Claudia Pinto, CEO of The Empowering Women, Head of Philanthropy and Sustainability Advisor to HH Sheikh Marwan bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Claudia Pinto is a visionary leader in philanthropy, sustainability, and women empowerment, serving as the Head of Philanthropy & Sustainability Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

As the Founder of Empowering Women Middle East, she bridges philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and impact investment, creating opportunities for startups, women, and youth to thrive. A UN Board Member and angel investor, Claudia is deeply committed to sustainable finance, ESG integration, and digital transformation.

Her work aligns with Dubai’s vision to be the world’s most sustainable and happiest city, fostering strategic partnerships, purpose-driven initiatives, and global collaborations that drive meaningful change.

Women’s empowerment is at the forefront of your mind. Who has inspired you along your journey?

My journey has been deeply influenced by remarkable women who have fearlessly challenged barriers and redefined leadership. I draw inspiration not only from global icons and the incredible women I work with daily but also from my father, Jose Santos Pinto, whose steadfast support and wisdom have been a guiding light throughout my career.

My background is rooted in fostering sustainable impact. As the founder of the digital platform Empowering Women Middle East, a Board Member of the United Nations, and an advisor on philanthropy and sustainability to HH Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I have dedicated my life to bridging philanthropy with social entrepreneurship and creating spaces where women can truly thrive. In following the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I firmly believe that empowering women is the key to empowering the entire community. By equipping women with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities, we create ripple effects that uplift families, drive economic progress, and foster social transformation.

As the Founder of Empowering Women Middle East, please share your initiatives for 2025.

In 2025, Empowering Women Middle East is scaling initiatives that drive social and economic transformation:

• Investment & Startup Growth: We are expanding our support for women-led startups by providing access to funding, strategic mentorship, and global market entry opportunities.

• Women in Quantum: A new initiative aimed at bringing awareness to women’s contributions in emerging fields—especially in quantum sciences and technology—spearheaded by Dr. Malaka Trablesi Loeb and Dr. Hoda A. Alkhzaimi. This program is designed to ensure that visionary women have a platform to showcase their innovations and influence change.

• Government Strategy for Sustainable City 2025-2030 & Excellence Training Program: In collaboration with Ahmed Al Mahmood, our platform is delivering the government’s strategy for the Sustainable City for the period 2025-2030. This initiative features a dedicated training program for excellence, designed to empower women leaders to drive urban transformation through innovative and sustainable practices.

• Women in STEM & Healthcare: Through partnerships such as our collaboration with Hortman Stem Cells Laboratory, we are bringing more women into biotech and healthcare innovation.

• Cross-Border Collaborations: We are strengthening ties beyond regional borders, including our new partnership with the Sunshine Gender Humanitarian and Human Rights Initiative, which amplifies our commitment to advancing gender equality and human rights across nations.

• Purpose-Driven Living Program: Launching in universities, this initiative helps young women transition from visualization to action by discovering their purpose and taking tangible steps toward their goals.

• WIPIA Project: Women in Philanthropy and Impact in Africa (WIPIA) is an innovative project that I am actively involved in. This initiative harnesses technology and community engagement to empower African women through philanthropy and impactful social change, reinforcing our mission to build resilient communities across the continent.

Our focus remains on scaling impact-driven ventures, fostering leadership, and building ecosystems where women can thrive.

What trends are you seeing with women launching startups?

Women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries with innovation and impact-driven models. Key trends include:

• Sustainability at the Core: Women-led startups are increasingly integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, developing solutions in sustainable fashion, clean energy, and ethical finance.

• Tech-Enabled Ventures: More women are leveraging emerging technologies such as Web3, AI, and fintech to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion.

• Health & Well-Being Innovations: There is a notable rise in startups focusing on women’s health, mental well-being, and biotech, ensuring products and services address holistic wellness.

• Collaborative Growth Models: Women are embracing partnerships and impact investing to scale their businesses, often relying on non-traditional funding sources that prioritize long-term growth over quick returns.

Despite progress, access to funding remains a challenge, which is why platforms like Empowering Women Middle East are essential in bridging this gap.

How important is mentorship?

Mentorship is critical to breaking barriers and accelerating success. A strong mentor provides not only knowledge and strategy but also confidence and access to expansive networks. I have seen firsthand how mentorship transforms lives—especially for young women stepping into leadership roles or launching their own ventures.

This is why I actively mentor through initiatives like Pupilar UAE, where experienced leaders help guide emerging talent. Beyond one-on-one mentorship, creating a robust ecosystem where seasoned professionals support the next generation is vital to sustaining empowerment on a larger scale.

Can you share your global collaborations that have driven meaningful change to Dubai?

Dubai’s transformation into a hub for sustainability and innovation is fueled by robust global collaborations. Some of the most impactful partnerships include:

• Empowering Women & Hortman Stem Cells Laboratory: Advancing healthcare innovation by empowering female scientists with cutting-edge research and development opportunities.

• Global Family Office Investment Summit: Connecting investors with high-impact ventures that drive sustainability and social progress.

• Sunshine Gender Humanitarian and Human Rights Initiative: A pivotal cross-border partnership dedicated to advancing gender equality and human rights, further enhancing Dubai’s role as a global beacon for social progress.

These collaborations underscore Dubai’s visionary approach, ensuring that women, youth, and sustainable businesses continue to flourish.

As an investor, what has been the most impactful investment you have made?

As an investor, I firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future. One of the most impactful contributions I have made is supporting the digital platform Pupilar UAE, which champions youth empowerment through comprehensive mentorship, training, and network-building initiatives. This platform stands as a testament to the idea that betting on the youth is betting on a brighter, more sustainable future. Witnessing these young minds grow and subsequently drive transformative change across communities, economies, and the environment is the ultimate reward for my investment strategy.

These initiatives, collaborations, and investments are not just about business—they represent a commitment to creating lasting change and ensuring that the next generation of leaders has the tools and support necessary to transform our world.

www.theempoweringwomen.org