Youth & Women in Solar: Empowering New Talent and Inclusive Leadership in Clean Energy

Denisa Fainis is Business Development Manager at Enevo Group, leading GCC expansion for energy solutions and SentryOT, Enevo's OT cybersecurity division. With over 18 years of international experience across energy, renewable energy, power generation, military contracting and industrial sectors, Denisa brings extensive expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, and key account management. She previously served as Senior Account Manager at Huawei Digital Power and is Secretary General of the Middle East Solar Industry Association.  

Eng. Maryam Alshamsi is the Head of the Energy Modeling Projects Section at the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, where she leads national energy modeling initiatives that support sustainability planning and evidence-based policy development. She brings strong expertise in energy systems analysis, sustainability engineering, and project leadership within the public sector. Since joining the Ministry, Maryam has progressed through roles as Electrical Engineer and Sustainability Engineer, contributing to energy planning, infrastructure oversight, and analytical modeling for the UAE's energy transition. She has also played key leadership roles on high-profile national initiatives, serving as a Team Leader for COP28 UAE and as a Team Lead during Expo 2020 Dubai, where she supported cross-functional coordination and delivery. Maryam holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the Higher Colleges of Technology. Her experience spans energy modeling, sustainability, power systems supervision, and leadership in large-scale national programs, positioning her as a key contributor to the UAE's future energy strategy.

Amani Mohamed Al Azzam serves as the Secretary General of Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. She also holds leadership roles as Vice Chairwoman of the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), a member of the Board of Trustees of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), and an Executive Board member of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF). With more than 35 years in the energy sector, her work has focused on advancing Jordan's energy transition. She has contributed to diversifying the national energy mix and integrating renewable energy sources, which have supported Jordan's positioning as a regional model for sustainable energy development. She has been directly involved in enhancing regional electrical interconnection, particularly through the Eighth Electrical Interconnection Project, and in the development of gas infrastructure via the Arab Gas Pipeline, both vital to strengthening regional energy cooperation and security. Since her appointment as Secretary General in 2016, she has been engaged in shaping strategic plans, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development that support a reliable, integrated, and low-carbon energy system for Jordan and the region.

Maria is an unwavering advocate for sustainability, harnessing her 22 years expertise in ESG frameworks to spearhead transformative change within industries like construction, real estate ,energy and the investment and services sectors. With an unwavering commitment to guiding cross-sector corporate clients and SMEs towards achieving net zero and ensuring social sustainability compliance, Maria is a driving force in the journey towards a greener future. As the visionary founder of "Sustainability Switch Consultancy," she has solidified her position as a leading woman solopreneur, empowering organizations to align their sustainability agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond her consultancy work, Maria actively contributes to the non-profit organization "Lean In Equity and Sustainability" as Board Co-Chair and Sustainability Chair, empowering women in the energy transition and advocating for a more inclusive industry. Maria's impressive academic background complements her extensive professional experience, as she holds both a UK Master's and Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and has acquired sustainability expertise from Cambridge University (CISL). Her 22-year international journey in corporate strategy and project operations includes the successful implementation of numerous large-scale projects and government initiatives, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader in her field. Recognized as an authority in the realm of sustainability, Maria is highly sought after as a keynote speaker at renowned conferences focusing on sustainability, ESG, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her captivating presence and deep knowledge inspire audiences while providing practical insights into tackling climate change challenges. Maria also conducts executive-level workshops, delving into various climate change subjects, empowering participants to take action and drive meaningful impact. Leveraging her wealth of expertise, she has published numerous articles that serve as beacons of knowledge, inspiring and educating others on the path to a sustainable future. As a thought leader, innovator, and influencer, Maria's contributions to cross sector industry decarbonization are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Her unwavering dedication, combined with her remarkable ability to connect with diverse audiences, makes her an indispensable voice in shaping the energy transition discourse.