We help women from around the world build a strong personal identity and business that they love.

Introduction - Our Founder

Nusrat Chaudhry

Her professional journey began at just 15, fuelled by a desire for financial independence and a determination to shape her own path. Raised in a family of respected entrepreneurs who built legacy brands across continents, she grew up immersed in stories of purpose, perseverance, and possibility — lessons that would become the foundation of her leadership.

As she moved through leadership roles in the travel, hospitality, food, fashion, and the creative industries, she developed a deep understanding of communication, storytelling, and building meaningful connections. Her work in the literary and cultural space further strengthened this. She co-hosted a weekly radio show reviewing books and exploring global publishing trends, while her articles in leading UAE newspapers and magazines helped nurture a culture of reading in the region.

In 2009, she was appointed General Manager to establish Penguin Books International’s MENA presence. In this role, she expanded international networks, supported regional creative talent, and led initiatives that bridged cultures and strengthened the literary ecosystem across the region. Her leadership also contributed to global industry partnerships and joint ventures that elevated the profile of publishing in the UAE. For these contributions, Penguin Books was honoured by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Across all these chapters, she came to understand one profound truth: the choices women make — about identity, courage, and opportunity — directly shape the freedom, wealth, and fulfilment they create for themselves. This realization ultimately inspired her to build Upscale: a community-driven space where women can grow, lead, and thrive in business while staying true to who they are.

Her message to every woman who enters this space is simple yet powerful:

“Your dream is valid, your pace is right, and your potential is limitless. You already carry the spark within you — Upscale exists to help you turn it into a brilliant, unstoppable flame”.

Introduction - Our Co-Founder

Dr. Manju Menon

She began professional journey over two decades ago, fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to social impact and a determination to drive meaningful change. Immersed in the world of national and international non-profits and impact investment, she developed a foundation built on purpose, research, and the pursuit of sustainable development.

As she moved through leadership roles across the development sector, Dr. Menon cultivated an expert understanding of strategic growth and social value. Her work in the academic and policy space further strengthened this; she earned a PhD in Social Entrepreneurship from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India and has since authored numerous industry reports and teaching case studies that explore the intersection of business and social good.

In 2017, she co-founded NuSocia, an advisory and research firm dedicated to helping businesses initiate and sustain impactful social projects. In this role, she has led over a hundred studies and have training hundreds of non-profit leaders across Southeast Asia, the SAARC region, and Africa. Her leadership extends to the UAE, where she serves as the Co-Convenor of the CSR Forum at the IBPC, bridging corporate interests with community needs.

Across all these chapters, she has come to understand one profound truth: the effectiveness of social change, and especially the efforts towards empowering women is directly shaped by the true intent, careful design, and achieving shared value. This realization continues to drive her work as a mentor, board member, and researcher, ensuring that individuals and organizations can grow and lead while staying true to their mission.

Our Values

What drives us to do what we do.

Building a business is easier and fun with a strong support system. You don't have to do it alone.

Women voices matter - we shape the world too. Entrepreneurship gets us a seat at the table.

Building a business lifts you inside and out. Its also lifts people around you.

Women can do it all - raise a family and grow a business. We don't have to choose one.

You don't have to work for your business, instead you have to become the person the business needs.

Partner with Upscale: Experts & Coaches

Shaping the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Upscale is a growth ecosystem for women ready to rise with clarity, confidence, and strategy. We collaborate with experts and coaches who can shift perspectives, strengthen identity, and help founders to become industry ready.

Your expertise should strengthen: mindset, leadership, communication, systems, well-being, financial competence, or future-readiness. If you’re an expert, trainer, or facilitator committed to shaping the next generation of women leaders, this is the place where your work creates deep and measurable impact.

What You Gain

A highly invested audience of women who are serious about implementation

Visibility and authority inside a respected community

Opportunities for deeper collaboration across Upscale events, fairs, and programs

A curated environment designed to amplify your impact

Make A Difference

Join forces with Upscale to help women founders break barriers, scale their businesses, and create a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At Upscale, we transform the potential of women entrepreneurs into real success, providing guidance, community, and opportunities to thrive. Partner with us to elevate female-led businesses to their fullest potential.