Jennifer Haddad, M.Ed.

UCF Global Program, Director of Engagement
University of Central Florida Program 

What inspired you to work in this field?
I love this quote by Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I have spent my career devoted to this belief, and it’s the source of my inspiration — for 30 years in the field of education, I have held tightly to this belief. I see the opportunity to work in my current position as one more way to actively advance this cause — to use education as a vehicle to transform lives. I’m always excited to see what we can do together as people (and as organizations and entities) to be a part of inspiring, empowering, and serving others.

What are the challenges you've faced?
Fear of the unknown — time has taught me that you need to look fear in the face, persevere through it because what awaits on the other side is peace and contentment!

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
As the international hub for the University of Central Florida, we at UCF Global align our mission with that of the university — “Unleashing Potential.” We aspire to be a campus without boundaries, with a commitment to the development of an educated citizenry, attention to talent-needs internationally as well as in our region and state, and integration of high impact practices that prepare learners for the workforce of the future.  

I hope to continue the efforts with UCF Global in unleashing an individual’s potential by making high-quality language learning affordable and accessible.

If you can give 1 or 2 pieces of advice to our prospective international students, what would it be?
Build trusting relationships (personally and professionally)
I have learned from my experience on the journey of parenthood that I carry into my work life — the value of building trusting relationships in safe environments, one in which you can own a mistake, in a space that honors mistakes as stepping stones for learning.

Find a “happy place” to recharge and create balance
I grew up spending all my summers on the beach, which I fondly refer to as my happy place — the ocean. Not only do I frequently travel to the beach for relaxation and down time with my family and friends, but I also find the ocean is the place that I go to create the balance in my life. Whenever I need to come up with sound solutions to fix a problem — not quick answers to problems — I have found that time alone at the ocean clears my mind and puts me in the right-thinking space to be open to ideas and balance.