Maike van Ueuem is a seasoned international development expert with over 13 years of experience, currently serving as the Head of Project at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. In this role, Maike leads the "Strengthening the Health System in Yemen" project, where she oversees the design and implementation of strategies in health, water, and social services, with a focus on inclusion, gender equality, mental health, and social cohesion. Her leadership extends across culturally diverse teams in multiple locations, including Sana'a, Ibb, Aden, and Frankfurt. Maike's work is pivotal in ensuring the technical and financial success of the program while maintaining strong partnerships and reporting to the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Prior to her current role, Maike held several key positions within GIZ, including Deputy Head of Project for the Cross-Border Collaboration Programme in Western Ethiopia & Eastern Sudan, and Deputy Head of Project supporting the African Governance Architecture at the African Union. Throughout her career, Maike has demonstrated expertise in conflict transformation, governance, capacity building, and program management, working closely with international organizations, governments, and community structures.

In addition to her work with GIZ, Maike has been an advisory board member at iRise Hub since 2019, Somalia's first established innovation hub. Her involvement with iRise Hub highlights her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in challenging environments. Maike van Ueuem's extensive experience in international development is complemented by her profound understanding of innovation, creativity, and the role of technology hubs in driving progress. Her advisory role at iRise Hub underscores her expertise in fostering innovation ecosystems in challenging contexts. Maike has leveraged her strategic vision to support the growth of tech hubs and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in environments where access to resources and infrastructure is limited. Her background in managing complex projects and cross-cultural teams enables her to effectively guide initiatives that integrate technological solutions with creative problem-solving approaches, thus enhancing the impact of innovation in addressing societal challenges.