The Hotel Phoenicia
SHE Networking Event
22nd November 2018, The Hotel Phoenicia, Valletta
An absolutely stunning event to end all for 2018 which again brought together a community of women doing amazing things on the island inside the beautiful Grand ballroom of the historical The Hotel Phoenicia Malta. On this very special occasion we welcomed guest speakers – HR Manager at Alf. Mizzi & Sons (Marketing) Group Mikela Fenech Pace, TV presenter/actress/producer Clare Agius, Interior Designer and founder of Pippa Toledo Design Studio Pippa Toledo and PA to the General manager at The Hotel Phoenicia Malta Pat Vella to our panel.
Besides listening to our speakers’ stories and words of wisdom and advice, further elements were introduced to the SHE event to enhance the overall experience including a specially designed workshop entitled “How Not to Suck at Networking” by psychotherapist Emma Hogg of A Life I Choose, a mini festive market showcasing the works and lovingly sourced items from 8 selected retailers and an appearance by the fantastic sister-duo The New Victorians who also concluded this fabulous day.
Special thanks goes out to The Hotel Phoenicia Malta for hosting us and to The Phoenix Restaurant of The Hotel Phoenicia Malta for supplying us with plentiful and delicious refreshments, PowerHouse – Audiovisuals & Events for their stellar service, Videographer Agnes Gramala Filmmaker and photographer Majda Toumi and to all our sponsors Donnafugata, Dean Gera Salons, The Body Shop Malta and Medina Healthcare Ltd for their generous and outstanding contributions.
What We Spoke About
Clare Agius
“.” – Clare Agius
Clare Agius is one of Malta’s leading personalities – Actress, TV presenter and Producer. This warm, gracious and talented lady with a zest for life has been delighting theatre-goers and TV viewers for over 20 years and in 2003 entered into her first business venture – “Clare Agius Media Productions”.
To date she has produced and presented most of her own shows including the popular “Llsien In-Nisa which she created and launched in October 2011 as well as performing internationally on stage and screen including a prominent role in the BBC “Roman Mysteries series” and a part in “Kryminalni” a popular Polish TV programme. On home soil, Clare starred in the 2014 “Simshar” – the first Maltese feature length film directed by Rebecca Cremona for an international audience.
What’s more? Clare is also trained as a Yoga Instructor and healthy living is always high on her agenda!
Did you also know? Clare’s passion for flying planes led her to successfully complete her studies and today holds a Private Pilot license!
Mikela Fenech Pace
“.” – Mikela Fenech Pace
A graduate of International relations Mikela furthered her studies in Cyprus, Bruges and the UK obtaining a number of degrees and accolades along the way and currently studying for a Masters in Executive Coaching in Ashridge UK.
In 2000 Mikela joined the Maltese Diplomatic Service with assignments including the Commonwealth and technical aid, the IAEA, Malta Embassy in Rome and from there continued to build an impressive career path which saw her climb from one influential position to the next encompassing a lead role in Malta’s response to Libya crisis in 2011 as well as heading the strategic Policy Secretariat within the office of the Prime minister. Part-time, Mikela has lectured in conflict resolution at the University as well as tutored on exam boards and dissertations.
What’s more? In November 2013 Mikela became a Senior executive for Corporate Affairs at Vodafone and in September 2014 moved to Deloitte and Touche as HR Manager. Currently Mikela holds the same position as HR Manager at Alf Mizzi & Sons Marketing Ltd where her role entails a full restructure of the department.
Did you know?
In October 2015 Mikela launched her first book “Stolen Childhood” – a true story about the struggle of Jacqueline Vassallo and in September 2018 she edited the book “Forty Be The Change” by Jon Shaw. This incredible woman and mother of five has participated in the first edition of TedX University Malta, speaking on the Like Generation.
Pippa Toledo
“.” – Pippa Toledo
What a treat to have the brilliant Pippa Toledo – Malta’s most accomplished interior designer and founder of @pippatoledo Design Studio as part of the SHE panel this November!
With more than 30 years in the business Pippa is also a talented and sought-after artist having made her mark on the fashion industry at home and abroad. With an outstanding portfolio of renowned interior high profile projects including Apartments at Portomaso and Tigne Point, Hotel Juliani, Zest restaurant, Barracuda restaurant, Club 22 at the Portomaso Tower, EMD Offices at the Valletta Waterfront, Calamatta Cuschieri head office and branches, The Dragonara Casino, the Grandmaster’s Suite, The Drawing Room and The Informal Dining room at the President’s Palace in San Anton to mention a few, Pippa’s is a story of ambition and dedication while always remaining true to her signature style and treating each client with the utmost care and importance.
Did you know? Pippa is also known for her love of bold colours adding sensation and vibrancy to her trademark clothing collections, handbags and high-end costume jewellery. Her most recent venture? A glistening boutique in the heart of Sliema @la_llee which she set up with her daughter Ninnia selling all bespoke accessories from her fabulous, specially crafted Jewllery and bag collection among many other fashion items. The studio also design custom-made furniture and have an in-house workshop for finishes.
Pat Vella
“” – Pat Vella
A beautiful soul and a woman much to be admired the warm, kind and charismatic Pat Vella will be joining the rest of our spectacular line-up on the SHE Panel on Thursday 22nd November!
Currently PA to the General Manager of the The @phoeniciamalta , Pat has worked within the hotel beauty and wellness sector for over twenty years. Previously Spa Manager at the Corinthia Group of Companies – a few of Pat’s many duties were to ensure the smooth running of internal operations including managing a team of over 20 staff!
What’s more? Pat has also worked as an international trainer to a major Cosmetics Company based in Italy representing the brand world-wide. A pioneer of the wellness industry in Malta Pat was also one of the first to practice Energy Therapy including Reiki and Aura Photography. Her many interests and talents in a variety of skills and activities landed her several spots on local Television as well as being part of a Theatre Production Company for 6 years.
What echoes deeply in Pat’s climb to success is her contagiously positive attitude and strong perseverance in all of her endeavours both on a professional and personal level were she admits possessing this quality helped her through tough times and especially when trying to make a living as a single mother and bread-winner to her son.
