Get to Know Noodle Senior Enrollment Advisor, Marwa Benahmed-Ali
“No challenge is too big or small. I am always willing to combat any challenge to make sure our team can thrive!”
Marwa Benahmed-Ali is a Senior Enrollment Advisor at Noodle. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Temple University. She obtained a Bachelors in Strategic Communication and a Masters in Higher Education with a focus on access and DEI. She shares her passion for making education her life’s work began in her own community in Philadelphia. Marwa shares she recognized the disparities that children like herself faced in their pursuit of education. As a result of this, she has done a lot of volunteer work in her community to help students from her community gain access to higher education. Here at Noodle, she supports her team by helping them overcome challenges by being compassionate and recognizing the value of all their diverse experiences in order to become stronger and more successful.
What elements or traits does a great leader exhibit?
A great leader has a “people first” approach. I find it very important for a leader to take time to build trust with their teammates by creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable, included, and appreciated. It doesn’t hurt to ask how someone is doing! We are all human beings who are living through some tough times, so it doesn’t hurt to try and brighten your team’s day!
When you think of great leadership, who comes to mind? Why?
Princess Diana is someone I have admired since I was a child. She led with love, authenticity, and compassion—qualities I embody as well. A famous quote from the late Princess that resonates with me is “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” She was indeed the queen of the people’s hearts!
How has your personal leadership style evolved?
I have never been fond of being the “bearer of bad news” as it takes an emotional toll, however I have learned over the years to be an emotionally intelligent leader by taking the moment to take a step back and assess the situation. I now see conflict as an opportunity for growth and learning how to have those tough conversations in a productive and encouraging manner with my teammates.
What is it about your background or career experiences that successfully positioned you for your role at Noodle? Describe that role.
I am personable by nature and thrive on human interaction. In a past professional role, I worked in the communications department at Fox Chase Cancer Cancer and met so many interesting stakeholders from patients, oncologists, researchers, and donors. So being an Enrollment Advisor was never a challenge for me, as I love connecting with my students and teammates to help them achieve their personal, professional, and academic goals.
How do you support the success of your team?
I support my team by actively listening to any challenges they may be facing, and working collaboratively to find pragmatic solutions. No challenge is too big or small. I am always willing to combat any challenge to make our team thrive!
Describe how your career has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places or experiences.
I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by diverse peoples, places, and experiences in my community. The exchanges I have made with diverse populations has been very rewarding and has enabled me to be more holistic in my interactions professionally. Overall, I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of people with different experiences, skills, and perspectives as diversity increases innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking!
What are some of the most effective tools in your leadership arsenal?
I am adaptable, compassionate, and tenacious! I am compassionate towards my teammates, and that has helped my team embrace the many changes we have faced.
Please tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn.
A fun fact about myself is that I am fluent in four languages! I speak Arabic, French, Amazigh, and of course English fluently. I credit my Algerian roots for my ability to be fluent in these languages. Spanish and Italian are in the works!
