People Analytics Connect began with a simple need: connection. As an HR analytics professional in Dubai, I, Karen Bouez, was looking for others in the field who shared my passion for leveraging data to transform HR. But unlike more established industries such as marketing or IT, finding peers in HR analytics here was surprisingly difficult. I wanted to meet people facing similar challenges, learn from their experiences, and together, explore how we could advance the field of people analytics in the region.

Determined to create a community, I reached out to professionals on LinkedIn, including my now-partner, David. Over coffee, we quickly realized the potential to bring HR analytics to the forefront in the UAE.

What started as informal coffee meetings soon evolved into a community. We hosted our first events, small but meaningful, where we shared knowledge, discussed emerging trends, and supported each other’s professional growth. As the network grew, so did the opportunities. We've since partnered with universities, brought in international speakers, and offered workshops, helping to elevate HR analytics across the region.

Our goal is simple: to create a space where HR and data professionals can come together, share insights, and grow—both individually and collectively. What started as a personal search for like-minded professionals has blossomed into a thriving community, and we’re just getting started.