Maya Haddad is a seasoned sustainability and environmental health and safety (EHS) leader with a proven track record of driving positive change. As Sustainability/EHS Manager at Ajman University, she leverages her extensive experience to foster a sustainable campus culture and advance the university's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Hailing from Emirates Aquatech, the world's largest indoor caviar farm, Haddad excelled as Logistics and Administration Manager. Her strategic leadership in developing and implementing comprehensive EHS, HR, procurement, and IT policies and procedures culminated in the facility achieving two consecutive Grade A ratings from the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.
Haddad's impressive qualifications include five ISO certifications, IOSH Managing Safely certification, and GRI Sustainability Professional designation. Her active involvement in sustainability organizations, such as the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Emirates Green Building Council, underscores her dedication to the field. She holds leadership roles in the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN) and IEMA, and has been instrumental in securing Ajman University's participation in global initiatives like the UN's Race to Zero and the Nature Positive Pledge.
Haddad's leadership within the UAE Universites Climate Network (UCN) is particularly noteworthy. Recently appointed as Head of Operations, she plays a pivotal role in advancing climate action regionally and internationally. Under her guidance, the UCN, a powerful alliance of 35 UAE universities, is poised to become a global leader in higher education sustainability. Her contributions to the network align with its four pillars of thought leadership and action, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
Haddad's impact on Ajman University is equally impressive. She was instrumental in securing the university's membership in the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), a significant milestone in the institution's sustainability journey. Moreover, under her leadership, Ajman University achieved the top rank in the UAE for climate action according to the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking and secured the third position in the UAE for environmental sustainability in the QS Sustainability ranking.
As the driving force behind Ajman University's Office of Sustainability, Haddad organized the successful "Make it Sustainable" Forum, emphasizing higher education's role in achieving the UN SDGs. Her initiatives span climate action, environmental conservation, waste reduction, emergency preparedness, and food safety.
Haddad's relentless pursuit of knowledge is exemplified by her MBA in Environmental Health and Safety Leadership and ongoing pursuit of the NEBOSH International Diploma. Her master's thesis on ESG standards in UAE universities showcases her commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education.
Maya Haddad also had the honor of serving as a judge for the prestigious 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards, a global initiative organized by QS Quacquarelli Symonds and hosted by the esteemed American University of the Middle East (AUM).
In this esteemed role, Ms. Haddad was tasked with judging entries in the Sustainability Education: Literacy Award category. She had the privilege of reviewing a diverse array of groundbreaking educational innovations from across the globe. Each submission demonstrated exceptional creativity, unwavering dedication, and a profound passion for revolutionizing the landscape of teaching and learning. the QS Reimagine Education Awards and Conference focuses on exploring the future of teaching and learning, universities, work, sustainability in education, and values and ethics. The judge profile can be accessed here.
Through her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep industry knowledge, Maya Haddad is a catalyst for positive change at Ajman University and a prominent figure in the UAE's sustainability landscape.
For more details, please check the resume of Maya.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-haddad-a064a860/?jobid=1234
Instagram: @mayacity27
@au4sustainability