Exemplary Innovative Leaders

Gabriella Somerville knows a thing or two about flying. Since joining Virgin Atlantic in 1988, Somerville has been dedicated to giving passengers the best journey possible when enjoying the high life. In 2009, she took this goal to the (even) higher echelons by selling her Alpine chalet and using the capital to build the private aviation charter Connect Jets. By their third year of operation, Connect Jets had turned over £4m with zero debt. Now, Somerville is also the UK’s only sales agent for the definitive Connect Jets aircraft, the twin-propeller Piaggio Avanti EVO. The key to her success? “Tenacity and a degree of stubbornness. They’ve been the two ingredients to push through when tough days kick in.”

An economist and graduate of the American University of Beirut and Oxford University, she brings a wide range of skills and experience to her personal mission of encouraging greater cultural understanding between Arab and international communities, supporting a strong role for women in that process.

Mrs Al Kaylani holds senior roles in several cultural, commercial and educational UK and international organisations. These include: Board Member, The Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School; Advisory Board Member, The Middle East Institute, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; Advisory Board Member, The Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World, Lebanese American University, Beirut; Board Director, EastWest Institute, and Board Member The Arab British Chamber of Commerce in London. Mrs Al Kaylani serves on The Commission on Global Security, Justice & Governance. Mrs Al Kaylani became the first Honorary Member, the Euro Mediterranean Association for Cooperation and Development (2012) and serves as a Freeman of the City of London.Mrs Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, Founder Chairman, Arab International Women’s Forum is well known in international government and business circles as a high-impact change agent focusing on leadership in cultural and gender issues.

An economist and graduate of the American University of Beirut and Oxford University, she brings a wide range of skills and experience to her personal mission of encouraging greater cultural understanding between Arab and international communities, supporting a strong role for women in that process. Mrs Al Kaylani holds senior roles in several cultural, commercial and educational UK and international organisations. These include: Board Member, The Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School; Advisory Board Member, The Middle East Institute, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; Advisory Board Member, The Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World, Lebanese American University, Beirut; Board Director, EastWest Institute, and Board Member The Arab British Chamber of Commerce in London. Mrs Al Kaylani serves on The Commission on Global Security, Justice & Governance. Mrs Al Kaylani became the first Honorary Member, the Euro Mediterranean Association for Cooperation and Development (2012) and serves as a Freeman of the City of London.

Installed under the stool name Nana Hemaa Yaa Asaa Safoa II, she is the second in command to the Omanhemaa of Akwamu Traditional Area, Ohemaa Nana Afrakuma II. Nana Hemaa Asaa Safoa can be described as a very stylish queen who likes to blend ancient and modern; western and local tradition in her presentation. Many may not know but Nana Hemaa Asaa Safoa has been around for a long time and she is credited as the inventor of the fabric Kente-oke and the inventor of the loom on which Kenteoke is created. Kente-oke is a blend of the Ghanaian Kente and the Nigerian Aso-oke. Kente-oke has given a modern look and feel to the West African Narrow Loom Hand woven fabrics making them more sophisticated, luxurious and softer.

Design & Creative Entrepreneur, London Eye & i360 Brighton, Founding Director, Marks Barfield Architects Julia Barfield is the director of Marks Barfield Architects, established in 1989, winner of ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ in 2001 and a ‘Queens Award for Enterprise’ in 2003.

ITogether with husband partner David Marks is creator of the London Eye and co-founder and Director of the London Eye Company that developed and realised the project (winner of over 25 awards). With over 22 years architectural experience, Julia studied at and is now a Council member of the Architectural Association. She spent her year out in South America working in the barriadas of Lima in Peru designing housing and a community centre. After finishing at the AA she worked for Richard Rogers & Partners and Foster Associates for a total of 9 years. During the last 13 years, with David Marks, she has designed projects in the leisure, housing, transport, education and cultural sectors. Julia has been an Awards assessor for the RIBA and the Civic Trust, including the recent IPPR Designs in Democracy competition and has also been a judge in a number of other competitions

Prof. Ruth was presented with the Hon. Trailblazers Award – Special recognition and appreciation for her commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women inventors and innovators across the globe.  Prof. Ruth has been dedicated and has made selfless contribution over the years to the capacity building of an astonishing number of ingenious women. Her knowledge transfer of intellectual property and her extraordinary influence has had a significant impact at GlobalWIIN and has helped to advance and empower women inventors and innovators across the globe. Prof. Ruth knowledge transfer extends to assisting consumers use IP to ensure they are purchasing safe, guaranteed products. Prof. Ruth, has worked tirelessly in raising awareness of the many aspects that can be protected therefore helping many reap the full benefits of their inventions