OUR LEADERSHIP

Meet The Team

Meet the people whose experience, imagination and commitment help young people explore what is possible.

Meet the founders Get involved

ABOUT / LEADERSHIP

Founders

We are a diverse team of educators, parents, innovators, and mentors, we each bring a unique perspective shaped by personal journeys, professional experience, and a deep belief in the limitless potential of young people.

Dear Members,

As parents, we walk the exhilarating yet challenging path of raising teenagers, a stage filled with fundamental moments that shape who they are and who they will become. As we sought to guide our children, we realized a critical gap in accessible, meaningful pathways and resources to help young people navigate their journeys. This realization became the impetus for a purpose that extended beyond our families.

Our mission was to bridge this gap by equipping young minds with the tools, resources, and toolkits they needed to explore, grow, and thrive. We rooted our vision in purpose. YOUthConnect is the embodiment of that vision. A one-stop hub designed to Inspire, Enrich and Impact young people positively. Together, we aim to create a community where every young person who engages with this platform feels equipped and motivated to make a difference in their own lives and the world around them.

YOUthConnect Team

OUR PEOPLE

Founder Profiles

Rachel, Co Founder of YOUthConnect HUB

Co Founder

Rachel

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As co-founder of YOUthConnect HUB, I bring clinical and leadership experience, with expertise in healthcare, clinical data analysis, and quality improvement. My career has been dedicated to leveraging data-driven insights and evidence-based frameworks to create meaningful impact.

Throughout my work professional journey at University of Maryland, Cleveland Clinic and Duke University Medical Center, I have created initiatives that enhance clinical workflows, develop performance metrics, and improve outcomes. These experiences enable me to bridge practice, research, and education which i am happy to share with youth people at YOUthConnect.

Sharon, Co Founder of YOUthConnect HUB

Co Founder

Sharon

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As co-founder of YOUthConnect HUB, I bring extensive experience as a certified career coach, further education and careers counselor, and training facilitator across North America and Asia. With deep knowledge of global university systems including Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the US, I guide students through applications, course planning, and personalized pathways to success.

Beyond academics, I design and deliver life skills programs that equip young people for real-world challenges. My background also includes roles as a university lecturer, corporate learning leader, and executive coach for fortune 100 companies and creative industries.

Vivek, Founding Member of YOUthConnect HUB

Founding Member

Vivek

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As an experienced healthcare leader and strategist, I have always been passionate about initiatives that create meaningful impact in the society. My journey from critical care expertise to shaping healthcare systems, has reinforced the importance of proactive learning and skill-building, a philosophy that has helped me tremendously in my own professional journey spanning over 25 years and across three different countries.

I joined YOUthConnectHUB to help empower senior school students with opportunities that enhance their personal and professional growth. By fostering a platform that equips them with life skills and strengthens their college applications, I hope to contribute to shaping confident, capable future leaders.

Cathy, Founding Member of YOUthConnect HUB

Founding Member

Cathy

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Cathy has over 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare and is an internationally accredited coach and mentor. She is the founder of OakTree Mentoring, an award-winning global programme for nurses and midwives accredited by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC). Her work has empowered healthcare systems, schools, and individuals worldwide, driving high performance and impactful change.

Cathy’s expertise spans healthcare start-ups, coaching, and mentoring, with a focus on fostering innovation and sustainable transformation. Cathy carries multiple coaching accreditations: EMCC Senior Practitioner, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), CTI Co-Active Coach, ORSC Coach, and EQ Coach.

ABOUT / LEADERSHIP

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board is composed of seasoned professionals, educators, and youth advocates who provide strategic guidance, industry insights, and mentorship. Their diverse expertise supports our mission to empower, inspire and enrich lives of young people through inclusive, forward-thinking initiatives.

OUR PEOPLE

Advisory Board Members

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Advisor

Hsing-Wen

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With a B.S. in Physics and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Hsing-Wen brings deep expertise in Biomedical Optics and cancer research, gained through her academic work and supervision of Ph.D. and Master’s students.

Her interests span from classical music to recreational activities, reflecting a broad appreciation for both the sciences and the arts.

As an advisor to YOUthConnect, Hsing-Wen contributes her knowledge in medical research and science education to help design programs that inspire curiosity, build scientific literacy, and strengthen students’ problem-solving skills.

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Leadership and Transformation

Alex

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Alex Kamara has over 30 years of professional experience with deep expertise in Business Operations, Strategy and Transformation. His career has covered multiple geographies. In addition to his broad industry experience, Alex is accomplished in both emerging and established markets and has delivered significant results in both multinational companies and start-ups.

He is also a keen cyclist who enjoys science-fiction, travel and photography.

He holds an MBA from London Business School, an MSc in Materials Sciences from the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles, and a BSc in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK.

Change Management Expert & YouthConnect Advisor

Luess

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Luess is an accomplished Change Management specialist with a proven record of leading impactful People Change projects across Financial Services, Telecoms, Media, PR, Government, and the Non-Profit sector.

With a BA in Public Administration & Management and an MBA, she brings a strategic, people-focused approach to leadership, stakeholder engagement, communications, training, and project management.

Passionate about continuous growth and lifelong learning, Luess has mentored individuals from all walks of life, helping them unlock their potential and achieve meaningful goals. Beyond her professional work, she is a keen sports enthusiast and follower of current affairs.

Position or title

Name Lastname

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ABOUT / YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Youth Council Leaders

Our Youth Council is a vibrant community of passionate, driven students who co-create, lead, and shape the YOUthConnect Community. Representing diverse schools, interests, and perspectives, these young leaders offer insights, creative energy, and a direct line to what matters most to youth today. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, the Youth Council helps design programs, influence decisions, and ensure YOUthConnect remains relevant, inclusive, and youth-led at its core. Together, they are not just the voice of the future, they are the shaping it.

OUR PEOPLE

Youth Council Members

Program Coordinator

Ben

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As YOUthConnect’s Youth Program Coordinator Ben thrives on a blend of discipline and discovery, and his life outside of School reflects just that. Ben holds a seamanship qualification from years of sailing and plays golf competitively, currently ranked among the top 300 globally for longest driving distance.

You will often find him capturing moments through photography, building epic Lego worlds, or diving into comics. He’s especially drawn to fantasy novels inspired by real-world history and places, and he’s a huge fan of story-rich or Souls-like video games that challenge both mind and reflexes.

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Social Media & Content Coordinator

isabel

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Isabel brings a global outlook shaped by her travels and multicultural background. Her passion for sports began with competitive dance and gymnastics, and continued as she represented the UAE in the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship as part of the Under-18 national team.

Driven, resilient, and grounded, Isabel is also known for her compassion and thoughtfulness. Outside of sports, she enjoys reading, music, and fashion, and is especially interested in how psychology, sports, and management intersect. At YOUthConnect, Isabel contributes a youth-driven perspective focused on personal growth.

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Lead, Youth Initiatives

Meher

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I’m a senior at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, and I thrive on movement, meaning, and making change. Whether I’m sprinting down the track or hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro (yes, I did that last year!), I channel my energy into causes that matter, like raising awareness about preventive health and protecting the environment.I’ve completed the AHA HeartSaver Course and actively encourage students to learn CPR and register as organ donors. I believe wellness starts with knowledge and action. I also love getting involved in charity runs and sustainability projects that push for a healthier planet.At YOUthConnect, I bring a youth-led voice focused on resilience, advocacy, and collective impact. Let’s build a future that’s fit, green, and kind.

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Communication Officer

Aliaa

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Hi there! I’m Aliaa, the Communication Officer at YOUthConnectHub. I’m passionate about public speaking and building connections through the power of language. My goal is to create a podcast that brings together diverse voices and experiences, helping to bridge minds and spark curiosity among young people. I’m especially interested in exploring how real-world stories from professionals can guide and inspire young in their career and life choices.

When I’m not working on YOUthConnect projects, you’ll often find me swimming, acting, or lost in a good book each a way I continue learning, expressing myself, and staying connected to the world around me.

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