Breaking barriers, building futures: Nus-ha Hassan’s mission to empower Maldivian women

When Nus-ha Hassan left her home island in Addu, a career in hospitality was the last thing on her mind. “I never thought I would be working in a resort,” she said. “But I wanted to get out of my local island because there was nothing for us there. I didn’t want to work in the council or the hospital. I had big dreams — I wanted to be a pilot.”

Her childhood ambition to fly was fuelled by curiosity and determination. She remembers visiting a flying school in Addu and saving her school allowance to enroll one day. “I used to visit a friend’s brother who was studying there. I asked my dad, but it was seen as a job for men. My mom wanted me to become a doctor because she was often sick and I took care of her. But I didn’t want to be a doctor,” she recalled.

Financial realities shaped her next steps. “Dad was the only income earner, so it was hard to enrol. He kept looking for job opportunities for me instead.”

Then came an unexpected turning point. “After graduation, I got an opportunity from a resort. I didn’t wait — I flew the next day,” she said. That single decision marked the start of a journey that would eventually lead her to a key role in learning and development at Cora Cora Maldives.

From Frontline to Finding Her Purpose

Nush’s first hospitality role was at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where she began as a telephone operator. “I didn’t like being in a small office all day,” she said. “I wanted to move, to talk to people, to be part of the action.”

Her enthusiasm soon saw her taking on reception duties and even helping with night operations, including Singapore Airlines flight arrivals. “I was involved in room allocations too,” she added — a testament to her willingness to go beyond her job description.

However, her progress was temporarily halted by a health challenge. “I had to resign for surgery,” she said. After a brief period at Baros Maldives, her health forced her to take a one-year break back home. During recovery, her family urged her to work at the local hospital, but her heart remained with the resort world. “I told my mom, I want to go back. I really liked working in a resort.”

A New Chapter at Cora Cora Maldives

A call from a friend reignited her path. “My friend from Cora Cora Maldives asked me to come. Now, it’s my second home,” she said. She joined as a Housekeeping Coordinator in October 2021, supporting operations behind the scenes and quickly earning a reputation for reliability and initiative.

Her natural interest in people development soon opened new doors. “After one and a half years, our Learning and Development Manager left. The resort asked if I’d like to take over the role,” she said. Though unsure, she accepted the challenge. “I was nervous during my first training session with 20 new staff. I told them to be patient with me because I was new,” she laughed.

Over time, Nush grew into her new position with confidence. “Everyone here is so supportive,” she said. “I take notes, learn from our external trainer who visits annually, and also do online coaching.”

In February 2024, she officially became the Training Executive at Cora Cora Maldives — leading the resort’s learning and development efforts across all departments. “I train new staff and give refreshers to existing ones. We also do on-the-job training, focusing more on practical learning than classroom sessions.”

Empowering Through Learning

Her approach to training is simple but effective. “Sometimes, we conduct small sessions or short refreshers — the goal is to make sure everyone takes away something useful that they can apply,” she said.

Her passion for self-development is equally strong. “I read books on emotional intelligence, listen to podcasts, and share what I learn with the team. We even do daily quote exercises — small things that help people grow.”

Her professional certifications — from Communicating with Emotional Intelligence to Speaking Confidently and Effectively — reflect a deep commitment to personal and collective growth. “I’ve learned that leadership is about empathy and encouragement,” she said.

She credits her mentors for shaping her path. “I get a lot of support from our Resort Manager, Muiz Mohamed, and the HR Manager. They always encourage me to try new things and keep improving.”

Championing Women in Hospitality

Among her personal missions, one stands out clearly: empowering more Maldivian women to join the hospitality sector. “My goal is to see more Maldivian women in this industry,” she said. “I’ve spoken to many young women from nearby islands who want to work in resorts — but often, it’s the community that holds them back.”

Having faced criticism herself, she now uses her story to inspire others. “In my early years, people criticised me for working in a resort. I was sad at first, but I learned to ignore it. Now I tell other women — don’t let it stop you. Pursue your dreams, even if people talk.”

She believes visibility is key. “When young women see other Maldivian women working confidently in resorts, it changes how they think. It shows what’s possible.”

As Training Executive, Nush continues to shape the resort’s learning culture. “We’re moving toward practical, situational training — learning by doing,” she said. Her sessions combine group discussions, role plays, and interactive exercises that build confidence and teamwork. “Some people are shy at first, but after a few sessions, they open up. That’s when you see real progress.”

She works closely with department heads to align training with operational goals. “Every department has different needs. My job is to help people improve where it matters most — guest handling, teamwork, communication.”

Her long-term goal is clear: “I want to become a Training Manager and build a structured learning culture — not just for compliance, but for personal and professional growth.”

From her early days at Olhuveli to leading training at Cora Cora Maldives, Nush’s journey embodies resilience, curiosity, and self-development. What began as a simple desire to leave her island has grown into a mission to empower others — especially women — to believe in their potential.

“I want to show that you don’t need to start big to make progress,” she said. “You just need to start — and keep learning.”