Canon Middle East, in partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), has wrapped up the second season of its “Women Who Empower” programme with an award ceremony celebrating the achievements of its participants.
The campaign was designed to strengthen women’s participation in the imaging and printing industries by offering intensive training through three specialised modules. Graduates of the programme received certificates of completion, while outstanding participants were awarded Canon products and will be profiled on Canon’s official platforms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Mai Youssef, Communications & Corporate Marketing Director at Canon Middle East & Türkiye, praised the impact of the initiative. “Witnessing the incredible transformation and achievements of our Women Who Empower Season 2 participants has been truly inspiring. Their dedication, creativity, and professional growth illustrate the very essence of our Kyosei philosophy – living and working together for the common good. These talented women are now equipped with the skills and confidence to lead in their respective fields, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey toward building stronger, more connected communities,” she said.
Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at DBWC, also commended the success of the collaboration. “As we celebrate the culmination of ‘Women Who Empower’ Season 2, we are immensely proud of the tangible skills and confidence our participants have gained. This initiative, in partnership with Canon, is crucial for equipping women with the tools to excel and lead in the evolving print and imaging sectors. The Dubai Business Women Council is committed to nurturing these talents, ensuring they become the trailblazers and innovators who will shape the next generation of these industries,” she noted.
Training highlights
The two-month programme centred on three modules aimed at giving participants a balance of technical expertise and industry knowledge.
- Photography module: Delivered by Canon Ambassador Jorge Ferrari, a sports, action and commercial photographer, the sessions focused on photography basics, visual storytelling and hands-on shooting practice.
- Content Creation module: Led by Dubai-based professional content creator Jhon Ruzz Merca, participants learned techniques in video production, editing, and strategies for monetising digital content.
- Print module: Directed by Ayman Aly, B2B Marketing Director at Canon Middle East, this segment provided insights into digital printing trends, business opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways within the industry.
The programme concluded with participants presenting final projects, from which four were selected for special recognition.
Award winners
In the photography module, Wadad Tabbara, Business Consultant at Wadad Hamade, was honoured for her creative and technical approach to visual storytelling. The content creation category went to Camila Cascio, Commercial Director at Dubai AcceleRated Tech, for her innovative work.
Two participants received recognition in the print module: Rasha Msallam, CEO of Next Gen of Immunology (NGIg1 DMCC), was awarded first place for her entrepreneurial outlook and market insights, while Elizabeth Thomas, CEO & CVO of Pets Oasis LLC, secured second place for her strong performance in the field.
Programme impact
Canon and DBWC emphasised that the scheme not only offered practical training but also encouraged networking and mentoring opportunities that will extend beyond the programme itself. Participants had the chance to work with Canon’s advanced imaging and printing technology, applying theoretical lessons in a professional setting.
Organisers say the collaboration reflects their joint commitment to supporting women in business and advancing their role in technology-driven industries. The initiative also ties into the UAE’s broader strategy of inclusive economic growth and community development.
The second season built on the framework of the original programme, which had already drawn positive responses from participants and industry stakeholders. Planning is already underway for a third season, with both Canon and DBWC aiming to expand the initiative to reach even more women across the region.
