UMaine combines honors for community trailblazers on International Women’s Day
Marwa Hassanien | Maryann Hartman
Marwa Hassanien holds that diversity goes deeper than the color of her skin or the hijab she wears. “There is a common misconception that diversity is just about race, which is visible,” said Hassanien. “This misconception needs to be debunked because it makes my work seem unimportant or unnecessary for predominantly white states like Maine.”
As the associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Northern Light Health, Hassanien highlights all forms of diversity: ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age and socioeconomic status. Biases, often happening without intention or awareness, can lead to disparities in healthcare, particularly for people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, older adults and people with disabilities.
“When we acknowledge the existence of all forms of diversity, view diversity as an asset and celebrate the differences amongst us, we can create equitable work environments,” said Hassanien.
Northern Light hired her as its first director of DEI early in 2021; she has since been promoted to vice president. The University of Maine is acknowledging Hassanien’s innovation in healthcare by presenting her with one of two Maryann Hartman Awards on International Women’s Day, March 8.
Hassanien has made a difference at Northern Light by creating candid conversation spaces free of judgment, learning how to listen and knowing when to talk. Her approach to DEI is inspired by her own background as an Egyptian American whose parents moved to the U.S. “in search of the American dream,” she said. She speaks two languages, knows two cultures and is Muslim.
Similar to her open and unafraid approach to DEI in the workplace, Hassanien has invited the community into her home around the celebration of Ramadan to “demystify Islam.”
Through her leadership, Northern Light has created an educational training series in DEI to share with its healthcare network and partner organizations — for those new to diversity training or ready for updates. Her colleagues know her as an in-line leader who learns by their side.
Her extensive educational background includes a Master of Education in curriculum, assessment and instruction; a Master of Science in teaching English as a second language and linguistics; and a DEI certification from Yale School of Management and Cornell University. She is also a current doctoral student of literacy education at UMaine, where she serves as an adjunct faculty member as well as at Eastern Maine Community College.
Her community work includes serving on the board of directors for the Bangor Region YMCA, Maine Multicultural Center and Good Shepherd Food Bank. In 2019, Hassanien was elected to the Bangor School Committee and currently serves as chairwoman. She also volunteers to train tutors for the Literacy Volunteers of Bangor.
For almost 19 years, Hassanien has chosen to stay in Maine in part because she and her family have never faced any type of discrimination in the state.
“I have met some of the kindest, most compassionate people here in Maine and have been blessed with great experiences,” she said. “I know that this is not the reality for all individuals. This is why I am passionate about bridging divides to help us all step out of our silos to see things from different perspectives and through different lenses.”
Contact: Ashley Yates; ashley.depew@umaine.edu