A Curtin University alumna who forged a career as a successful female entrepreneur in the Maldives has been recognised among global business leaders as an innovator in her industry and inspiration to her community.
Dr Mariyam Shakeela, who graduated from Curtin University with a Doctor of Philosophy (Management) in 2009 and a Master of Commerce (Management) in 2004 was named in the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders by AACSB International.
A prominent and active advocate for human rights, health and the environment, she is one of 25 business school graduates from AACSB-accredited schools around the world who were chosen as part of the AACSB Influential Leaders Challenge.
Splitting her time between Perth and the Maldives where she was born, Dr Shakeela is the owner and CEO of the SIMDI Group of companies- one of the leading and most diversified trading companies in the Maldives.
Dr Shakeela also leads many non-government organisations, is the Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Belgium in the Maldives and has participated in key negotiations and advocacy roles at international fora for issues relating to climate change, human rights and other social issues.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel de Bussy congratulated Dr Shakeela on being recognised, not only as a successful business woman and entrepreneur, but for her efforts to improve the lives of others.
“Dr Shakeela has worked tirelessly to empower women and young people through roles such as Chairperson of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation, Vice-Chair for the Regional Committee of the Asia Pacific International Scouts and Guides Fellowship, Member for United Nations Women in New Delhi, and President of the Addu Women’s Association,” Professor de Bussy said.
“It is incredibly satisfying to see our alumni making such a positive difference on an international scale and we congratulate Dr Shakeela for being recognised as an exceptional entrepreneur alongside some of the world’s finest business leaders.”
Dr Shakeela said she was honoured to be recognised by AACSB alongside other inspirational business leaders from around the world.
“I have always been driven by a passion for improving the lives of women and young people and my studies at Curtin University and career experiences since have equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to pursue this passion in a productive and meaningful way,” Dr Shakeela said.
“It is very rewarding that both my studies and professional life have been recognised internationally by AACSB.”
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is a global non-profit association that connects educators, students and businesses with the aim of creating the next generation of great leaders.
Further information on AACSB’s Influential Leaders Challenge and the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders can be found online here.
