The People's Choice Awards Finalists | Heba Al Nabulsi

Country: United Arab Emirates

Company: Emplify

About Heba

I’m Heba Al-Nabulsi, a proud Jordanian raised in the UAE, navigating the tech and media industry as a Muslim Arab woman in hijab. I’ve faced challenges that often felt overwhelming, yet those experiences fueled my passion to inspire others who feel they don’t belong. With over 13 years in customer experience and social media, I’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones. I started my career leading a team of 30 by age 24 and transitioned to the tech side, becoming the first Arab Muslim woman to reach director level at a NYC-based unicorn. These experiences inspired me to found "LetsTalksocialwithHebz," a community of 4,500 empowering social media professionals across 55 countries. To date, I’ve had the privilege of reaching 176 participants in my IAmRemarkable sessions, proving that no matter your background, you can carve your own path and inspire others to feel remarkable.

What does it mean to you to be a finalist for this award?

This acknowledgment deeply fuels my passion to inspire others facing similar challenges, showing them that they, too, can find belonging, overcome obstacles, and succeed. It’s a chance to amplify voices that often go unheard and to build a stronger community. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and uplift others along the way. This recognition is not just for me; it’s a gift to my family and community members who make me feel remarkable every day. Their unwavering support inspires me to share my story and encourages them to embrace their own remarkable journeys.

Tell us a bit more about how you’re making an impact through #IAmRemarkable workshops.

One of the most powerful sessions I led featured a lawyer who arrived in his suit, seemingly closed off and unwilling to participate. He felt that sharing our experiences was merely a duty and resisted involvement throughout the workshop. However, as we neared the end, with just five minutes left, he unexpectedly asked to share. I was taken aback when he revealed that he felt remarkable because he stayed by his father’s bedside until he passed away, caring for him in his final moments. His vulnerability moved everyone, and we all found ourselves in tears, realizing that remarkable moments often stem from the deepest love and sacrifice.

On International Women’s Day, I conducted a session for women at a food and beverage chain, where a male director joined us. I got goosebumps when he went around the table, telling each woman why she was remarkable, and they reciprocated by sharing their thoughts about him. It was a profound moment that broke down barriers. He left the room promising to carry this experience forward with his grandchildren, ensuring they learn the importance of recognizing and celebrating their own worth from a young age.

Heba’s Nominator says:

'What sets Heba apart is her skill in breaking down barriers that often hold people back from fully recognizing their value. Her thoughtful facilitation allowed each participant to deeply connect with their personal and professional journeys, leading to transformative insights. The impact of her work went beyond the session itself; people left with renewed confidence, a greater sense of self-worth, and the tools to continue celebrating their achievements.'