A Vision for Women’s Leadership in Saudi Arabia
In a rapidly evolving Saudi Arabia, where women’s participation in the workforce is a key pillar of Vision 2030, one name stands out in the journey toward empowerment: Mae Al Mozaini. As the Founder and CEO of Nusf - The Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment, Mae is not just reshaping the landscape of female leadership—she is igniting a movement, ensuring that Saudi and Arab women are not just part of the workforce but leading it with vision, resilience, and purpose.
From Corporate Boardrooms to Social Impact
Mae’s story is one of extraordinary transformations. With nearly 30 years at Saudi Aramco, holding leadership roles in corporate affairs, strategic communications, and regulatory affairs, she honed the skills necessary to navigate complex business environments. Having served as a trusted advisor to high-level executives, including the Saudi Minister of Energy and the CEO of Saudi Aramco, she gained a deep understanding of how leadership and governance shape industries.
But Mae’s ambitions stretched beyond corporate success—she saw a world where women were still underrepresented in leadership positions. Rather than simply advocating for change, she became the change. Launching Nusf in 2019, she turned her expertise and passion into a powerful force for empowerment. Since then, she has dedicated her life to equipping women with leadership skills, driving research-backed initiatives, and creating a CSR movement by mentoring women through walking, rightfully named “Walk the-Talk”.
Nusf: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Empowerment
Nusf, meaning half in Arabic, represents a powerful mission: investing in half the population to build a stronger, more prosperous economy. The institute operates through three transformative pillars:
- Equip: A structured leadership program that nurtures women at three stages—emerging leaders, managerial, and global executive leadership.
- Research: Conducting in-depth studies to identify gaps in women’s participation in the economy and formulating actionable solutions to bridge them.
- Connect: Breaking down barriers through “Nusf Voices” podcast, mentorship programs, leadership talks, and the Saudi Women Economic Forum—ensuring women have the platform and visibility they deserve.
Through these initiatives, Mae is building not just leaders, but a new generation of trailblazers, mentors, and changemakers.
Breaking Barriers: Saudi Women on Boards
Building on Nusf’s success, Mae recently founded Saudi Women on Boards (SWOB), an initiative that directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges in corporate governance—ensuring that more women take their rightful place at the decision-making table. SWOB provides mentorship, board training, and a strategic network to elevate women into governance roles, fostering a new era of inclusive leadership.
Her vision is clear: A boardroom where women’s voices are not just heard, but actioned for stronger alignment with customers and stakeholders.
Recognitions and Contributions
Mae is passionate about women’s progress and engagement in society. She is one of the earliest signatories of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) in Saudi Arabia and has since been advocating for more companies in the Kingdom to sign and apply these principles in the organizations they lead.
Mae’s groundbreaking efforts have earned her prestigious recognitions. She has been named one of the 50 most inspiring women in the Middle East and received the Arabian Business Woman of the Year KSA Excellence Award for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment. In 2024, Mae was awarded the Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman Award for Excellence in Women’s Economic Empowerment. In the same year, she also became the recipient of the BRICS Women’s Award in the field of Education.
A Lasting Impact on Vision 2030
Mae’s work is deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes increasing women’s participation in the workforce beyond 30%. By focusing on sustainable solutions—from leadership training to policy advocacy—Mae is not just pushing for temporary advancements but cementing a legacy of empowerment and inclusion in the Kingdom’s corporate and economic landscape.
Her message is bold and unwavering: no nation can achieve its full potential if it leaves half its population behind. Through her tireless efforts, Mae Al Mozaini is not just shaping the future—she is redefining it. She is fueling a revolution of resilience, leadership, and unstoppable ambition.
Join the Movement
To learn more about Nusf and Saudi Women on Boards, visit www.nusf.org and connect with Mae Al Mozaini on LinkedIn. The future of Saudi leadership is being rewritten—and at the forefront of this transformation stand powerful, fearless, and visionary women.
