Get to know our newest committee members

Welcome to our newest committee members: Abrar Mikkawi, Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah and Katy Granville, who joined the CIPR International Committee in May.

We asked them to share a bit about themselves so you can get to know them better.

Abrar Mikkawi

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m based in the UAE and have spent the past 16 years leading strategic marketing and communication efforts across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My career spans public sector and higher education institutions, with a focus on digital transformation, brand positioning, and crisis communication. In parallel, I’ve also served as an adjunct faculty member in media and social media studies, which has allowed me to stay connected to academic discourse and emerging trends in the field.

What attracted you to join the CIPR International committee?

The UAE is a fast-moving communications hub, and being part of CIPR International is a chance to both learn from global peers and contribute regional insights. I’m particularly keen to support the committee’s work on AI in communication—especially around governance frameworks, ethical implementation, and public trust. My goal is to help bridge the gap between innovation and responsibility in this rapidly evolving space.

What would you say are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals internationally right now?

AI has changed the rules of communication. While it opens up powerful tools for engagement, it also brings serious challenges—particularly around misinformation, deepfakes, and the speed of content amplification. For crisis communication, this means faster responses, sharper content verification, and more transparent messaging. I see a major opportunity for communications professionals to move from executors to advisors—guiding institutions on AI governance, ethics, and reputation strategy at the highest level.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of leading strategic campaigns that delivered real value and impact, strengthening institutional reputation and guiding clear communication during complex crises. My work as an adjunct faculty member has also allowed me to contribute to the academic space in a meaningful way. Above all, I’m proud of balancing this with being a mother to three children—it’s a constant reminder of what truly matters and keeps me grounded.

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Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a communications and PR professional based in Accra, Ghana. I currently coordinate a Mastercard funded program that is aimed at training young women in Fintech. With a strong background in fintech, financial inclusion, and strategic communication, I bring experience in managing both corporate and consumer-facing communication across traditional and digital channels. I also consult for fintech brands, helping them build visibility and credibility in a fast-evolving ecosystem.

What attracted you to join the CIPR International committee?

I was drawn to the CIPR International committee because of its commitment to advancing global best practices in PR and its diverse community of professionals who bring varied cultural and market perspectives. I saw it as an opportunity to contribute insights to international conversations, while learning from others to elevate the standard and impact of communication in my region.

What would you say are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals internationally right now?

One of the biggest challenges is the increasing misinformation and trust deficit that PR professionals must navigate; especially in today’s fast-moving digital world. There’s also the challenge of demonstrating measurable value in an era where budgets are under scrutiny.

On the flip side, there's a growing opportunity to use data-driven storytelling, AI, and strategic reputation management to guide organisations through uncertainty and transformation. There’s also a stronger appreciation now for inclusive, culturally relevant, and purpose-driven communication, which presents a huge opportunity for PR professionals globally.

What are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of using communication to drive meaningful change in Ghana’s fintech and digital finance space. From championing cashless initiatives to elevating brand visibility and building stakeholder trust, I’ve had the opportunity to shape narratives that influence behaviour and policy. I’m also proud of mentoring young professionals and helping businesses understand and leverage the power of strategic communication.

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Katy Granville

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m originally from the UK but I’ve been working in the UAE for the last 14 years – first in Dubai and now in Abu Dhabi. In that time, I’ve worked on some of the region’s most exciting strategic projects, including the 2020 World Expo and the hosting of COP28.

What attracted you to join the CIPR International committee?

The PR landscape in the UAE is expanding and evolving exponentially. I’m keen to see what I can learn from my CIPR peers and take back to my colleagues. I also want to help shift some of the misconceptions about the region that persist.

What would you say are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals internationally right now?

Many organisations still have a very narrow view of PR and its value – it’s not just about writing press releases! I would love to see more communications professionals at a C-suite level – I always say that reputation is a company’s most valuable intangible asset and so the comms function should be central to strategy and decision-making.

What are you most proud of?

Balancing a fast-paced career with being a mum to three young children. I think becoming a mother has actually helped me in my professional life. What’s the saying – if you want something done, ask a busy person!