Mila Smart Semeshkina established the Women's Empowerment Council (WE Council), a global community of women leaders, in 2023. The very first initiative of the WE Council to introduce the Women's Empowerment Convention (WE Convention) led to it becoming the largest forum for women leaders worldwide.
On March 7-8, 2023, the first WE Convention paved the way for crucial change by celebrating International Women's Day at the Dubai Opera and Armani Hotel. The forum became widely known for the speeches of influential speakers including Maye Musk, Natalia Vodianova, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, Dr. Eng Suaad Al Shamsi, Ayumi Moore Aoki, and others.
The WE Convention guests and participants noted the unique combination of sophisticated luxury and a friendly atmosphere, which offered ample opportunities for incredibly powerful networking. This event set the stage for future WE Conventions, highlighting the global impact and importance of empowering women in business and beyond.
Dubai Opera, Armani Hotel 7-8 March
The Women's Empowerment Convention is the ultimate destination for the world's successful women leaders, setting high standards and breaking barriers. The key topic of the forum was “Big Goals, Bold Choices”. The convention speakers included Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, Her Highness Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, World Tennis Champion Maria Sharapova, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini, singer Carla Bruni, Veronica Berti Bocelli, Meryem Uzerli, Karen Vasen, and, of course, the founder and president of the WE Convention, Mila Smart Semeshkina herself. Additionally, top representatives and chief executives from globally recognized companies like Microsoft, Visa, BCG, Mastercard, KraftHeinz, TikTok, and Duolingo also joined the WE Convention.
As part of WE Convention 2024, the organizers prepared round tables, mentoring spaces, and panel discussions to cover topics such as career advancement, financial wellness and money mindset, effective leadership, neuroscience of success, the transforming world of AI and ChatGPT, liveability of future cities, mental health, beauty, longevity, and much more. A luxurious gala dinner with gourmet cuisine traditionally took place at the Armani Hotel.
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai 20-21 April
1-2 November 2025 Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
The legendary Women's Leadership Forum returns for its third edition, uniting the world's most powerful, inspiring, and visionary women. Taking the main stage will be figures of such stature that the opportunity to be in the same room with them is truly unmissable: Global Editorial Director of Vogue Anna Wintour, international best-selling author Candace Bushnell, royal dignitaries, cultural icons, billionaire women, industry-shaping pioneers, corporate leaders, and some of the most influential personalities of our time.
2025 Theme: All In – Career, Money, Life