Konkan Yuva Empowers Youth Through Inspiring Workshop on Wealth & Entrepreneurship in Dubai
Dubai, UAE: Konkan Yuva, the vibrant youth wing of the Konkani Catholic community in Dubai, successfully hosted a transformative workshop titled “Unlock the Edge: From Money Mastery to Entrepreneurial Success” on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Held at the Bishop Paul Hall in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai, the event attracted over 150 aspiring professionals, students, and budding entrepreneurs across the UAE.
The workshop was presented with the active participation and support of Kanara Entrepreneurs – KEL, a prominent network committed to fostering entrepreneurship among the community. Together, the two organizations curated an engaging platform designed to equip attendees with practical tools, real-world strategies, and expert insights to navigate both financial planning and the entrepreneurial journey.
A Thoughtful and Engaging Program
The event opened with a solemn prayer and the traditional lighting of the lamp. Ms. Jovita Rebello, Joint Secretary of Konkan Yuva, served as the emcee, while Mr. Ashwin Pinto, President of Konkan Yuva, delivered a warm welcome to the audience and esteemed speakers.
The first session featured Dr. Maria Pramila, a Chartered Wealth Manager and financial wellness expert. Drawing from over 15 years of experience, Dr. Pramila shared insights on personal finance, investment planning, and income allocation. Her engaging presentation emphasized the power of compound interest, long-term planning, and enjoying life while building a financially secure future.
The second half of the event transitioned into a lively panel discussion on entrepreneurship, moderated by Mr. Ivan Fernandes. As Managing Director of Regent Technologies Ltd. and founder of Kanara Entrepreneurs, he is a seasoned entrepreneur and pioneer in banking technology. With over 30 years of experience, he has led numerous initiatives to promote entrepreneurship across India and the Middle East, guiding an engaging discussion that inspired and informed aspiring entrepreneurs.
Under Mr. Fernandes’ guidance, the panel featured a dynamic exchange of ideas among accomplished business leaders who shared their insights, challenges, and success stories. This engaging dialogue not only inspired the audience but also provided practical perspectives for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Real Stories, Real Lessons
The panel featured industry leaders who shared personal journeys and hard-won lessons:
- Desma D’Souza and Elrona D’Souza, Managing Partners of S&K HR Consulting and hosts of The HR Sisters Podcast, discussed identifying business opportunities and setting themselves apart in a competitive market.
- Sunny Fernandes, Vice President of Konkan Yuva and Founder & Managing Director of Sunshine Blinds, reflected on how life’s turning points led him to take a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and cultivating strong relationships as keys to overcoming challenges and building a successful business.
Their diverse perspectives offered the audience a well-rounded understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of networking, and the courage required to step outside one’s comfort zone
Empowering a Generation
The workshop covered a wide array of critical topics:
- Financial planning & wealth creation
- Investment strategies
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Opportunity identification & business modeling
- Branding, marketing, and networking
- Personal success stories with actionable insights
In his closing remarks, Mr. Sherul Nazareth, General Secretary of Konkan Yuva, extended heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, attendees, and the dedicated organizing team who made the event a resounding success.
About Konkan Yuva
Founded in 2005 under the spiritual guidance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Dubai, Konkan Yuva is a youth-led community group that supports the personal, spiritual, and professional growth of Konkani Catholic youth aged 18–35 in Dubai. The organization continues to live out its motto—“Home Away from Home”—by hosting empowering events like this workshop, which bridge faith, community, and career development in the UAE region.