Shatha Alhashmi has over 20 years of experience in strategy and policy development and implementation. An internationally renowned leader in innovation, Shatha is currently an Advisor and board member. Over the course of her career Shatha has successfully launched multiple country wide initiatives and public-private partnerships. She is highly skilled at stakeholder management often managing large multifaceted projects. Shatha’s innovation journey began in 2014 when she returned from completing her Master’s degree at Harvard University and joined the public sector in the UAE. Upon her return Shatha led the development of a government innovation center. In this role she led the design, development, and implementation of innovation strategies, projects and initiatives across all sectors, in which were recognized locally, regionally, and globally. Shatha previously spent over 5 years in Abu Dhabi where she led Strategy and Performance at the Council for Economic Development, the economic policy advisory council of the Emirate. Shatha’s role in the public sector started in 2004 at the center of Dubai, where she held various roles in key projects. Shatha serves as a member of the Board and Academic committee of Zayed University alongside ministers and other experts, as well as the Human Resources Development Council of Dubai Government. The Council, which includes leaders from the public and private sector, oversees the implementation of policies, plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing the employment of Emiratis in the private sector. Shatha is a bilingual public speaker and is often invited to speak at local and international platforms. She is a contributor to many publications in both English and Arabic. Shatha is an active advocate of public sector transformation, human capital development, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and youth development. She is a Certified Coach from Henley Business School – University of Reading. Shatha earned her Bachelor’s degree from Zayed University, and two Master’s degrees from Harvard University and Oklahoma State University. She was a member of the Business School Dean’s Advisory Council at Zayed University, and a recipient of prestigious HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholarship.