Our dedicated team at the Academy is here to guide you as you decide on your next steps in your training and education journey and to support you when you attend our offerings. With a wealth of experience in both the corporate and education sectors, the team ensures that the Academy offerings are relevant to your career needs and that your student journey is seamless.
Maryke Luijendijk is Assistant Vice-President at DIFC Academy where she oversees all offerings catering to the educational needs of the DIFC community and beyond. Prior to this role she was an Education Advisor and before that Program Director for the Executive MBA at American University in Dubai (AUD) - a program she successfully designed and launched. Other former roles include that of Director of Marketing and Admissions for the top-ranked MBA program portfolio at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and she has also worked in the UK and started her career at educational institutions in her native South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Communications Management, an Honors Degree in Industrial Psychology and a Master's Degree in Sustainable Development and Management, all obtained at the North-West University, South Africa and she is currently enrolled in a parttime Executive Master's Degree at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Rhoda is an exceptionally skilled and accomplished executive with a wealth of corporate business experience across diverse industries. With a track record of excellence, she has successfully engaged stakeholders in dynamic multi-service organizations, both locally and internationally. Her expertise and accomplishments make her a valuable asset in driving success and growth for any venture she is involved in.
Sharlene is a seasoned trainer and educator with over 14 years of experience in learning and development and corporate training. Prior to joining the DIFC Academy, Sharlene worked as an EdTech trainer, an adjunct English language lecturer in the American College of Dubai and as a corporate trainer.
Sharlene holds a Graduate Diploma in Language and Literacy Education from the University of the Philippines and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Visayas State University in the Philippines. She is also a licensed educator and holds a Master Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language). Aside from her interest and expertise in English language education, Sharlene is passionate about driving technological advancements in the field of education and training. She also holds an advanced certificate in Data Science from Airtics Education in the UAE and is currently enrolled in a Master of Distance Education program at the University of the Philippines.
