Dear Page Up Community,
It's December already, where did the year go?
As we come to the close of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the past two years and what it has meant to serve as Chair of Page Up. It has been an honor, a privilege, and a deeply rewarding experience to work alongside such an engaged, thoughtful, and inspiring community of leaders.
When I stepped into this role, my focus was clear: to protect what makes Page Up special while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible for our profession. I spoke then about maintaining our unique Page Up spirit, growing organically, and leaning into our global identity. Looking back, I am proud of how far we’ve come together.
Over the past two years, we've grown and diversified our membership, deepened our connection with the broader Page community, and expanded opportunities for learning, dialogue, and connection across regions and perspectives. Through Think Thursdays, regional gatherings, the Spring Seminar, the Page Up Annual Conference, and new engagement initiatives, Page Up has remained a place where leaders come together not just to learn, but to challenge one another and grow.
All of this has taken place against a backdrop of continued volatility. Over the past two years, our members have navigated geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation, the growing influence of AI, and declining trust in institutions. These realities have only reinforced how essential our role as communicators truly is. Page Up has served as a trusted space to wrestle with these challenges together, to share perspectives across parallel worlds, and to support one another as leaders.
What has mattered most to me throughout this journey is the strength of this community. Page Up is defined not by any one program or initiative, but by the people who show up, contribute, and lean in. It is a community built on openness, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help one another succeed.
As my term comes to an end, I am excited for what lies ahead under Ethan McCarty’s leadership as the next Chair of Page Up. Ethan brings deep commitment to Page Up, a clear understanding of our community’s strengths, and a thoughtful perspective on how we can continue to evolve and expand our impact. I am confident that Page Up will continue to grow, innovate, and lead in the years ahead.
Thank you for the trust you placed in me, for your engagement, and for the energy you bring to this community. Page Up’s future is bright because of you, and I look forward to continuing to be part of this extraordinary network as a member and colleague.
With gratitude and confidence in what’s ahead,
Umayma Abubakar, Executive Director of Executive Communications & Corporate Center, Mubadala
Chair, Page Up