APO Group’s Rania El-Rafie Wins Bronze Stevie® Award
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is thrilled to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year’ category at the sixth annual Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards. The awards, sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry, celebrate excellence in innovation across 18 nations in the region.
The RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the oldest in the UAE, plays a pivotal role in fostering trade, investment, and economic growth. The Stevie® Awards, regarded as the world’s premier business accolades, will honor winners at a prestigious gala on February 22 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
A Trailblazer in Strategic Communications
Hailing from Egypt, Rania El-Rafie made history in January 2024 as the first individual promoted to Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications from within APO Group. At just 33, she is also the youngest person to hold this strategic position. Since joining APO Group in 2020, Rania has led a high-performing team representing some of Africa’s most influential brands, including Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, the Jack Ma Foundation, and Western Union.
Speaking about her achievement, Rania said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Bronze Stevie® Award as one of the most innovative women of the year in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in public relations and strategic communications. At APO Group, we are driven by the belief that innovation is the key to unlocking potential and making a lasting impact. This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the incredible team and partners who inspire and support our vision every day. Together, we will continue to break new ground and shape the future of communications in the region.”
Recognising Excellence and Innovation
The Stevie® Awards program received over 1,100 nominations this year, evaluated by 118 judges across five juries. Rania’s win places her among prominent figures such as Dr. Rasha Abousamra of Higher Colleges of Technology Sharjah and Latifa Saleh AlShehhi, Director of Investment Data Department at the UAE Ministry of Investment.
APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, praised Rania’s achievement:
“Our purpose at APO Group is to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. We do this by crafting narratives aimed at transforming how the world sees Africa, showcasing its cultural diversity, empowering its people, and celebrating its collective and individual achievements. APO Group is a strong proponent of innovation, as well as gender empowerment, and we are so proud to see the Stevie® Awards recognise Rania’s professional achievements as she continues to make an incredible mark on the industry.”
A Celebration of Women in Leadership
Rania’s recognition reflects the growing prominence of women in leadership roles across Africa and the Middle East. Her innovative approach and dedication to excellence have established her as a role model for aspiring professionals in public relations and strategic communications.
As APO Group continues to reshape the narrative of Africa on the global stage, this award underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering leaders who make a difference.