Aysha AlMemari of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on her passion for healthcare

Tell us about your career path.
I have a BA in Finance and Banking from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). However, I realized that this field is not my passion and tried to explore something that excites me. I learned about the startup incubator at the university and decided to join it. Soon I was working with engineers who were developing devices for people with diabetes. This was my first exposure to the healthcare industry and I realized it was more in line with my passion as it required close collaboration with doctors and patients.

I then interned at Deloitte, which included providing social work consulting services, before joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) in 2019 as a graduate intern in the Strategic Alliances Department. The supportive environment of CCAD has inspired me to learn more about the healthcare industry and I am committed to pursuing a Masters in Global Health Policy and Management in the United States as a Fulbright Scholar.

I am also a member of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, working part-time, organizing projects and initiatives, mentoring and supporting youth in my community, and encouraging anyone interested in a career in healthcare, as this is my passion. One of my most recent activities on the council was chairing an event to raise awareness of the National Genetic Disease Program.

Any career advice for other Emirati women?
Don’t limit yourself, keep exploring, and be open to learning and experiencing new things, because you may be surprised at what sparks interest and motivates you to pursue unexpected things.

What do you think of the current theme of UAE Women’s Day: Inspiring Reality, Sustainable Future?
This theme resonates deeply with me and I am honored to be surrounded by women who inspire me every day in my efforts to create a sustainable future for the UAE.

Tell us about an Emirati woman you admire.
Although I haven’t met her in person, what I admire most is Sheikha Fatima Bint Mumba, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairman of the Women’s General Union (GWU), Chairman of the Supreme Council of Mothers and Children, and Supreme Chairman of the Women’s and Children’s Association Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Family Development Foundation for her work in supporting women to improve themselves, pursue their educational and work achievements. She has inspired many Emirati women entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and continues to support them as they have grown their brands into the largest in the country.

What my mother – also a graduate of UAE University – told me, stayed with me. Sheikha Fatima used to attend every graduation ceremony for female students to support them, she said. Even today, she hosts events for Emirati women celebrating every high achiever at the public university.