Maryam enjoys the fact that she seldom fits any pigeonholes that generalisations may impose. If your impressions of Pakistanis have only been fed by news, come meet her.

Maryam Afnan boasts a varied background including: a stint as a radio DJ for english music; a door to door researcher; props for plays; newspaper features; working with some of the best MNCs, including ACCA and Nestle Pakistan; consulting with startups and Visiting faculty at undergraduate level for one of the best universities in Pakistan. She is also a full time mother to two.

She has an MBA degree in Marketing, from one of the top universities in Pakistan; and has both marketed and initiated trainings. Being an enthusiastic people’s person, one of her key strengths is public speaking and communications. This skill set, she has been grooming for the past 15 years, consistently setting targets and testing herself.

After spending most of 2006 in Beijing, Maryam came back in 2007 with husband and two children. A year’s self-imposed sabbatical to settle her newborn son, and her daughter followed. During this period, she furthered her knowledge of cooking. Her area of interest is the process and techniques that ensure perfect flavors.

Maryam is currently involved in VIVA, Professional Womens Network as Membership Liaison Manager; Secretary of the fledgeling Pakistani Women’s Association, Beijing; working on a book project with a group of moms and freelancing occasionally.

At the Hutong she will be introducing Pakistani cooking. Later she will also introduce a training based on her Smart Speak methodology: Public Speaking as a route to Confidence.

With all this activity, she also juggles painting and works on her Chinese.