Inspiring Heroes

From a young age, Yara developed a keen interest in sustainability during her high school environmental science classes. The subject captured her attention because it has a tangible purpose and a human touch. She became passionate about keeping our planet a safe space for generations to come. This passion drove her to dedicate her education to sustainability, pursuing Bachelor's and Master's degrees in the field. After 10 years away from academics, she recently enrolled in a PhD program, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to environmental causes. Truly, learning is possible at any stage of life.

Every role that Yara has occupied throughout her 15-year career has been centred around sustainability. She landed her first job after attending the first edition of World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, which is why the Summit holds a special place in her heart.

Her current role focuses on sustainability in construction, including recycling waste water and utilising low-carbon materials to make lasting environmental impacts. As the construction industry has not seen much change in sustainability practices in the past few decades, a significant part of Yara’s role involves raising awareness within her industry. Her work often involves detailed consultations and educational sessions to shift perspectives and integrate greener methods. She appreciates that the UAE holds countless events and workshops, which continually foster her passion for sustainability.

Yara is proud to have been selected as an EAD ambassador in 2022, where she championed numerous sustainability initiatives, engaging her company’s employees to become green advocates at work and at home. 

Beyond her professional life, Yara instils the values of sustainability in her children, emphasising that it is not just a job but a mindset and lifestyle. She believes that ethical responsibility should be a core aspect of one’s thinking, which automatically translates to applying sustainable practices in every facet of life. Yara strives to influence people through her Instagram account (@yaras.greendiary) by sharing educational content and the latest sustainability news. Make sure to check it out with your family!

Yara’s message to others is clear: Never stop learning. Whether through online courses, degrees, or other educational opportunities, pursuing learning continuously and sharing knowledge are key to making a meaningful impact on the world. 

What’s your next step to learning about sustainability?