The PEN Community
The ProfessionElle Network was founded in August 2023 by co-founders Lamide and Sheen, two UK expats who moved to Dubai in search of both opportunity and community. After settling in, they realised that while Dubai was full of ambitious professionals, there wasn’t a space where young women could connect beyond their workplaces, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships.
What began as an initiative to bring like-minded women together has grown into a thriving community. Through networking events, masterclasses, and curated experiences, The ProfessionElle Network has helped women across Dubai connect, learn, and grow. But as the community evolved, one thing became clear. People wanted more. They wanted a space to come together every day, not just at events, and that vision inspired the creation of The PEN by Marina Pearl.
Women Empowered
Events for Growth
Brand Partnerships
Online Community
'The PEN By Marina Pearl
In 2025, The ProfessionElle Network partnered with Marina Pearl to bring to life The PEN by Marina Pearl. The PEN is a co-ed workspace and podcast studio designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and create. It’s a community-led space built to inspire ideas, foster growth, and provide the perfect environment to take your work to the next level.
PEN is run by seasoned expatriates who have successfully made Dubai their home.
Meet the Team
Lamide Elizabeth
Co-founder
Host of the Building Wealth Without Borders podcast. Serial Entrepreneur and Investor.
Dr Sheen Gurrib
Co-founder
Host of the Dream, Girl Podcast. Leading UAE Content Creator & Entrepreneur.
Marina Dsouza
Partner for The PEN By Marina Pearl
Commercial Real Estate Expert. Founder of Procast studios and Marina Pearl.