23 WOTYA 2025 womanthismonth.com | JANUARY 2026 Winner of the Woman in Entrepreneurship with Innovation category at the Woman of the Year Awards 2025, Budoor Steele is an award-winning pioneer in Ocha and Japanese cultural education. Serving as Bahrain’s Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, she is the founder of a traditional Japanese teahouse and a certified Urasenke tea ceremony instructor, holding a master’s degree in Japanese Humanities. Through tea, ritual and education, she promotes cultural appreciation and meaningful exchange between Japan and the Middle East. What was a moment during the ceremony that felt most meaningful to you? The most meaningful moment for me was realising that a deeply traditional practice like Sadō, rooted in stillness, discipline and centuries of history, was being recognised for its innovation. I felt that the work of cultural preservation and education, and of bridging cultures, can truly have a modern voice. This recognition affirms that honouring tradition while making it accessible across cultures is not only relevant, but necessary. Were there any reactions from family, team, or community that surprised you? I was deeply moved by the reactions from both the Japanese and Bahraini communities. Hearing from people who said Chawan allowed them to experience Japan in a meaningful way, or reconnect with ritual and mindfulness, reminded me why I began this journey. It was especially touching to see the pride expressed by students and collaborators who have walked this path with me over the years. How has winning informed your priorities or plans since the awards night? Winning has deepened my sense of responsibility as a cultural Goodwill Ambassador and educator. As an instructor at Vatel Hospitality School, it has reinforced my commitment to longterm educational impact, particularly through integrating the philosophy of Sadō into modern hospitality education. I am especially proud to have certified another Bahraini woman in Sadō, Ms. Jummana Khorrami, alongside two other women currently in training. This milestone has shaped my priorities towards developing structured pathways for women in Bahrain to become cultural practitioners, educators and leaders. The traditions of the tearoom, including mindfulness, respect, sustainability and intentional service, offer powerful lessons for contemporary hospitality, and I am focused on ensuring these values are passed on locally. How will you use the prize, platform, or network that came with this award? I will use this platform to elevate understanding of authentic Japanese tea culture in the region and to reaffirm the importance of education as the foundation for meaningful cultural exchange. This award has validated the work I do at Vatel Hospitality School and with the International Tea Education Institute, reinforcing the value of teaching tea as both a craft and a philosophy. Through Chawan, I will continue developing educational programmes and cultural experiences, including guided trips to Japan that will soon feature immersive tea farm visits. This platform allows me to further advocate for thoughtful, long-term cultural exchange between Japan and the Middle East through tea and craftsmanship. What concrete next steps or milestones are you committing to in the next 12 months? In the coming year, I am committed to expanding Chawan and its educational offerings, including advanced tea certification programmes and cultural workshops. I also plan to deepen partnerships with Japanese producers and institutions, and to further develop curated cultural journeys that allow participants to experience tea culture at its source. What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking up to you now that you have won? Allow yourself to walk a path that may not be immediately understood. Patience and consistency matter. Whether you work with tradition or innovation, true impact comes from dedication to your craft and trusting yourself to create meaningful change.
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