Celebrating Women’s Month

March is a time of celebration, reflection, and inspiration as we honour Women’s Month.

At MAIA, a luxury PR and brand communications agency in Dubai, we are proud to spotlight the incredible women who shape our company and bring passion, creativity, and leadership to everything they do. Throughout this month, we will be sharing the voices of four remarkable women at MAIA, each with their own journey, inspirations, and tributes to the women who have influenced them.

We begin with Alessandra Fernandez, Associate Director, whose dedication, expertise, and empathetic leadership have made a lasting impact on our team. Alessandra shares what fuels her passion for luxury travel and hospitality PR, the lessons she carries from the motherly figures in her life, and her thoughts on the evolving role of women in the industry.

Her story is one of ambition, gratitude, and empowerment – an inspiring start to our Women’s Month series. Let’s dive into Alessandra’s journey.

What does Women’s Month mean to you personally, and how do you see its significance in the workplace?

Women’s Month is about recognising the strength, resilience, and impact of women everywhere, no matter their background, industry, or path in life. It’s a reminder of the importance of real support, championing each other, opening doors, and making sure success isn’t a solo journey. For me personally in the workplace, it’s about being a mentor, sharing what I’ve learned, and making sure the next generation of women feel confident in their place and their potential!

How do you believe MAIA supports and empowers women within the company and the broader industry?

MAIA is a team made up of strong women across all ages, and it’s inspiring to see how these dynamic shapes our work culture. There’s a real sense of solidarity, as everyone is always ready to offer advice, share experiences, or simply provide support. I’ve been with the agency for over three years now and have been fortunate to be promoted twice, working on the most exciting clients along the way. Mental health is also a priority, with dedicated days off, and there’s always space for growth through training programmes. Shadi empowers not just our team but also encourages other women in the industry, leading with empathy and understanding to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Can you share a moment at MAIA when you felt particularly empowered or proud of your work?

For me, it’s the fact that we’ve been able to retain so many of our amazing PR clients year after year. I’m genuinely lucky to work with such incredible people, many of whom have become friends over time. When they choose to continue working with us, it’s a reflection of the hard work and passion the whole team puts in to deliver the best results, making a commercial difference. It’s moments like that that make me feel proud of what we do.

Who are the women, either within or outside the industry, who have inspired you, and in what ways have they influenced your professional journey?

My late grandmother will always be my biggest role model. She taught me to work hard, trust my instincts, and stay true to myself. No matter how much she achieved, she treated everyone with kindness and genuine care, regardless of their status. I admired her so much, and the way she carried herself has shaped how I approach both life and work.

From an industry POV, Shadi has been an incredible mentor. I’ve known her for years through mutual friends at Edelman, but since joining MAIA, I’ve grown so much under her guidance. She’s given me the space to find my own way while always having my back. She leads with both strength and empathy, and seeing the way she supports and empowers those around her has had a huge influence on my own professional journey.

How has your mother or a motherly figure in your life influenced your career choices and professional development?

My mother and I are incredibly close, and while she’s never pushed me in any particular direction, she has always been my biggest supporter. She has this genuine warmth, an effortless ability to connect with people, and a naturally chatty, engaging way about her (all of which I think she’s passed down to me)! Like her, I love building relationships and really taking the time to understand others, which is why a career in communications always felt like the perfect fit.

Can you share a specific lesson or piece of wisdom from your mother or a motherly figure that has guided you in your career?

My mother always encouraged me to leave a positive impact on everyone I meet, no matter how small. A simple smile or a kind word can completely change someone’s day, and you never know what they might be going through. I carry that with me in everything I do, whether it’s working with clients or just interacting with people in general. Being warm, understanding, and thoughtful isn’t just about building good relationships – it’s about making others feel seen and supported.

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the luxury travel and hospitality PR industry?

My advice would be to work hard, trust your instincts, and carry yourself with grace. This industry is all about building genuine relationships, so take time to connect with others. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas, and remember that success is a journey. Stay curious, keep learning, and be adaptable. And above all, take care of yourself as balancing it all is key to long-term success.

What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of women at MAIA and beyond?

I hope to leave a legacy of empathy and kindness, proving that leadership doesn’t require being harsh. I want future generations of women at MAIA and beyond to feel empowered to lead with authenticity, adapt their communication styles to connect with others, and create an environment where everyone can flourish with the right support. True leadership is about lifting others up, and that’s what I hope to pass on.

In one word, what does being a woman working at MAIA mean to you, and why?

In one word, being a woman working at MAIA means values. Our strong values guide everything we do, from how we support each other to how we approach our work. It’s what drives us forward and keeps us grounded, and I feel very fortune to work here!

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