Dr Mariyam Shakeela, a doctoral graduate of Curtin University worked in diverse fields including business, teaching, prior to joining politics as a cabinet minister in the government of Maldives.
As a politician she undertook duties at several Ministries: Environment and Energy, Foreign Affairs, Gender Family and Human Rights, and Health. At present apart from holding a diplomatic position as Honorary consul for Belgium in Maldives, she is CEO of SIMDI Group of companies heading diversified businesses from trading, hospitality, education, health, and wellness. Very active in Civil Society groups both nationally and internationally, she facilitates economic, social, and political empowerment of women and youth, conflict resolution, building peace and security and Human Rights.
Through her linkages with prestigious groups such International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), Women and Security Leadership (WASL), South Asian NGO's, a member of Civil Service Action Group (CSAG) of UN Women.
As Vice Chair for Asia Pacific Regional committee for International Scouts and Guide Fellowship, Secretary General/president for the national Scouts and Guide Fellowship (MSGF) and chairperson for two other NGO's; Addu Women’s Association (AWA) and Women Arts and Craft Association of Maldives (WACAM she pursues her civil society work).
She is also a member for International Executive council of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council (SCWEC), the president for Maldives Women Chamber of Commerce (MWCC). As chairperson for Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICP) and International Medical and Diagnostic Centre (IMDC) she contributes towards building a healthy community.
Currently she also holds board membership at two prestigious panels at Business School of Curtin University: Advisory Panel member for School of Management; Chair for Advisory Panel for Executive Education and MBA.
As part of the team that developed award winning Kanuhura Beach and Spa resort which was later branded as One&Only Kanuhura she was instrumental in lifting the image of Maldives tourism to the next level.
With several awards to her name such as International Influential leader for 2020 by AACB (Association to advance Collegiate School of Business), Global Women of Excellence Award 2019 from Madhya Pradesh Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Athena Certificate of Excellence from Athena International, and Business Role model of the year by Women in Management and IFC, she is an academic, a poet, a creative writer and inspiration to women who aspire to break barriers and succeed.