Yousra El Haddad: Nurturing a culture of care at UOW Liverpool

When Yousra El Haddad first stepped onto the UOW Liverpool campus in October 2021, she was met with an eerie silence—the antithesis of her signature effervescence and generous spirit. Case in point: Yousra arrived at the photo shoot for this story armed with a crisp and nutty baklava to share. "As a Lebanese girl, I love sharing my culture through food—no one goes hungry around me!" she laughs.

COVID had emptied the campus of students, leaving only a skeleton crew of staff preparing for their return. Fast forward to today, and Yousra—now Team Leader of the AskUOW Team—has helped transform the space into a thriving hub of energy, connection, and support.

What brought you to UOW?

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people, which led me to work in student admissions and compliance for a few years. But I was ready for a new challenge, and UOW felt like the perfect fit. It was a higher education role, in Liverpool—where I live—so it ticked all the boxes! Plus, as a former international student, I know how overwhelming the student journey can be, and I wanted to be in a role where I could truly support students and make their experience easier.”

UOW Liverpool's Yousra El Haddad. Photo: Michael Gray.

Describe your typical day

“A typical day for me is all about connection and support. I start my mornings by making the rounds, saying hello to staff on different levels. You'll usually find me on the ground floor, greeting students with a smile and a warm welcome. I oversee the AskUOW service, helping students and staff with their enquiries and making sure everything runs smoothly.”

The most rewarding part of your role?

"Knowing that I get to make a real difference in students' lives—whether it's helping them navigate tricky situations, offering support when they need it most, or just making sure UOW Liverpool feels welcoming for everyone. One of my proudest moments was receiving the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Service in 2024. It was a huge honour and a reminder of why I love what I do—creating a positive campus experience."

Receiving the 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Service with Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor John Dewar AO.

How do you understand ‘community’ through UOW?

"For me, community at UOW is all about inclusivity, support, and a shared sense of purpose. It's about making sure everyone feels valued and heard, no matter where they come from. It's the little things that make it special: the friendly greetings, the willingness to help each other out, and the genuine care that everyone shows. At UOW, it's about being part of something bigger, where we all support and uplift each other.”

How has UOW Liverpool changed in your time?

"UOW Liverpool has grown so much, with 30 per cent more students now than when I began. In 2025, we added three new courses to meet the growing needs of the Liverpool community and in 2026 we're expecting even more as we move to our new location. What stands out is how the core values—openness, excellence, empowerment, and diversity—haven't changed. Those values are what make UOW Liverpool such a special place."

Reflecting on 50 Years of UOW, what qualities come to mind?

"When I think about UOW's signature strengths, I immediately think of its student-centred approach, commitment to diversity, and drive for innovation. UOW maintains a strong sense of identity—no matter how much the university grows, there's a deep commitment to making sure students feel supported and empowered to succeed. It's what makes UOW feel like home."

Yousra El Haddad at UOW Liverpool's new campus location scheduled to open in 2026. Photo: Michael Gray.