurial journey
after working in
marketing for more than a decade,
and then spending several years in
senior management for two other
agencies. She has been on both
sides of the table - hiring a PR
agency for the company she
worked for and trying to sell the
agency's services to clients.
Heather quickly learned that most
agencies are generalists, trying to
be all things to all people, yet never
doing anything exceptionally well.
But what companies really need
when partnering with a public
relations or marketing agency, is a
true expert that understands their
unique challenges and their
industry. She says, "Ripley PR was
a culmination of all of my previous
years of marketing and PR
experience for various industries."
In May 2013, Heather started
Ripley PR with zero clients, and
by December of that year, she hired
her first salaried, full-time
employee and rented office space.
Today, Ripley PR is the top agency
in the country in many of the
industries it serves.
Ripley PR is an elite, global public
relations agency specialising in
building and skilled trades,
franchising, B2B technology, and
manufacturing. It offers a full range
of strategic communication
services, including content
creation, brand promotions and
award nominations,
communications strategies, crisis
management, media relations and
social media management.
Below are the highlights of the
interview conducted between the
World's Leaders and Heather
Ripley.
Tell us about your background
and what did you do before you
started/joined Ripley PR?
I started my career working for a
department store buying office in
1996, and while I was an assistant
buyer in home goods, I fell in love
with copywriting. After that, I
served in a variety of roles for other
companies, managing marketing
and public relations. I was also a
freelance journalist for a few years
in Bradenton, Florida. In 2008, I
managed marketing and PR for one
of the largest home services
franchisors in the country,
Clockwork Home Services. It was
there that I secured a spot for our
three franchise brands – One Hour
Heating & Air Conditioning,
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and
Mister Sparky - on The Celebrity
Apprentice. After that, I entered the
agency world and managed PR for
two different agencies before
starting Ripley PR in 2013.
What differentiates you from the
other marketing firms?
We pride ourselves on deeply
understanding the industries we
serve. Through our work with the
franchise industry and home
service trades, for example, we
gained the knowledge and
experience to create the most
effective PR strategies for these
industries. We speak their language
and know the best messaging
strategies for this market.
How do you handle team
members who have different
opinions about the direction of a
campaign?
worldsleaders.com | 51
 The core teams that serve each of
our clients work well together
behind the scenes to consider all
ideas and arrive at the best
solutions to present to our clients.
Because of our focus on proven
earned media strategies, and our
employees' commitment to
teamwork and each other, we avoid
much of the internal friction that
can arise in other agencies.

Tell us about your proud moment

as a leader and the achievements
of Ripley PR?

There are so many, it's difficult to

choose just one. We were named to
Forbes' list of America's Best PR
Agencies for 2021 and have been
on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 10
Franchise PR Agencies list for four
consecutive years. These awards
are humbling because they are
based on client surveys and
feedback. I'm also proud of my
team for working hard every day to
help our clients reach their business
goals, whether that means securing
earned media stories in local or
industry publications, attracting
prospects to their franchise
opportunity, attracting investors, or
positioning their company for
acquisition.

How do you ensure a culture of

integrity and innovation in
Ripley PR?

My biggest asset at the agency is

my team. I aim to always hire
professionals and treat them like
professionals. We promote ongoing
training, growth and education and
maintain an open-door policy for
our employees. We also are

52 | October 2023
 A successful marketing campaign
includes all the elements of
business communication:
marketing, advertising, branding
and public relations. One element
of successful marketing is to
establish the representatives of the
brand as thought leaders using a
combination of written articles,
speaking engagements and
interviews that feature their
expertise. Consistent online
awareness is also key, so a good
campaign needs to include regular,
engaging content and posts that
speak to your target audience.
balance. That's generally pretty
difficult in the agency world
because many companies have flex
hours and employees work in
different time zones and email
around the clock. We've created
systems and processes for our team
so that we are able to maintain
balance in non-crisis situations.
This balance is one part of a
dynamic, attractive culture that I
believe to be the foundation for
continuing the growth of our
agency.

What career advice would you

intentional about choosing the right
clients to work with and don't just
chase dollars. We've put in place a
strong foundation and operational
systems that help our team
members succeed.
How do you keep updated on
marketing trends, tools and
techniques?
Ripley PR is a member of IPREX,
a global group of independent
public relations and marketing
agencies. We have more than 100
communications agencies in our
network where we can learn from
others' marketing successes, share
tools and techniques for operating
more efficiently and profitably, as
well as stay abreast of new
worldwide trends and best
practices.
What elements does a marketing
campaign need in order to be
successful?
give to new leaders who are
interested in working in
marketing?
Beyond developing written and
verbal communication and
organisational skills, I would also
encourage young leaders to read
business books and work to
develop a strong business acumen.
To be able to consult the C-suite of
a large business about their growth
strategy, you must have an
understanding of how companies
make and lose money. Reading can
add to your personal development
and range as a communicator—and
audiobooks can come in handy
when you're in your car or cooking
dinner.
Tell us about your vision for
Ripley PR.
My goal was to create a world-class
PR agency in my hometown in East
Tennessee and serve clients all over
the world. I wanted to build a team
that is results-focused, yet able to
maintain a strong work-life

worldsleaders.com | 53
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worldsleaders.com | 57
58 | October 2023
worldsleaders.com | 59
Loubna Sadiki
A
An ambitious entrepreneur, interior designer,
and real estate investor, Loubna Sadiki is a
driving force in the world of design and
entrepreneurial growth. With her unwavering
passion and determination, she has broken
barriers in the mainly male-dominated
industry, achieving remarkable success and
inspiring young women to fearlessly pursue
their dreams.
Loubna is also the visionary behind Xenia
Homes, a luxury vacation rental and
concierge service. She started her vacation
rental business in Seattle in 2016 and
expanded to Los Angeles and Miami. Her
discerning clientele has included NFL and
NBA players, as well as renowned figures
such as Swae Lee and CeeLo Green.
Loubna's entrepreneurial endeavors didn't
stop in the United States; she extended her
luxury vacation rental business to her home
60 | October 2023
country, Morocco, where she partnered with
luxury hotels and palaces in the enchanting
city of Marrakech.
Originally from Casablanca, Morocco,
Loubna completed her education in the
United States at the University of Washington
in Seattle, where she initially started on a
career in the tech industry as an Operations
Data Analyst. However, she soon discovered
her true calling in entrepreneurship and
interior design.
As an immigrant, Loubna faced sexism and
challenges while pursuing her passion for
serial entrepreneurship in the real estate,
hospitality, and interior design fields.
Nevertheless, her persistence and innovative
thinking have opened doors for her,
establishing her as a voice for young women
confronting similar obstacles. Notably, her
interior design services have been sought
after by NBA athletes and esteemed
American celebrities, including French
Montana.
About the Company
In order to help both property owners and buyers, Xenia Homes works as a one-stop shop. Both those looking
for vacation rentals and those who own properties can get solutions from the company. Property owners can
fully enjoy their downtime without worrying about the upkeep and maintenance of their properties thanks to
Xenia Homes, a company that specializes in managing vacation homes for them.

Finding the ideal vacation rental with Xenia Homes is a stress-free experience for visitors. e company's
commi ed employees go above and beyond to ful l the needs of their visitors, providing an upscale
housekeeping service and a private concierge service to guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

worldsleaders.com | 61