Speakers | GCGC2024

Duaa Al Balawi

Senior Associate Consultant

Bain & Company

BIO

Duaa is a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, driving transformative change across Saudi Arabia's sectors. She led the Saudi delegation at the 2024 G20 Youth Summit in Brazil, focusing on amplifying youth voices globally. Duaa holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and Engineering from KAUST and a Bachelor's in Organismal Biology from the University of Arizona. She is an alumna of the prestigious KAUST Gifted Student Program, awarded to the top 1% of Saudi students.

Panel Discussion 1 Moderator

Unlocking Genius: K-12 gifted and creative education Identification - enablement

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
9:25 AM - 10:05 AM

Panel Discussion 1 Moderator

From Potential to Profession: Policy-Driven Journeys of Gifted Individuals

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Caroline Szymanski

HPI Expert Coach

Hasso Plattner Institute

BIO

Caroline Szymanski is a coach and strategic innovation consultant with a PhD in cognitive and developmental psychology. Since 2012, she has been a freelance Innovation Consultant and Lecturer at the Hasso-Plattner-Institut, specializing in design thinking. Caroline has also worked as a Program Manager at HPI and as an Innovation Designer at PCH Innovations, leading user-centered design projects. With a background in Neurosciences and Medical Neurosciences, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to empower organizations and teams.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creativity in Family

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Geraldine Townend

Director Master of Teaching | Gifted and creativity education

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

BIO

Dr. Geraldine Townend is a published academic specializing in gifted and creativity education, with expertise in twice exceptionality. She lectures and conducts research at UNSW in the GERRIC, focusing on gifted education, learners with disabilities, and creativity. Her research aims to help gifted students reach their potential through the development of a positive academic self-concept. Dr. Townend supports both the intellectual and creative growth of gifted learners in education and beyond.

Workshops 1

Beyond IQ: Building Emotional and Social Mastery in Gifted Education

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Familusi A. Babajide

Executive Director

Under 40 CEOs, Africa

BIO

Familusi Akin Babajide (FAB) is a Nigerian entrepreneur and Group CEO of The FAB Group, overseeing businesses in media, hospitality, entertainment, and fashion. He founded Under 40 CEOs, a pan-African platform supporting young entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at 8 years old, FAB has become a prominent leader, hosting global events such as the Cannes Lions Festival. Through his work, he is dedicated to empowering Africa’s youth and marginalized communities to drive economic growth and innovation.

Panel Discussion 4 Moderator

Showcasing Mawhiba Future aspirations

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Panel Discussion 5 Moderator

Celebrating Success: Lessons from Creative Journeys

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel Discussion 2 Moderator

Leading with Insight: Strategic Planning for the Gifted and Creative Workforce

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fabian Behnke

HPI Expert Coach

Hasso Plattner Institute

BIO

Fabian Behnke’s passion for user-centered insights as a catalyst for creativity and innovation began long before his formal studies in Design Thinking at the HPI D-School in 2011. His academic journey, which included Media, Psychology, Politics, and International Journalism, prioritized understanding the human experience, leading him to roles in UX research and civic participation. This focus on the user perspective guided him into international roles in user research and innovation consulting, where he coaches major clients on user-centered innovation strategies. With broad experience across multiple sectors, he now serves as a coach at the D-School, inspiring future generations to use Design Thinking for creative problem-solving.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creativity in Workplace

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Imfadi Abohula

Educational Consultant

Mawhiba

BIO

Dr. Imfadi Abohula is a professor in Science & Environmental Education with 40 years of experience, including 15 years as a full-time educational consultant at the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba). Contributed to the development of Jordanian science textbooks and the creation of Jordanian National Teacher Professional Standards. Published around 40 papers in national and international journals and supervised over 30 master theses and PhD dissertations. Worked as an expert with the UNDP and is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Workshops 4

Practical strategies for gifted classroom differentiation

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Maria Paula Oliveira

Senior Vice President

Corporate Venture Capital | Ignyte

BIO

Maria Paula 'MP' Oliveira is a senior global business leader with 20+ years of experience in strategic planning, innovation management, and corporate development. She has established innovation hubs in LATAM, APAC, and MENA and led M&A deals worth over $1B. MP co-founded two Silicon Valley startups, one of which succeeded. Her expertise spans financial services, professional services, and payments, with a global reach across various regions.

Panel Discussion 2 Moderator

Fostering Giftedness and Creativity Through Design Thinking Model

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
10:05 AM - 10:45 AM
Osama Al-Ansari

Entrepreneur – Founder

High Quality Studios (HQ Studios)

BIO

With over 11 years of experience, Osama has served as a Human Resources Manager specializing in human capital. He has also worked as a part-time announcer on Saudi Arabia’s state-run TV channels and moderated numerous conferences. As an entrepreneur, Osama leads businesses in media production and translation. His distinguished bilingual voice is well-recognized at events and across major Saudi institutions.

GCGC 2024 MC
Galina Emelina

HPI Expert Coach

Hasso Plattner Institute

BIO

Galina Emelina, Innovation and creativity coach, trainer, consultant, and visual facilitator with a passion for mindfulness and personal growth. Empowering people through co-working and collaboration techniques, integrating yoga and Eastern philosophy into programs. This approach inspired "Yoga Thinking," offering holistic retreats and workshops for organizational and personal development, tailored to individuals, teams, and organizations. Also follows a calling as a singer-songwriter and DJ, collaborating on cultural projects with ecological and social impact.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creativity in Education

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
HH Princess Mashael Al-Shalan

Founding Partner

Aeon Strategy, KSA

BIO

Her Highness Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalaan is a co-founder of AEON COLLECTIVE, cross-disciplinary Waqf that produces, curates and disseminates fact-based & culturally informed knowledge
around sustainability, actively building capacities for a dynamic
“knowledge community” through diverse initiatives.She also co-founded Aeon Strategy, advising on climate change policy, socioeconomic development, and sustainability. With over nine years of experience, she has deep expertise in international climate negotiations and policies. Mashael has co-authored several papers on climate change and regularly participates in global forums on climate targets and sustainability.

Workshops 3

Designing Tomorrow: How gifted minds can contribute to innovative cities

Tuesday, 26 NOV 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Taghrid Alhowish

TV Presenter

BIO

A Saudi broadcaster currently presents the show MBC in a Week. Before joining MBC, she worked as a presenter and producer at Sky News Arabic. She earned her bachelor’s in communications and journalism in Montreal, followed by a master’s in media from Concordia University. In 2021, Taghrid began her acting career with roles in Studio 21 and Curfew

GCGC 2024 MC
Jens Albrecht

HPI Expert Coach

Hasso Plattner Institute

BIO

Jens Albrecht is the Head of IT & Innovation at GSG Berlin, where he leads large-scale innovation and modernization efforts to drive digital transformation in the real estate industry. He has developed technology strategies, led cloud migration, and spearheaded innovation programs focused on user needs and sustainable growth. Jens also serves as a Design Thinking Coach at the Hasso-Plattner-Institut, facilitating workshops to enhance creative problem-solving and cross-disciplinary innovation. With an Executive MBA and a Master's in Sociology, his leadership combines strategic thinking, industry insight, and expertise in emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and cloud solutions.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creativity in Community

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Robin Mehra

Design Strategist

BIO

Robin Mehra developed the first Professional Development formats at the Hasso Plattner Institute, expanding these into various corporate-wide implementations. With experience in over 150 innovation projects, he has also taught at the D-School, Design Bauhaus University, and trained over 200 coaches. His work with startups and CEO support in restructuring has deepened his understanding of customer needs for tailored solutions. An economist, he graduated from the first cohort of the School of Design Thinking & IDEO.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creathon - Dual Role

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Mohamed Shaltout

Associate Professor of Educational Technology and Consultant

E-Learning & E-content (Mawhiba)

BIO

Dr. Mohamed Shaltout is an Associate Professor in Educational Technology and a consultant specializing in e-learning and digital content. He is an expert in integrating AI into education and holds certifications in Google UX Design and Adobe Video Design. Dr. Shaltout currently works as a consultant at the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity and lectures remotely at the Information Technology Institute in Cairo. Previously, he held roles at the Saudi Ministry of Education and Arab East Colleges, focusing on e-learning and content development.

Workshops 2

Monday, 25 NOV 2024
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Integrating AI Technologies into Education
Dr. Jennifer Jolly

Professor

University of New South Wales
Dr. Steven Ney

Co-Creation Lead and Senior Researcher

BIO

Steven Ney earned his doctorate in policy sciences at the University of Bergen’s Department of Comparative Politics. His career spans roles at research institutes like the LOS Center in Bergen, ICCR in Vienna, and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. He was an Assistant Professor at Singapore Management University and later held the Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at Jacobs University, Bremen. Since 2018, Steven has been with T-Systems International, designing co-creation processes for innovative digital products and strategies.

Creathon Facilitator

Creathon Track: Creativity in Community

25 & 26 NOV 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM