The Multiplier Effect

11th Leadership Excellence for Women Awards & Symposium

Celebrating Energy Trailblazers from Middle East & Africa

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About LEWAS

Now in its 11th edition, LEWAS 2025 engages,empowers, and elevates issues that are at the very heart of the energy industry. What
makes LEWAS even more important is in addition to recognising women it also recognises male advocates and corporations who
champion women in energy, enabling women to shatter stereotypes and support the industry to advance.

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LEWAS 2025 Awards - Now Open

Theme:
The Multiplier Effect: Shaping the Future Workforce

LEWAS has evolved beyond being solely about women—it is now a brand dedicated to addressing workplace disparities, fostering the next generation of energy leaders, and driving meaningful collaboration. With a strong focus on youth, the future workforce, and women, LEWAS champions initiatives that promote training, mentorship, workshops, and impactful content for both women and men in energy.

At its core, The Multiplier Effect for Diversity and Inclusion demonstrates how diverse leadership and inclusive workplaces create a ripple effect—fueling innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. LEWAS continues to transform workplace culture while celebrating outstanding individuals who are shaping the future of the energy industry.

LEWAS in Action

Committee Members

Reem Al Ghanim
Chairperson

Downstream Affiliates HR Manager

Saudi Aramco

Ezz Almannai
Co-chair

Director, Policies and Strategic Planning

Ministry of Oil Bahrain

Mark J. Thomas

Group Chief Executive Officer

Group Chief Executive Officer,

Bapco Energies

Michelle Boyd

Chief Global Events Officer

Chief Global Events Officer,

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

Nancy Speidel

Founder and Executive Director,

iSAW international
(International Strategic Accelerator for Women)

Dr. Pinar Yilmaz

Senior Vice President,

WPC Energy

Dr. Anissa Sedjerari

R&D Portfolio Manager,

KAUST Catalysis Center

Pedro Miras

President,

WPC Energy

Salma Al Hajeri

Vice President of Non-Operated Assets,

Mubadala Energy

Waleed Al Somali

Performance Improvement Consultant (ret.)

Aramco

Alex Malouf

Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)

Rania Al Ghamdi

Talent Learning and Potential Director

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare

View all Committee Members

LEWAS Initiatives

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LEWAS 2024 Awards Winners

Academic Achievement - University Student

WINNER: Arwa Al-Saggaf, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, KSA
WINNER: Eng. Sama Alarfj, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, KSA
WINNER: Roaa Khalifi, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, KSA

Academic Achievement - University Professor

WINNER: Prof. Shima Sadaf, Professor, King Faisal University, KSA
Dr. Thamraa Alshahrani, Professor, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, KSA
Dr. Aliaa Alabdali, Professor, King Abdulaziz University, KSA

Rising
Star

WINNER: Eng. Marda BuAli, Value Chain Optimization Engineer, Bapco Refining, Bahrain
Hadeel Al Gallaf, Engineer, Saudi Aramco, KSA
Alaa Aljassim, Process Engineer, Saudi Aramco, KSA

Leading
with Excellence

WINNER: Dr. Zainab Saihati, Fuels Team Leader, Saudi Aramco, KSA
Buthaina Hasan, Lead-Automation Services, Bapco Upstream, Bahrain
Abeer Al Najran, Manager Human Capital, Bapco Refining, Bahrain
Dr. Manal Alassaf, Executive Group Director, Information & Digital Delivery, Worley, KSA

Woman
of Achievement

WINNER: Celestina Raggi, Vice President Human Resources Middle East and Africa, Emerson, UAE
Dr. Amani Musharah, Head of Crude and Products Characterization Group/ Fuels Special, Saudi Aramco, KSA
Dr. Ghada Bassioni, President, Saxony Egypt University for Applied Science and Technology, Egypt

Corporate
Male Champion

WINNER: Mathias Schinzel, President Middle East & Africa, Emerson, UAE
Firas Zawati, Business Development Director, KBR, KSA
Prof. Omar Chaalal Omar, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Abu Dhabi University, UAE