Global advocacy organisation Rise, which is committed to promoting gender diversity across the broadcast and media technology sectors, has appointed two new members to the inaugural advisory board of its newly launched Middle East Chapter.
Dina Nimer, Head of Media Operations, Al Arabiya TV Network, and Karen Coetzee, Producer and Co-Founder, Central Films, have joined Kathey Battrick, Chapter Chair, and Katie Purcer Golding, Marketing and Communications on the founding board of Rise Middle East.
Together, this team will shape the chapter’s agenda and strategic direction, ensuring local initiatives reflect the diverse experiences and ambitions of women across the region.
Nimer brings to Middle East Chapter Board more than 20 years of experience in editorial strategy, media operations and innovation. She has deep expertise in managing complex workflows, leading AI and partnership initiatives, and shaping media content delivery at scale.
Commenting on the appointment, Nimer said, “I am truly honoured to join Rise’s Middle East advisory board, I have seen the power of collaboration and inclusion firsthand, and I’m excited to support Rise’s initiatives that empower women and drive meaningful change across our region and beyond.”
Coetzee is an award-winning producer with a career spanning more than 25 years across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. She is known for her leadership in cross-cultural film production and government-backed creative initiatives.
Reacting to the Rise appointment, Coetzee added, “As a passionate supporter of helping women discover their voice and gain confidence, I’m honoured to join the Middle East board of Rise and I look forward to contributing to this inspiring organisation and helping shape a more inclusive future for our industry.”
Rise has been empowering women in broadcasting and media all over the globe since 2017. It offers a robust portfolio of programs designed to uplift and connect women working in media and production, with free membership open to all professionals and aspiring talents.
The Rise Middle East Chapter is set to launch its first mentoring programme later in 2025, offering women in the region valuable guidance and support from industry leaders.
Kicking off its activities, the chapter will host an inaugural networking dinner, an inclusive gathering designed to bring together women from across the region and every facet of the broadcast and media industry to connect, collaborate, and explore how they can get involved in this empowering movement.
In addition, the chapter will maintain a strong presence at key industry events including this coming edition of CABSAT, ensuring that the conversation around gender diversity remains a central focus in the region’s evolving media landscape.
