Tyra Banks will visit Abu Dhabi later this month as part of the Women of Web3 delegation hosted by Access Abu Dhabi, a Maven Global Access Programme powered by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The program encourages the growth of women and minority-led businesses in Abu Dhabi.
On Thursday, May 26, 2022, Tyra Banks will headline the inaugural session of the Access Granted discussion series at Saadiyat Rotana, The Ballroom.
Banks will share her journey and future as an entrepreneur with Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the government entity overseeing ADIO’s activities, in front of an audience of business community members, business students, and changemakers.
Access Granted with Banks will give viewers a rare look into the mind of one of the world’s most iconic fashion models, who is now a media and business pioneer with a portfolio that includes her Emmy Award-winning production company, Bankable Productions.
Banks has made television history through her production company and has created and executive produced “The Tyra Show,” with programming ranging from Tyra interviewing multiple US Presidential candidates to topics focusing on issues confronting young women. “America’s Next Top Model,” which she created and executive produced, is the country’s second-longest-running reality show. Her most recent venture, premium ice cream brand SMiZE Cream, is poised to go global.
Al Shorafa, a business diversity advocate, expressed his excitement about the upcoming delegation. “We are delighted to welcome Tyra Banks and the ‘Women of Web 3’ delegation to Abu Dhabi as part of our ongoing commitment to assisting ambitious business leaders in developing innovative, globally exportable solutions.”
“With the abundance of opportunities for innovative businesses in Abu Dhabi, ADIO is committed to assisting companies seeking growth in and out of the emirate,” he added. Access Abu Dhabi is a gateway for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to connect with an empowering, enabling ecosystem for Middle Eastern business expansion.”
SMiZE Cream successfully launched in 2021 as an ice cream brand that delights customers not only with its unique hidden edible surprise inside each ice cream cup but also with its eye-catching design. Furthermore, the brand incorporates augmented reality into its packaging and promotes the importance of setting dreams and goals, as well as mentorship.
Banks is excited to share information about the opportunities and challenges that women face in business and technology, as well as how she plans to incorporate Web3 into her business model.
“The UAE has been really impressive when it comes to investing in innovation,” she said. “I have a global vision for SMiZE Cream, so I’m really excited to be here to share my entrepreneurial journey, discuss strategy, and explore how Abu Dhabi can be a part of its next big chapter,” she added. I adore the region and am excited to add significant value and impact.”
The Women of Web3 (WoW3) – an all-female delegation of leaders in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and other Web3 technology entrepreneurs – will also speak on the 26th of May about the challenges, opportunities, and future of this space, where 5 percent to 7 percent of all cryptocurrency users are women and only 12 percent work in blockchain technology.
Panelists Sandy Carter, SVP and Channel Chief at Unstoppable Domains; Olayinka Odeniran, Founder and Chairwoman of the Black Women Blockchain Council; Cathy Wu, Director of Investor Relations at Multicoin Capital; Genevieve Bos, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Poplar; Lisa Mayer, Founder of Boss Beauties; and Janice Taylor, Founder, and CEO of EQ Exchange will discuss the barriers to entry and derailers that women face, as well.
The delegation will meet with crypto, blockchain, and Web3 business leaders, as well as key business setup service providers, from May 24-26 in their quest to explore Abu Dhabi’s business expansion opportunities.
Access Abu Dhabi, organized by Maven Global Access and powered by ADIO, will launch in November 2021 with the goal of assisting global women and minority-led businesses seeking to expand to the Middle East through the emirate.
A VIP delegation of 22 investors, industry leaders, and celebrities-turned-entrepreneurs led by Programme Ambassador Kevin O’Leary – star of CNBC’s Shark Tank – embarked on a three-day immersive experience to discover why Abu Dhabi is the gateway to the future.
“This is a full-circle moment that I’m ecstatic to have in the country that I call my second home,” said Sarah Omolewu, Managing Partner of Maven Global Access and founder of Access Abu Dhabi. Tyra’s marketing genius and successes inspired me during some of the most formative years of my US career. It is a true honor to be able to introduce her to Abu Dhabi while also creating economic opportunity and impact for other women in business.”
