Our Team

In her roles as Chief Operating Officer, Alya oversees a number of functions, including Information Technology, Administration, Corporate Development, DIFC Services and DIFC Academy. Her prime objective is to drive the digital transformation of DIFC Authority, enhance customer experience and promote talent development through the DIFC Academy.

Alya has been working with the DIFC Authority for over 15 years across multiple functions. Prior to that, she was an IT business Analyst working for the IT division of Emirates Group.  Alya earned both her BSc in Computer Science and MBA from the American University of Sharjah. She has an LLM in International Business Law from the University of Paris II Pantheon Assas. She is a PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is a graduate of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development completing both the Young Leaders Program and the Dubai Leaders program.

With over 20 years of experience across North America, Europe, Asia, and now the Middle East, Tazeen Munir has built a distinguished career in advancing education and professional development. As Vice President of DIFC Academy, Tazeen leads initiatives that empower professionals and foster innovation in finance, law, and technology.
A passionate advocate for mentorship, Tazeen champions creating diverse role models to inspire and resonate with different personality types. She has also played a pivotal role in building global networks and partnerships that connect talent and opportunities across continents.
Quote:
"Mentorship is not just about guiding careers—it’s about unlocking potential and inspiring confidence to lead with purpose."Tazeen Munir

Rhoda is an exceptionally skilled and accomplished executive with a wealth of corporate business experience across diverse industries. With a track record of excellence, she has successfully engaged stakeholders in dynamic multi-service organizations, both locally and internationally. Her expertise and accomplishments make her a valuable asset in driving success and growth for any venture she is involved in.

Sharlene is a seasoned learning and development professional with over 17 years of experience in education, corporate training, and capability building, complemented by 4 years of hands‑on experience in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations. Her combined background spans instructional design, faculty delivery, operational excellence, and workforce enablement across diverse sectors.

Prior to joining DIFC Academy, Sharlene worked as an EdTech trainer, an adjunct English language lecturer at the American College of Dubai, and a corporate trainer, designing and delivering learning solutions for both academic and professional audiences. In parallel, her experience in BPO operations provided her with deep exposure to process optimisation, performance management, service delivery, and large‑scale workforce operations, strengthening her ability to design training programmes that are practical, outcome‑driven, and aligned with real business needs.

Sharlene holds a Graduate Diploma in Language and Literacy Education from the University of the Philippines and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Visayas State University. She is a licensed educator and holds a Master Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language).

Beyond language education, Sharlene has a strong interest in technology‑enabled learning and data‑driven decision‑making. She is currently pursuing a Master of Distance Education at the University of the Philippines, reflecting her commitment to innovation, digital learning, and continuous professional development.