W@Y to RISE Comes to Dubai

Yardi's global initiative for women at Yardi, W@Y to RISE, hosts its first event in Dubai with chocolate making, empowering conversations, and guest speakers Rini Laskar and Jessica Duvall.

W@Y to RISE Dubai 2026

Last month, W@Y to RISE (Women at Yardi – Recognise, Inspire, Showcase and Empower) held its first in-person event in Dubai, bringing together the UAE team for a morning of connection, learning, and good conversation.

About W@Y to RISE

Launched in 2025 as an expansion of RISE (est. 2022 in the UK) and W@Y (est. 2023 in the US), W@Y to RISE was created as a unified space dedicated to supporting women globally across Yardi through shared learning, collaboration, and meaningful connection. Combining RISE’s established network with W@Y’s leadership expertise, the initiative offers opportunities for development, growth, and community-building – spanning global connection, work and wellbeing, and unlocking potential.

Women in Tech with Rini Laskar

Technology Transformation Leader, Entrepreneur and Diversity Advocate, Rini Laskar, opened with an empowering exploration of the history of women in technology, challenging some of the enduring myths around women’s place in the industry.

W@Y to RISE Dubai 2026

Her talk highlighted an often-overlooked truth: women were not latecomers to technology – they were among its original pioneers. From the foundations of computing and programming to some of the most important technological breakthroughs of the modern era, women have played a defining role in shaping the industry we know today.

By bringing these stories and achievements back into focus, Laskar encouraged women working in technology today to recognise the rich heritage of innovation and accomplishment they belong to. The message was one of belonging as much as empowerment: women have a long-established place in technology, and today’s generation is continuing a legacy that stretches back to its very beginnings.

The session also celebrated contemporary trailblazers who are continuing to redefine technology and leadership, connecting the pioneers of the past with the women shaping its future.

Keep the Breath, Keep the Pace with Jessica Duvall

People & Culture Leader, Jessica Duvall, closed the morning with a session on resilience and navigating uncertainty. Opening with the question, “How many moments in your life felt like facing a glacier river on top of a mountain?”, she drew on the metaphor of mountain climbing to explore what it means to keep going when the path ahead isn’t clear, and the climb feels hard.

A few key themes she left the room with:

  • Courage – You don’t have to see the whole path. You only need to be brave enough for the next step.
  • Perspective – Uncertainty pulls us toward everything that could go wrong. Shift your energy toward what you can influence.
  • Self-Belief – You’ve survived every difficult day you’ve ever faced. Your past is evidence of your strength.

“You don’t have to see the whole path. You only need the courage for the next step. When both directions are hard, choose the one that grows you.”

Her closing message summed it up simply: Keep the Breath, Keep the Pace. Never go back down the mountain.


Want to learn more about W@Y to RISE? Check out our previous posts or follow the hashtag #RiseWithYardi on socials.

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AUTHOR

As Yardi’s senior marketing writer for international content, Sophie draws on her journalism and copywriting experience to transform complex real estate and technology topics into accessible, on brand narratives that connect with global audiences.

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