Dr. Dima Jamali a passionate advocate for education, sustainability, and social responsibility. She currently serves as the Vice President of University Advancement at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), where she plays a key role in enhancing the university’s academic excellence, community engagement, and global impact. Through her leadership, she fosters strategic partnerships, drives innovation, and ensures that CUD remains at the forefront of higher education in the region and beyond. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr. Dima Jamali as part of the edition: 10 Extraordinary Women in Business, 2025.
Dr. Dima Jamali | VP | Academic Affairs at the Canadian University Dubai
Beyond her work at CUD, she is the co-founder of Menassati, a pioneering platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and youth in the Arab world. Menassati provides a space for individuals to share their stories, ideas, and solutions to pressing global challenges, fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Additionally, she is the founder and creative force behind Dimagio, a luxury jewelry brand that celebrates elegance, individuality, and timeless design. Each piece crafted by Dimagio reflects unique stories and personal expressions, blending artistry with sophistication. Her journey is deeply rooted in the transformative power of education, empowerment, and creativity. Inspired by her father, who instilled in her the values of knowledge, perseverance, and using one’s talents to make a positive impact, she pursued a career where she could drive meaningful change. She has witnessed firsthand how education unlocks potential and creates opportunities for individuals and communities, motivating her to take on leadership roles to elevate academic excellence and foster innovation.
“Believe in your worth, embrace your strengths, and never let anyone dim your light.”
Venturing into entrepreneurship with Menassati and Dimagio was a natural extension of her desire to create platforms that celebrate individuality and empower voices. Menassati gives women and youth the opportunity to share their perspectives and drive change, while Dimagio reflects her love for artistry and self-expression through timeless jewelry designs. Her goal remains the same across all her ventures—to inspire and uplift others by providing them with opportunities and platforms for growth.
Starting her career, she faced significant challenges, particularly navigating gender bias in traditionally male-dominated academic and professional environments. She encountered stereotypes and preconceived notions about her capabilities, which required resilience and confidence to overcome. Another challenge was balancing the demands of an academic career with personal responsibilities. Learning effective time management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance were essential for her growth. Her entrepreneurial journey also presented obstacles, from securing funding to establishing a brand identity and reaching the right audience. However, through creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, she turned these challenges into learning opportunities that shaped her as a leader and entrepreneur.
To overcome these obstacles, she relied on resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system. She led by example, built a network of mentors and allies, and refused to let stereotypes define her potential. She also prioritized self-care, set boundaries, and embraced flexibility in her approach to work and entrepreneurship. By remaining focused on her mission—whether through education, empowerment, or artistry—she transformed challenges into stepping stones toward success.
“Success is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others up and contributing to the greater good.”
Among her many professional achievements, her proudest accomplishment is raising her two children. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood has been challenging, but it has also been the most rewarding journey. Her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation, reminding her daily of the importance of perseverance, kindness, and creating a better world for future generations. Her motivation comes from faith, purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. Faith provides her with strength and guidance, while her work in education, Menassati, and Dimagio fuels her passion. She believes in empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contributing to positive societal change.
Her biggest inspiration has always been her father, whose wisdom, integrity, and kindness shaped her values and aspirations. His belief in her potential gave her the confidence to pursue her ambitions and make a difference in the world. His legacy continues to influence her approach to leadership, service, and personal growth. As a leader, she takes a people-focused approach. She believes in empowering, inspiring, and supporting those around her, ensuring that everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Integrity, sustainability, and empowerment are the core values that guide her in running her businesses. She prioritizes ethical and transparent practices, integrates sustainability into her ventures, and creates opportunities for individuals to express themselves and thrive.
For young women aspiring to start their own business, her advice is simple: believe in yourself and take the leap. Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding. She encourages young women to trust their potential, stay focused on their goals, and embrace their unique voice and vision. Challenges should be seen as opportunities to grow, and surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and allies is key to success. When faced with failure or setbacks, she views them as opportunities for learning and growth. She reflects on lessons learned, seeks support from mentors and loved ones, and remains adaptable. She does not let failure define her; instead, she uses it as motivation to work harder and smarter, turning obstacles into stepping stones toward success.
Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing process that requires intentionality, prioritization, and self-care. She sets clear boundaries, prioritizes tasks, and ensures she is fully present in both her professional and personal roles. Self-care activities such as spending time with her children, exercising, and pursuing creative outlets help her maintain balance and well-being. Reading and exercise play a crucial role in helping her recharge and stay focused. Reading expands her knowledge and provides fresh perspectives, while exercise helps maintain physical and mental balance. These habits create a rhythm of self-care that allows her to stay energized and inspired.
Her message to women in business is to believe in their worth, embrace their strengths, and never let challenges deter them. She encourages them to take risks, surround themselves with supportive people, and stay true to their values. Success is not only about achieving goals but also about making a positive impact and staying authentic in one’s journey. She firmly believes that every woman has the power to create extraordinary change and should confidently pursue her vision and aspirations.
“Every individual has the power to create impact, and I am committed to providing the tools to help them do so.”