“I have learned that in life, things are not always easy, but there is always a better version of me at the end of any challenging journey,” says Stephanie-Alexandra Chartier, head of Central Marketing at Wafi Group.
“I had always felt like I wanted to be an expat. I cannot say that I always knew it was going to be in Dubai. But I can say for certain that I always loved the notion of discovery, adventure, meeting new people, and being challenged by new ideas and cultures,” Stephanie-Alexandra, born and raised in Montréal, Canada, said.
She says she lives a simple philosophy in life: “Treat everyone with kindness and equality. Forgive. Never stop learning. Take that risk and be bold. Smile.”
“After graduating from Concordia University with a degree in International Business, I was hired by three young real estate entrepreneurs with an incredible vision. They worked with purpose and passion, that inspired me to do the same. I worked hard and learned a lot.
“My career progressed and I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead the marketing for many iconic projects in Montréal and across Canada. Working for real estate giant Ivanhoe Cambridge, I honed by skills in the shopping mall industry, winning 10 marketing and innovation awards along the way. It was then when I decided that I wanted to realize my dream of becoming an expat! And what better place to apply my skills and challenge myself in the field of real estate than Dubai?
“Over the last seven years I have had the opportunity to work on some incredible projects and alongside some wonderful people, changing the landscape of UAE with new developments, and through innovation, reimagining the future of shopping centers and retail. I am proud to have worked on Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi where I spent four years as marketing director for the project under development, and now for the iconic Wafi Group,” Stephanie-Alexandra shares.
Currently, Stephanie-Alexandra said she is focused on Wafi’s trajectory. And this involves the much talked-about Wonderlab.
“Wonderlab is a new and improved version of an activation that had been deployed in 2019. It had been quite successful, and we wanted to bring it back bigger and better! It is a great opportunity for children to learn about science while having a great time. There are plenty of prizes to be won and the grand prize is a trip for 4 to the London Science Museum,” she said.
Wafi City has recently added many new elements to its offering including: the stunning Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk which offers unparalleled hospitality and fine dining, and the first of its kind VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet combination, where The Spotlight at Wafi City offers a truly unmatched VIP cinema experience complete with a dedicated valet car park and stunning design.
To launch in the new year, AYA will be the first of its kind in the world. In short it is an immersive, projection-mapped space, with mirrored walls, where visitors use their gestures or their voice in some cases to alter the visual systems around them and generate digital creatures. The 40,000 sq. ft. sensory experience will entertain children, teens and adults alike.
All said, Stephanie-Alexandra said she is also “ very keen to visit Montréal to see family and friends I have not seen in over two years.”
“I am also eager to start traveling again. I am very passionate about travel, and I can’t wait to continue checking destinations off my list!” she said.
