Dubai Resident And Trailblazing Adventurer Maria Conceição Wins Prestigious GlobalWIIN Award For Innovative Education And Capacity Building
Dubai resident and former Emirates Cabin Crew member Maria Conceição was honoured last night with the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN) Global Award for Innovative Education and Capacity Building.
The Portuguese adventurer, humanitarian, and record-breaking athlete received this distinguished GlobalWIIN Award, which recognises outstanding women whose innovation and vision have made a transformative impact on communities worldwide. She was celebrated at the GlobalWIIN Summit, Showcase & Awards held at London’s ExCeL on October 22–23, 2025.
From the Skies to a Life-Changing Mission
Maria’s journey began in the skies. While working as part of Emirates’ cabin crew in Dubai, she discovered her life’s mission during a stopover in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2005.
“I came across children living in extreme poverty, but all I could see were their bright eyes, energy, and wasted potential,” she recalls. “That moment changed my life forever.”
Driven by compassion, Maria cancelled a planned holiday to New Zealand and returned to Dhaka instead, bringing essential supplies to families living in makeshift shelters. What began as a personal act of kindness evolved into a full-fledged humanitarian movement.
With the support of fellow Emirates crew members and Dubai residents, she went on to build a school in Dhaka’s slums, providing education to hundreds of children. At its peak, her initiative educated more than 600 students, many of whom later earned university and master’s degrees around the world.
“I soon realised that to truly change lives, education was the key not just for children, but for adults too,” says Maria.
Breaking Barriers and World Records
Described as “the toughest woman alive” by Mindvalley CEO Vishen Lakhiani, Maria has broken 10 Guinness World Records in endurance sports, including ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons despite having no formal athletic background.
She made history as the first Portuguese woman to summit both Mount Everest and K2, and in May 2025 became the first Portuguese woman to summit Lhotse (8,516 meters), the world’s fourth-highest mountain.
Her most recent feat completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam, a challenge accomplished by only 17 women worldwide and 77 people in history places her among the planet’s most elite adventurers.
Championing Innovation and Purpose-Driven Partnerships from Dubai
From her base in Dubai, Maria has dedicated nearly two decades to empowering underprivileged communities through innovative education and capacity-building programs.
Her foundation’s mission reflects the UAE’s spirit of tolerance, innovation, and global compassion.
Her approach combines adventure, storytelling, and resilience, transforming each expedition into a platform for purpose-driven brand partnerships and global collaborations that inspire education, equality, and human potential.
These alliances amplify her message, merging performance, purpose, and inspiration to engage new audiences and elevate impact beyond borders.
Her achievements have earned her multiple international humanitarian and innovation awards, and the admiration of global audiences.
Accepting her GlobalWIIN Award, Maria said:
“Innovation is not just about technology or invention it’s about finding new ways to lift others, to educate, and to inspire. I am deeply honoured by this recognition, which belongs to every child and every dreamer who believes that no mountain is too high.”
The GlobalWIIN Awards celebrate women whose ingenuity and leadership are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Maria Conceição’s recognition underscores her commitment to innovation through compassion, her role as a global ambassador for human potential, and her dedication to purposeful partnerships that unite adventure, education, and impact.