The Humanitarians 2012

With passion and dedication, the selfless and tireless commitments of these women change the lives of those less fortunate.

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KATIE PATTERSON-HART – Fundraiser RowForFreedom

After spending nearly 10 years in the corporate world, Katie decided to focus her energy on other projects. While coaching gymnastics, Katie met a woman who was planning to row the Atlantic to raise awareness about human trafficking and Katie felt compelled to join the five woman crew for the gruelling challenge. The women completed the row, from the Canary Islands to Barbados, in 45 days, becoming the first and fastest women to row the ocean. “I was the only UAE crew member so it is my responsibility to spread the word in the region. There are 27 million reasons for me to be working on this project and each of those is a human life,” she says. Thanks to Katie’s continuing efforts the UAE government has set up the Combat Human Trafficking Committee and RowForFreedom. UAE’s Burn Room gym have also teamed up for community campaign called 27million.

AFRA AL BASTI – Director General of the Dubai Foundation For Women And Children

“Knowing that I am involved in a society that works to eliminate domestic violence is a life-long commitment for me,” explains Afra, who launched the Dubai Foundation For Women And Children (DFWAC) – the UAE’s first licensed non-profit shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking. After her role as Executive Manager of Business Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, Afra decided to set up DFWAC in 2007, as she wanted to alleviate violence against women and children in the community. DFWAC now offers victims immediate protection and support services in accordance with international human rights obligations and continues to help women and young girls every day. Thanks to Afra’s continued commitment to women’s leadership and education, she has also built coalitions for the foundation through its participation in numerous national and international conferences and forums. Afra is also a member of the Federal National Council.

AYESHA KELAIF – Founder, Dubai Animal Rescue Centre

Ayesha has been rescuing abused, neglected and abandoned animals for many years. Following the sad death of her parents when she was very young, Ayesha found great support and comfort in pets, and has since made it her priority to look after animals in need of her care. In 2000, Ayesha founded the Dubai Animal Rescue Centre (DARC) at her villa in Al Barsha, an animal sanctuary which accommodates approximately 320 rescued animals, both large and small and specialising in exotic species. Ayesha houses all the animals in suitable habitats for their recuperation. “The centre started with the rescuing of one cat. Fast forward to 2012 and we have rescued, re-homed, relocated and released back into the wild thousands of animals,” She explains. As well as its rescue efforts, DARC is also raising awareness and educating the community about the treatment of animals. Ayesha believes this is what is needed to make a substantial change.

MINA LICCIONE – Co-Founder Dubomedy & Clowns Who Care Project

Mina is a talented artist, but after a lifetime of performing and teaching in the USA, she decided to use her talent to help others. “I moved to Dubai in 2008, armed only with a clown nose, a pair of tap shoes and a dream to build something for the community here,” she says. When offered the chance to launch the very first comedy and urban arts school in the region, Mina jumped at the opportunity and created Dubomedy Arts School. Within four and a half years Mina has gone from a class of 12 to training hundreds of students and building a strong local comedy community and circuit. With partner Ali Al Sayed, Mina has since launched Clowns Who Care Project – performance and interactive comedy workshops that reach out to young people and those with special needs. Venues visited by the project include SENSES, Dubai Autism Centre and Al Noor Training Centre.

TANAZ DIZADJI – Director of START

Working in philanthropy has been Tanaz’s life for many years. Before moving to Dubai from London in 2010 to become Director of START, a non-profit organisation founded by Art Dubai and the Al Madad Foundation, providing art education for refugees, orphans and children with special needs; Tanaz was Ambassador to Pratham, India’s largest educational NGO and Head Of Arts And Education for the Elephant Parade London 2010. Now Tanaz combines both roles, applying art to heal and educate children in the poorest areas of the Middle East. Tanaz manages over 40 workshops per week across countries including the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. The organisation now reaches over 700 disadvantaged children per week. The START 2012 Gala raised over US$900,000 and also gave a Palestinian refugee the chance to pursue her dream. “It is wonderful to know we enabled Narmeen to become an architect and help shape the future skyline of Jordan,” explains Tanaz.