From Architecture to Leadership: Industry Professionals Exchange Insights at WE Global Networkā€™s She Builds Brunch
Oct 28, 2026Dubai, UAE | 24 October 2026 — What does it take to build a career in architecture, find your voice in a challenging industry and eventually lead major construction projects?
These were among the questions explored at the latest She Builds Power Circle Brunch, hosted by WE Global Network at The Grazer, Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai, on Saturday, 24 October.
The gathering brought together 10 attendees from the construction and allied industries for an informal conversation with Maram Sherif, Director at U+A – Egis Group, an architect and design leader with 20 years of experience across the UAE and MENA.
Rather than following a traditional speaker-and-audience format, the brunch unfolded as an open conversation over food, with participants sharing experiences, asking questions and exploring how different disciplines contribute to successful construction projects.
Finding Her Voice: Maram Sherif’s Journey in Architecture and Leadership
For Maram Sherif, becoming a leader in construction has been a journey shaped by experience, persistence and the ability to navigate challenges.
During the brunch, she reflected on her early career as an architect and the difficulties she encountered in making her voice heard, particularly during the initial stages of her professional journey.
She spoke candidly about navigating these situations, developing confidence in her expertise and consistently approaching challenges with professionalism and grace.
Her experiences resonated with the gathering, particularly as the conversation explored the realities of building credibility and progressing into leadership positions within the construction industry.
Over two decades, Maram's career has evolved from architectural practice to leading design responsibilities on major projects across the region.
Her journey offered attendees a perspective on how technical knowledge, professional confidence and leadership skills develop through years of practical experience.
From Bidding to Handover: Understanding the Bigger Picture of Construction
One of the most engaging parts of the brunch focused on what happens behind the scenes of large construction projects.
Drawing from her experience as a design leader on major developments in the UAE, Maram explained how projects evolve from the bidding stage through design development, coordination and eventual handover.
The discussion went beyond architectural drawings.
She shared insights into the responsibilities involved in managing design across different project stages and the importance of coordinating with the many disciplines contributing to a development.
For the professionals around the table, this created an opportunity to understand how their respective trades and services fit into the larger project delivery process.
The conversation highlighted an important reality of construction: successful projects depend not only on individual technical expertise but also on how effectively different disciplines communicate, coordinate and understand one another's requirements.
An Unexpected Design Conversation: Why Pest Control Should Begin Before Construction
A particularly interesting discussion emerged when Geena George, leader of the She Builds Power Circle and the professional behind Eagle Nest Pest Control, brought a different perspective to the table.
Drawing from practical situations encountered on projects, Geena explained how certain architectural, structural and building-services decisions can unintentionally create environments where pests thrive.
The discussion covered considerations such as drainage arrangements, concealed spaces, service openings, landscaping and other building elements that can influence pest activity.
Rather than treating pest control solely as a maintenance concern after a building becomes operational, Geena highlighted the importance of considering pest prevention during the design and planning stages.
Her examples encouraged a wider conversation about the value of involving specialist trades early in the construction process.
The exchange demonstrated how insights from one discipline can help professionals in another identify potential issues before they become costly operational challenges.
It was also an example of what makes industry-focused networking valuable: conversations that connect expertise from different sectors and reveal practical considerations that may otherwise be overlooked.
Ten Attendees, One Table and Conversations Beyond Job Titles
The atmosphere throughout the brunch remained warm and informal.
With just 10 attendees, the gathering allowed participants to engage directly with Maram, contribute their perspectives and explore questions relevant to their respective businesses and professions.
Over brunch served by venue partner The Grazer, conversations moved naturally between career development, leadership, design coordination and the realities of working across the construction supply chain.
The smaller setting created space for everyone to participate rather than simply listen to a guest speaker.
Professionals Who Joined the Conversation
The gathering welcomed professionals from across the construction and allied industries, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives.
Attendees:
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Bilna Sandeep MRICS ,Founder - WE Global Network, Commercial Manager - Procurement - BK Gulf LLC
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Aarsha Raveendran,Chief Operating Officer - Feather Touch decoration LLC
- JASVINDER SINGH DHILLON , General Manager - ASD Interior Building Contracting LLC
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Amany Saied,Contract Manager - Archirodon Construction overseas company
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Sayeda Naosheen Saberi, Financial Director - ZB CONSTRUCTION L.L.C
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Andrea Dsouza , Property Consultant -Artha Realty LLC
- Geena George, Client Relationship Manager, Eagle Nest Pest Services
- Noor Kalaji, Founder - Bimax engineering
- Renuka George B, Designation Head of Sales and Marketing- Impex Global Building Materials Trading LLC
- Sindoori Jayarajan, Community Manager at WE Global Network, Sales & Partnerships Executive at Growwie
She Builds Power Circle: Connecting the People Behind the Built Environment
The brunch was organised under the She Builds Power Circle, an industry-focused initiative of WE Global Network led by Geena George, who runs Eagle Nest Pest Control.
While She Builds champions women's professional growth and leadership within construction, its industry gatherings welcome both men and women working across construction, real estate and the wider supply chain.
The initiative brings together architects, designers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, specialist service providers and other professionals connected to the built environment.
Its purpose extends beyond exchanging business cards.
By encouraging open conversations between professionals from different disciplines, She Builds aims to create a community where industry knowledge, professional relationships and collaborative thinking can develop naturally.
The October brunch demonstrated this approach, bringing together leadership experiences, technical discussions and practical industry insights within a single conversation.
The Grazer Hosts Another Industry Gathering
The event was supported by The Grazer at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai, which served as the venue partner.
The relaxed brunch setting complemented the conversational format, allowing attendees to connect over good food while discussing topics relevant to their professional journeys.
WE Global Network extends its appreciation to The Grazer for its hospitality and continued support of meaningful business gatherings.
About WE Global Network
WE Global Network is a Dubai-based business ecosystem focused on connecting entrepreneurs, SMEs and industry professionals with meaningful business relationships and access to knowledge.
Through initiatives including WE Connect, WE Boardroom and dedicated industry Power Circles, the network creates structured opportunities for professional exchange, business visibility and collaboration.
While its core membership community focuses on women entrepreneurs and business leaders, selected industry events also welcome male professionals, recognising the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaboration across sectors.
The She Builds Power Circle reflects this approach by connecting professionals across construction, real estate and the industries supporting them.
The October gathering reinforced a simple idea: some of the most valuable industry conversations happen when people from different trades sit around the same table and share what they know.
To explore WE Global Network's community and upcoming events, visit https://www.weglobalnetwork.com
Join WE Global Network
WE Global Network is a premium, women-only business community for established and scaling entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs. Through curated networking events, international delegations and strategic collaborations, we connect you with the people, opportunities and insights to grow across markets. If youā€™re leading a serious, growth-focused business and want to be in a room of women who think as big as you do, this is your circle.
