Kirsten Jenna Michaels, Founder & CEO of FEMPOWERMENT, on turning life experiences into purpose and creating space for women to rise.

ABOUT KIRSTEN – THE EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPED KIRSTEN’S APPROACH TO SUPPORTING WOMEN

Kirsten Jenna Michaels didn’t set out to build another networking group. Founder and CEO of FEMPOWERMENT, a women’s empowerment movement established in 2025 and based in Dubai, Michaels developed the platform around an observation she encountered repeatedly throughout her life: talented, ambitious women weren’t short on ability, but on access.

Today, the platform brings together a podcast, monthly seminars, networking events, workshops and certifications, coaching and business support, with its Women’s Business Launchpad and Convention forming part of its wider ecosystem.

HER STORY

For Kirsten Jenna Michaels, the origins of FEMPOWERMENT can be traced back to a question she carried through much of her life: “Why do I have to keep going through this?”

There were periods in her life when she faced circumstances that left her without stability, support or a clear sense of what came next. She describes some of those chapters as experiences that were “designed to break me” — years in which she had to navigate difficult circumstances largely on her own. Looking back, however, Michaels says the deeper impact of surviving difficult experiences was not simply what happened, but what those experiences taught her to expect from life.

“It is not the event. It is what the event teaches you to expect.”

For five years, she describes herself as being effectively removed from society. There was “no circle, no room to walk into, nobody who knew what was happening or who would have said the thing I needed to hear.”

Michaels believes that having a strong group of women around her could have helped her find the confidence to make different choices sooner. Not because they would have rescued her, she says, but because she would have been able to “see what normal looked like and understood that I was allowed to want it.”

What she needed was not simply advice, but an example of another possibility.

“What I needed more than advice was a woman standing on a stage in front of me, telling me I did not have to settle for the life I had been handed.”

That realisation would later become part of the thinking behind FEMPOWERMENT.

Michaels co-founded FEMPOWERMENT in 2025 with its structures, programmes and mission mapped out, but without funding. The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a job interview.

The man across the table noticed the FEMPOWERMENT logo on Michaels’ notebook, a logo she had designed herself in Canva. He asked what it was. Instead of offering her the role, the investor offered a 50-50 partnership, access to funding and his network.

But for Michaels, the significance went beyond the opportunity itself. It was the experience of having someone believe in the idea before there was proof.

“All it takes is one person to change the trajectory of your entire life.”

That thinking now shapes the platform’s programmes. The Business Launchpad is intended to support women with potential but without the resources to execute on it and is currently listed as “coming soon” by FEMPOWERMENT. Its monthly seminars reflect the woman Michaels once wished she could have seen on stage. Networking events draw from the five years she spent without a support circle, while coaching is designed around the recognition that sometimes what a woman needs is not another curriculum, but “an hour with someone who will tell her the truth.”

ABOUT FEMPOWERMENT

When asked to define FEMPOWERMENT’s core mission, Michaels positions the organisation around creating greater access to opportunities and resources, rather than inspiration alone.

FEMPOWERMENT describes itself as a purpose-driven movement built around community, education and philanthropy, with its work spanning coaching, events, business support, content and networking. Its stated mission is to build a global movement that connects, uplifts and celebrates women of all backgrounds.

Michaels sees FEMPOWERMENT as a platform with ambitions beyond the UAE, built around creating space for women to pursue their potential. As she puts it, “I built FEMPOWERMENT™ for every woman who was told she was too much — you are exactly enough, and this is your space to rise.”

THE FOUNDATIONS AND MOVEMENT BEHIND FEMPOWERMENT

“Empathy, first,” she says. “Knowledge, second,” followed by hope.

For Michaels, these are not abstract principles. They are informed by experience — by understanding what it means to feel unable to leave, what it takes to start again with nothing, and how difficult it can be to believe that circumstances can change until someone who has lived through them shows you that they can.

It is this understanding of what women need, rather than simply what they are told they need, that now shapes the work behind FEMPOWERMENT.

Her focus now is clear: to create opportunities for women, help them build success and, ultimately, find peace — something she considers “by far the harder of the two.” Looking back at the experiences she once believed were meant to break her, Michaels has arrived at an answer to the question she carried for so long.

“Everything that happened to me was meant to break me. It built this instead.” FEMPOWERMENT describes itself as a purpose-driven movement connecting, uplifting and celebrating women of all backgrounds, with the aim of helping women reclaim their voices, build their futures and rise together.

Today, her focus is on creating opportunities for women, helping them build success and helping them find peace — “which, in my experience, is by far the harder of the two.”

THE IMPACT OF BEING SEEN AND HEARD

Beyond the founder, mentor and CEO, the people around Kirsten describe a woman who makes others feel seen, supported and capable of more.

“Kirsten isn’t just a CEO; she has become a very dear friend to me. She came into my life at a time when I really needed someone genuine, caring, and supportive, and I feel incredibly grateful that our paths crossed.

She is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met and will always go above and beyond for the people around her, often putting everyone else before herself. Professionally, she constantly pushes me to do better, step outside my comfort zone, and believe in what I’m capable of, while always making sure I know that she has my back. She supports me in every way she can and genuinely wants to see the people around her succeed.

But what makes Kirsten so special to me is that our relationship goes beyond work. She has become someone I can trust, laugh with, learn from, and genuinely call a friend. She has this incredible energy that lights up every room she walks into, and her warmth makes people feel comfortable and valued almost instantly.

I’m so grateful to have Kirsten in my life, both as my boss and, more importantly, as a friend. She has had such a positive impact on me, and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better person to work alongside and have in my corner.”

— Rachel Cawley, head of brand and community

“Working with Kirsten has been such a valuable experience for me. As my boss, she has pushed me to think bigger, be more confident, and take ownership of my work. I genuinely respect her not just for what she has achieved, but for the way she carries herself and the impact she has on the people around her. I’m grateful that I got to work closely with her and that I can take so much from the experience, both professionally and personally.”

— Ayesha Ahmad

“At first, I was honestly a little intimidated by her, but once you get to know Kirsten, you realise just how bubbly, warm, and genuine she really is. She has this incredible way of making everyone around her feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they thought they could be. Having her as my mentor has completely changed the way I look at life, work, and even myself. She has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, believe in myself, and see possibilities I may not have noticed before. I’m forever grateful to have crossed paths with her and to have someone like Kirsten guiding, inspiring, and believing in me along the way.”

— Ayesha Mustafa

“Honestly, I see Kirsten as someone who has genuinely had a meaningful impact on the person I have become, both personally and professionally.

I’ve always experienced Kirsten as a warm, ambitious, and genuinely kind-hearted person. She has a unique ability to recognise potential in people, sometimes even before they see it in themselves. She challenged me, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and continuously inspired me to grow and become more confident in my abilities.

A significant part of who I am professionally today has been shaped by the opportunities, guidance, and challenges she has given me. Working with her has taught me responsibility, confidence, resilience, and the importance of thinking beyond what feels comfortable and believing in a bigger vision.

What I particularly admire about Kirsten is her passion for what she is building and her commitment to bringing the people around her along on that journey. She sets high standards because she believes in the potential of those she works with, and that has encouraged me to raise my own standards and continuously strive to do better.

I’m genuinely grateful for the experience of working with her. She didn’t simply give me a professional opportunity; she encouraged me to believe in myself, grow into my capabilities, and become a stronger and more confident version of myself.”

— Nilofar Shareef, Operation Manager | FEMPOWERMENT

Every home tells a story, and so does every hand that shapes it. This Emirati Women’s Day, Home Centre is celebrating six Emirati women whose craft, creativity and quiet determination are shaping the UAE’s design landscape today, through ‘Made By Her’, a campaign spotlighting their work in-store, alongside Home Centre’s own collections.

For a brand built on the belief that people should Love Where They Live, these six founders were a natural fit, women whose work reflects the same design-led, deeply personal spirit Home Centre champions in every home it helps create. From mosaic art shaped by heritage to ceramics born of fire and instinct, each of their stories speaks to something Home Centre has always stood for: that where we live should reflect who we are.

Made By Her brings their craftsmanship into Home Centre’s stores, displayed alongside the brand’s own collections in a beautifully styled showcase. It is a rare kind of moment, where handmade work finds its place inside spaces visited by thousands of customers every day, celebrated purely for the stories and skill behind it, giving these women’s stories room to be seen, felt and remembered.

Retail spaces can hold more than product, they can hold purpose too. It’s a belief that runs through everything Home Centre does, whether that’s celebrating homegrown talent through the Home Centre Collective, collaborating with local designers, or giving a platform to Emirati women shaping the UAE’s creative identity.

“This Emirati Women’s Day, we wanted to open our stores to celebrate the women shaping the UAE’s creative landscape,” said Arja Taaveniku, CEO, Home Centre. “There’s so much talent around us, quiet, brilliant work that doesn’t always get the audience it deserves. Made By Her is simply our way of giving it the spotlight, and giving our customers the chance to discover it too.”

MEET THE MAKERS

Safeya AlHebsi | Mosaic X

Safeya AlHebsi is the founder of a licensed Mubdia project specialising in handcrafted mosaic art inspired by nature, geometry and fine arts. Working with ceramics, glass, stone and recycled materials, each piece she creates celebrates sustainability, craftsmanship and the heritage of mosaic art.
Naila Alremeithi | Soapbar

Naila Alremeithi is the founder of Soapbar, specialising in handmade soaps, skincare and body care products crafted using high-quality ingredients and close attention to detail. Her products combine natural care and quality, offering a self-care experience suited to different skin types.

Huda Alraisi | Huda Ceramic Art

Huda Alraisi is an Emirati ceramic artist who uses clay to explore the balance between heritage and contemporary expression. Specialising in the Raku technique, her work reflects a dialogue between fire and material, with each piece shaped by fire and smoke to create a one-of-a-kind visual and emotional experience rooted in cultural identity and traditional craftsmanship.
Aisha Alkhyeli | Aisha Art Studio

Aisha Alkhyeli creates handcrafted artworks inspired by nature, texture and emotion. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to bring warmth, beauty and a touch of individuality into the home.
Mona Alqubaisi I Mona Al Qubaisi Art

Mona Alqubaisi is a crochet portrait artist whose work spans wall art, bags and accessories, turning crochet into detailed, expressive pieces for the home and beyond.
Mouza Al Kaabi | Mouza Al Kaabi Art

Mouza Al Kaabi is the UAE’s youngest Emirati artist, known for her paintings and as the founder of Charms Asap and AVS UAE.

“Love Where You Live as a motto has always meant more to us than just the home, it is about loving the country we call home,” said Siddarth Sivaprakash, Head of Marketing & Brand, Home Centre. “And what better way to show our love for the UAE than by celebrating the talent that makes it what it is. Made By Her, alongside initiatives like Collective and our local designer collaborations, is our way of paying tribute to that, bringing Emirati creativity into the stores our customers walk through every day.”

For each of these women, Made By Her is a chance to have their story and craft celebrated by a national audience this Emirati Women’s Day. The campaign continues throughout August and September, with the founders’ work on display at participating Home Centre stores in Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi and Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, giving customers the chance to interact with and experience their work up close.

Exclusive interview with Tauseef Khan, Founder and Chairman, Dugasta Properties

You entered the UAE real estate market in 1991, at a time when Dubai’s property landscape looked very different from what it does today. What have three decades of watching people buy, rent, invest and build their lives here taught you about what truly makes a home valuable?

When I entered the UAE real estate market in 1990, Dubai was very different from what we see today. Over the years, watching families buy, rent and invest has reinforced something I have always believed. Real estate is ultimately about people, the communities they build and the future they are creating.

Those values have always been at the core of how I built Dugasta. The UAE gave me the safety and security to build my business, and I wanted to give back by creating homes built on trust, safety and a sense of security. My belief has always been that when someone invests their hard-earned money in a home, they should feel confident about the decision and secure about their future.

Home is where people put down roots, build relationships and create memories. That is why I believe development should always put people first. When we create comfortable, high-quality spaces, remain transparent and deliver on our commitments, we build lasting trust. And when people feel confident in their home, commercial success follows naturally.

Dugasta has built much of its positioning around value-for-money housing without compromising on quality. How do you define “value” today beyond simply offering a competitive price?

Value, for us, has always been about keeping a promise. And, in real estate, it means creating a home that offers comfort, an investment that provides financial security and a developer that stands behind its commitments.

As more people choose to build their lives in Dubai, these fundamentals matter. Whether someone is buying a studio or investing in an entire building, they deserve the same level of attention, respect and accountability. Value starts with protecting people’s hard-earned money and giving them confidence in what they are investing in.

That thinking led us to our 10 on 10 formula, offering a 10% ROI for 10 years, while also focusing on homes that work for everyday life, with practical layouts, reliable services, family friendly spaces and quality that continues to serve people as their needs change. That is what makes an investment valuable in the long term.

Dugasta’s portfolio has expanded across developments including Al Haseen Residences, Moonsa Residences, Terra Tower and Dugasta Paradise. What common design philosophy connects these projects despite their different locations and positioning?

The common thread across our projects is a simple design philosophy. Good design should make everyday life more comfortable without adding unnecessary complexity. Our investments focus on features that offer real utility, comfort and lasting value.

Across Al Haseen Residences, Moonsa Residences, Terra Tower and Dugasta Paradise, we maintain a focus on clean lines, well-planned interiors, natural light, practical layouts and thoughtful amenities. At the same time, each development is designed around its location, community and buyer profile.

Every element that we build has a purpose and reflects how people actually live. That balance between aesthetics and functionality gives each project its own identity while keeping the quality and design standards consistent across our portfolio. In the end, we want to create homes that people enjoy living in today and continue to value for years to come.

Are today’s buyers increasingly purchasing a lifestyle rather than simply square footage and an address?

We are seeing expatriate professionals, families, entrepreneurs and long-term residents evaluate a home through the lens of community, connectivity, convenience and everyday quality of life. They want access to schools, healthcare, retail, transport and well-planned amenities, alongside a home with practical layouts and reliable services. Premium finishes remain relevant, but buyers are becoming more discerning about how a development fits into their daily routine and how well it can support different stages of life.

 This shift is closely aligned with our philosophy at Dugasta. We see a home as an environment where people build their lives, relationships and sense of belonging, so our focus is on creating spaces that provide lasting comfort and functional value.

The company’s distinctive 10-on-10 proposition, a guaranteed ROI proposition marketed around 10% annually for 10 years, alongside other buyer benefits, gives you a strong route into the psychology of today’s UAE homebuyer and investor?

Through our conversations with buyers, one thing is clear. They want confidence in the developer, the quality of the asset and the support they will receive after handover. As developers, it is our responsibility to protect their hard-earned capital and give them clarity on the value they can expect from their property.

Security, predictability and trust are central to these decisions. Buyers today are well informed and are looking at property with a long-term view, considering both the quality of the home and the financial outcome of their investment. Our guaranteed 10% ROI for 10 years is designed to give them greater certainty and confidence in that investment. It also reflects our commitment to being transparent, accountable, and clear about the value we promise to deliver.

 What does “global ambition” mean for Dugasta, geographic expansion, a broader customer base, a different product mix, or all of the above?

Our ambition is to take the principles of trust, safety and security that have shaped Dugasta’s growth in Dubai into international markets. We are building relationships with investors across the GCC, South Asia, Africa and Europe who see strong potential in Dubai’s property market and are looking for clarity and long-term value. As we enter these markets, we want to carry the same approach that has guided us in Dubai and give investors confidence in their decisions.

Our product portfolio is expanding beyond our core focus on middle-income residential housing to include residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, giving us a chance to serve different buyer and investor profiles. This international growth means taking a proven approach to value and buyer care into new markets while adapting our projects and offerings to the needs of each market.