Reem Al Ghaith General Manager of ENABLE, a Social Entrepreneurship initiative by Desert Group.
Describe a typical day
A typical day is waking up and taking the daily beautiful route from Sharjah to Dubai using Emirates Road. I don’t mind that it’s a longer route, I just love the desert and it makes me feel like I’m on a road trip. Plus being a coffee addict, I have to have a freshly brewed cup to make the experience even better and a good start to the day.
How did you get into this profession?
I used to work in marketing and communications at Desert Group, and from there I was fortunate to take the responsibility of handling and managing its CSR initiatives. I took over Desert Group Social Inclusion Project in 2008 (hiring 32 employees with cognitive disability) and felt that we could create a positive impact internally with a comprehensive rehab programme that develops skills, rehabilitates, records, monitors and reports individual performances. We now manage an award-winning programme across the MENA Region for ‘Best Community Development’ Project handed out by Taatheer CSR MENA Awards in 2016. Not only that, we have successfully created sustainability for our social project by adopting (social entrepreneurial) framework; Enable.
Enable now is a successful scenario that promotes SME Inclusion, biding by Dubai’s My Community Initiative (employment and self-employment pillar). It’s part of our advocacy strategy to create awareness and train corporates and the disabled community on the viability of this model.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is being a part of creating a true impact on this cause, that is not only successful but sustainable. I know this model will provide empowerment for the individual and education for the community that will last and can create change.
And the worst?
The worst is facing challenges to change, in certain instances, some people’s mind-set and eliminate stereotypes. The lack of sufficient awareness is the reason, and we are determined to change that.
What was a standout moment in your career?
When we won Taatheer Award, it meant we were on the right path.
What advice would you have for any young person wanting to get into your field?
My advice is take action, and reach out to the relevant authority or party. Today there is great support from our government and great outlets in which one can achieve a dream. We just need to work hard and communicate with others.
Your motto?
Live life to the fullest, work hard, make a difference and share the success.