Our Team

Professor Noel Scott

I would privilege to mention that Professor Noel Scott was my PhD supervisor of Griffith Institute of Tourism, Australia. He is very sensible and culturally touchy for his students who pursuing PhD. As a PhD student, its difficult to visit the mentor without any schedule appointment since everyone has overwhelming pressure.

However, Noel was always there for us to greet and talk to lessen our psychological stress for our mental stability. He was such a nice and generous person that he helped all the students beyond the boundary of supervision who seek help. He has soul understanding of the cultural sensitivity and diversity to be focused on research and ethics. He has notable high ranked publications and citations in the field of tourism specially in Asia Pacific. Finally, I would like to thank Noel for his support in every way to reach this position and develop this project.

Noel Scott is a Professor and was Deputy Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. His research interests include the study of tourism experiences, destination management and marketing, and stakeholder organization. He is a frequent speaker at international academic and industry conferences. He has over 210 academic articles published including 13 books. He has supervised 19 doctoral students to successful completion of their theses. He is on the Editorial Board of 10 journals and a member of the International Association of China Tourism Scholars. Prior to starting his academic career in 2001, Noel worked as a senior manager in a variety of leading businesses including as Manager Research and Strategic Services at Tourism and Events Queensland.

Dr. Noel Scott has 26 years of experience as a tourism consultant and academic researcher. He has led projects on sustainable tourism, branding, destination management, product design, and China tourism. His international clients include UNWTO, OECD, ASEAN, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Before academia, he worked as a senior manager in leading businesses such as Tourism and Events Queensland. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor of Tourism Management at the Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast.

PhD degree from an International reputable university.
Experience as an international academic with reputable publication and people management.
Experience supporting projects in education and empowerment.
Experience designing and/or implementing women inclusion programming.
Knowledge of results-based monitoring for cultural empowerment and inclusion.
Execution of International Research Project on cultural tourism and cultural empowerment.
Experience working within an international NGO context.
Knowledge of the project implementation in developing and developed countries.

Rawan Osman PhD

Rawan is a Heritage Planner and Researcher with a PhD in Conservation and Heritage Studies from University College Dublin. Her work examines how migrant communities and minorities shape historic urban landscapes and contemporary architectural spaces. Her doctoral research explores migrant engagement with planning policies, spatial integration, and develops heritage strategies that protect the cultural and spatial identities of diverse communities.

She brings extensive interdisciplinary experience in historic and archival research, spatial and architectural analysis, planning policy evaluation, and qualitative stakeholder engagement. Rawan has taught undergraduate courses and supervised M.Arch theses at University College Dublin, and previously lectured and led design studios at different universities in Sudan. Rawan remains actively engaged in research, teaching, and advocacy in heritage, planning, and urban history.

PhD holder with expertise in mentoring, research, funding, and scholarship networking.
Strong research skills with high-quality publications and academic integrity.
Experience creating and delivering workshops, webinars, and educational materials on civil liberties and human rights.
Skilled in writing grant proposals and securing funding.
Excellent communication skills; engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Ability to track trends and integrate them into research and education.
Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects efficiently.
Willing to travel for educational and empowerment programs.

Maksim Garmash

Maksim Garmash is a finance and risk analysis professional with international experience across Canada, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. His work focuses on financial analysis, risk assessment, and ensuring transparency in financial processes.
He holds two higher education degrees in Human Resource Management and Economic Security, combining expertise in financial analysis and corporate governance. Maksim has experience in conducting financial due diligence, including
analysis of financial statements and assessment of companies’ financial stability. He also oversaw procurement processes and supply chain operations, ensuring transparency and well grounded decision-making. His work is focused on identifying risks, preventing conflicts of interest, and supporting management decisions through analytical reporting. Maksim is fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, and continues to develop his expertise in financial reporting and accounting systems.

Financial analysis and financial statement assessment
Experience in conducting due diligence
Procurement and supply chain control
Risk identification and decision support
Compliance and fair competition principles
International work experience
Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English

Patricia Lucas Petersen

Patricia Lucas Petersen is a Faroese-based cultural advocate and project leader with extensive experience in community engagement, educational support, and cross-border collaboration. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex systems into accessible frameworks and for leading initiatives that empower underrepresented communities through inclusive programming and the preservation of cultural heritage. Patricia designs and manages educational and cultural initiatives that promote empowerment, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.

Her work focuses on creating spaces for collaboration and mutual learning, ensuring that opportunities in education and heritage are open and accessible to diverse populations. She provides strategic leadership in academic programming, talent development, and community outreach, combining pedagogical creativity with practical engagement to support women and youth through capacity-building and collaborative learning environments. She holds a BA in Anthropology and Environmental Science from Southern New Hampshire University (Graduated with Mention, 2016) and an MA in Conservation with a specialization in Cultural Heritage and Sustainability from Uppsala University, Sweden (Graduated in 2020).

Have a university degree and vocational training from a reputed university.
Lead growth and expansion of vocational, career, and employment services.
Develop and track KPIs to improve services and outcomes.
Execute plans for better service delivery, client results, and efficiency.
Promote vocational services through networking and presentations.
Foster innovation, encourage staff ideas, and support team efficiency.
Use data and analytics for decisions and measuring impact.

Dr Valery Emeson

Dr Valery Emeson is a business management lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and the founder of Keval Coaching and Consulting. She holds a Master’s degree in Financial Management and a PhD in Economics and Finance. With over fifteen years of industry and academic experience, Valery specialises in SME finance, helping businesses secure funding and boost productivity. She emphasises financial literacy as a key to economic empowerment, advocating access to finance for underrepresented communities, especially women entrepreneurs. Through Keval Coaching, she offers tailored training and mentorship to entrepreneurs, supporting them to grow and improve their businesses. An experienced lecturer and mentor, she has embedded coaching in her teaching and supervised sixty postgraduate projects to completion. Her work bridges academic research and practical advising to drive sustainable business growth, and she actively leads public workshops and publishes accessible guides to share financial skills widely with entrepreneurs.

University degree (Financial Management, Economics, and Finance) or 2 years of recent experience.
Knowledge of fundraising standards, ethics, protocol, and diplomacy.
Skilled in creating work-back schedules, critical paths, and resource planning.
Experience supervising student staff/volunteers.
Proven commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity, and inclusion in practices.

Sufia Khanom PhD

Dr. Sufia Khanom is a senior research fellow and environmental, gender, and climate scholar dedicated to advancing inclusive and evidence-based solutions for sustainable development. With over nineteen years of experience, she has led and contributed to research projects examining the intersection of climate change, natural resource management, gender equity, and human security in Bangladesh and beyond. Her expertise spans feminist research methodologies, climate resilience, livelihoods, conflict over resources, and policy analysis. Sufia has managed large-scale national and international research projects, coordinated conferences, and supervised research teams, consistently bridging the gap between rigorous scholarship and actionable insights for communities, governments, and development partners.

Sufia holds a PhD in Geography and Planning from Macquarie University, a Master’s in Gender and Development Studies from the Asian Institute of Technology, and an MSS in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Dhaka. She has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports, and actively engages with civil society and mentoring programs to support emerging leaders and climate action initiatives. Currently at the Bangladesh Institute of International & Strategic Studies (BIISS), Sufia continues to advance research-driven policy and community engagement, guided by her commitment to empowering marginalized populations and advancing gender-responsive, sustainable development.

PhD holder with expertise in mentoring, research, funding, and scholarship networking.
Strong research skills with high-quality publications and academic integrity.
Experience creating and delivering workshops, webinars, and educational materials on civil liberties and human rights.
Skilled in writing grant proposals and securing funding.
Excellent communication skills; engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Ability to track trends and integrate them into research and education.
Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects efficiently.
Willing to travel for educational and empowerment programs.

Giacomo Martinis

Giacomo Martinis is an architect and cultural heritage professional with extensive international experience in heritage preservation, built environment research, and project management of cultural development initiatives. He holds degrees from University College London (UCL), ENSA Paris-Val de Seine, and the Universities of Florence and Venice, combining technical expertise with a strong and diverse academic foundation in architectural history and heritage studies. Giacomo has worked across the private sector, intergovernmental organizations (particularly UNESCO’s Culture Sector), a wide range of civil society groups, and independent consultancy.

His earlier career focused on the conservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, as well as coordinating scientific and youth-focused heritage networks on a regional (European) and international scale. He now concentrates on project management (from design to M&E) for cultural development initiatives, alongside strategic grant writing and management. Following his previous role within the Secretariat of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Giacomo is currently engaged in the preparation of World Heritage nomination dossiers and he contributes to thematic studies and global surveys that inform cultural policy and conservation practice. Giacomo continues to serve UNESCO as an Individual Specialist. He is a registered architect and provides consultancy services supporting projects that integrate preservation and cultural development across local and international contexts.

Build and maintain relationships with employees, customers, and community partners.
Develop and communicate a strong brand message reflecting social purpose.
Track, analyze, and report social impact; identify improvements.
Create strategies for funding and financial sustainability of projects.
Guide, train, and support teams on social enterprise initiatives.

Dafer Sief

Dafer Sief is a program and policy professional committed to advancing refugee rights, inclusion, and equitable immigration policies through evidence-informed approaches. With over six years of experience across humanitarian and refugee-led initiatives, he has designed, delivered, and evaluated programs that empower displaced communities while influencing policy frameworks at local, regional, and international levels. Dafer’s experience includes program design, policy analysis, stakeholder consultation, contribution agreement management, and monitoring and reporting.

He has worked with governments, NGOs, and international partners to implement projects, develop policy tools, and provide capacity-building support for refugee participation in governance processes. His work has included managing scholarship programs, coordinating program operations, and preparing evidence-based recommendations for policy and program improvements. He is currently pursuing a master’s in criminal justice administration at Niagara University. He also holds a Diploma in Social Work & Case Management from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s in architecture from Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur. Currently based in Oakville, Canada, Dafer continues to work with organizations and communities to strengthen program delivery and promote equitable, evidence-informed approaches to immigration and refugee support.

Have a reputed university degree in a IT field.
Post-secondary degree from a reputed university.
Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
Experienced in creating training manuals and program materials.
Solution-oriented with strong troubleshooting abilities.
Respectful and service-oriented with all stakeholders.
Proactive and able to work independently.

A T M ISHAQUE

Journalist Ishaque is with journalism and communication for about thirty years with the number of remarkable newspapers including The Prothom Aloin Bangladesh. He is a graduate in journalism and mass communication from the reputed Dhaka University, Bangladesh. He had numerous trainings on business, English language and marketing. He published regularly on business and culture in The Prothom Alo.

I communicated with Ishaque to sort help for developing this empowerment project through publishing in Prothom Alo. Ishaque was very generous to volunteer with me to be visible in the Prothom Alo and coding this project. Subsequently, he showed interest to collaborate this project for potential empowerment of women. He is visionary to bring this project impacts in the grassroot level through implementation and advocacy. I hope Ishaq will be valuable to endorse this project at local and international level.

University degree in Journalism, Event Management, Public Relations, Hospitality, Communications, or Marketing or 2 years recent experience (within last 3 years).
Knowledge of fundraising standards, ethics, protocol, and diplomacy.
Experience developing work-back schedules and critical paths.
Skilled in recommending scope of work and resource needs.
Experience supervising student staff and/or volunteers.
Proven track record in embedding decolonizing, equity, diversity, and inclusion practices.

Marcilio Beltrao

Marcílio Beltrao is a finance, technology, and business advisory professional based in Nova Scotia, Canada. With over 15 years of experience in banking, financial systems, project management, business analysis, and client advisory, he helps entrepreneurs, newcomers, and small business owners structure their ideas, organize their finances, improve operations, and make better business decisions.

As the founder of Seven Core Accounting, Marcílio provides practical guidance in tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial literacy, business planning, digital tools, and process improvement. His work focuses on translating complex financial and technical topics into clear, accessible, and actionable strategies for people seeking economic independence and sustainable growth. As a Business Councillor with WCEI, Marcílio supports women, newcomers, and community entrepreneurs by offering strategic guidance, practical business knowledge, and technology-enabled solutions that promote dignity, empowerment, and long-term business resilience.

Finance, accounting, business advisory, and technology background with international experience in Brazil and Canada.
Over 15 years of experience in banking, financial systems, project management, business analysis, and client advisory.
Founder of Seven Core Accounting, supporting individuals, newcomers, and small businesses in Nova Scotia.
Experience providing practical guidance in tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial literacy, business planning, and financial organization.
Skilled in helping entrepreneurs structure business ideas, improve operations, and make informed decisions.
Experience using digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve business efficiency and client service.
Strong ability to translate complex financial, technical, and regulatory topics into simple and actionable guidance.
Committed to entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable community development.

Majdeddin Al-Khawaja

Majdeddin Al-Khawaja is an accounting professional based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with over ten years of progressive experience in financial operations, record-keeping, and inventory management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Information Systems from Al-Balqa Applied University in Jordan, combining a strong academic foundation with practical expertise in AP/AR, bank reconciliation, financial data entry, and Microsoft Excel. His career spans multiple sectors including retail, logistics, and operations, where he has consistently delivered accuracy and efficiency in fast-paced environments.

Throughout his tenure at World Duty-Free by Dufry in Jordan, Majdeddin coordinated financial and operational processes, reduced inventory discrepancies by 25%, and supported audit preparation and compliance across large-scale operations. In 2025, he furthered his professional development by earning QuickBooks and Accounting certifications through the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. Majdeddin is honored to serve as Accountant for Women Cultural Empowerment International and is

Manage financial records, bookkeeping, and account reconciliation.
Prepare financial reports and support audit processes.
Track expenses, invoices, and payments with accuracy.
Use QuickBooks and Excel to maintain organized financial data.
Support budgeting and financial planning for the organization.

Atif Jan

Born and raised in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Atif Jan pursued his passion for technology by completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Agriculture University Peshawar (2018–2022).
Atif’s biggest achievement so far has been turning non-profitable businesses into profitable ones using digital strategies. Looking ahead, he aspires to secure a scholarship in Australia, Canada, or the USA for advanced studies. His ultimate vision is to establish a global tech company that innovates at the intersection of marketing, technology, and digital transformation. Atif was working with me for the last couple of months to develop the WCEI website. At the midpoint of the website development, I discussed with Atif for inclusion in the empowerment project to support his vision of becoming a global non-profit tech giant for cultural empowerment.

Technologically savvy with a strong ability to learn applications and systems quickly. Relevant IT experience is considered an asset

Basam Murtaza Tahoor

Tahoor’s Creative Marketing is a Halifax-based creative agency specializing in web design, branding, illustration, and visual marketing. The agency supports entrepreneurs, authors, brands, and creators by transforming ideas into distinctive and professional creative work. Its services include website design, brand identity development, marketing materials, and illustration projects such as children’s books, anime, manga, and cartoon characters. With expertise in digital storytelling and visual communication, Tahoors Creative develops user-friendly platforms and promotional content that strengthen organizational visibility and public engagement. The agency also integrates creative design with cultural and educational advocacy to support international campaigns, community outreach, and digital empowerment initiatives. Built on creativity, collaboration, and transparency, Tahoor’s Creative Marketing offers free consultations to ensure professional creative services remain accessible to all.

Experienced in web design, branding, illustration, and visual marketing.
Skilled in developing creative communication strategies for social impact initiatives.
Experienced in creating user-friendly digital platforms, promotional materials, and visual content.
Supports organizational visibility and public engagement through creative storytelling.
Contributes to cultural, educational, and community outreach initiatives through digital communication and design.

Our Team

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Our Team

Professor Noel Scott

Rawan Osman PhD

Maksim Garmash

Patricia Lucas Petersen

Dr Valery Emeson

Sufia Khanom PhD

Giacomo Martinis

Dafer Sief

A T M ISHAQUE

Marcilio Beltrao

Majdeddin Al-Khawaja

Atif Jan

Basam Murtaza Tahoor