Celebrating Women’s Month: Haneen

Our Women’s Month series continues with a tribute to the women who have been instrumental in shaping MAIA’s success. This week, we highlight Haneen Bustami, Account Manager, whose dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment have played a key role in the company’s evolution.

Haneen’s journey is one of perseverance, ambition, and deep appreciation for the mentors and motherly figures who have guided her along the way. She shares how their wisdom has shaped her career, what drives her passion for client relationships, and her thoughts on the growing influence of women in the industry.

Her story is a testament to the power of taking leaps of faith and the impact of strong female leadership. Here’s to Haneen and the women who inspire us every day.

What does Women’s Month mean to you personally, and how do you see its significance in the workplace?

It’s a special time to celebrate and recognise women’s achievements, those before us that have made history and opened many doors for us today, and those that continue to build, shape and break barriers every day.

I find this is a time to self-reflect on the progress I’ve made and how far I’ve come in life, both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder of the hurdles, the challenges and the wins that have shaped my professional career and personal journey and led me to where I am today. But most of all it’s a reminder that I was able to get through it all, sometimes alone and most of the time with the help of genuine and hard-working women around me, who have been my motivators, safe haven and unpaid therapists through it all.

It’s the women in my life that remind me that this wild ride is a little less overwhelming and so much more beautiful and meaningful.  

How do you believe MAIA supports and empowers women within the company and the broader industry?

Firstly, being a part of a female founded and led team is empowering on its own, and is as fun as it is inspiring. It was one of the many reasons that pushed me to join MAIA.

We are actively promoted and encouraged into leadership roles and to constantly seek growth opportunities, whether it’s through the help of our mentors or career growth training, we all have access to equal job opportunities across the company. As we all bring something unique and different to the table, I find myself learning something from every woman at MAIA. I’m lucky to have found life-long mentors, friends and supporters that have contributed positively to my career growth journey, and ones I trust to seek guidance from, at any professional stage I find myself in.

When it comes to our strategic partnerships, we are always leaving space for the female-led founders, storytellers and creators of their craft, from the local to the regional, that have created an impact. As we create and tell authentic stories with our hospitality brands, we humanise the work we do with inspiring women that are taking ownership of their narrative by giving them the space to tell their own story. We are also lucky to work with clients that understand and appreciate the value of these women and their impact on long-term PR.

Can you share a moment at MAIA when you felt particularly empowered or proud of your work?

A recent in-person business pitch was a major proud moment for me, and a moment of self-reflection of how far we have come together as a female team, especially when it’s a room with men in suites! There’s something empowering and moving about grabbing people’s attention with our passion and expertise, that pushes me to continue aiming high.

Who are the women, either within or outside the industry, who have inspired you, and in what ways have they influenced your professional journey?

My grandmother has always been an inspiration. Growing up in a political household, she was the first Jordanian woman to apply and get accepted to work in Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, however due to cultural and social restrictions was held back. But that did not stop her, in an environment that saw men making decisions, she went on to become one of the first women to take up a career in Politics in Jordan and held a position as a Member in the House of Senate. My grandmother taught me to challenge status quo, lead with empathy and to go after what I want unapologetically with resilience, grace and kindness. I hope I’m making her proud.

How has your mother or a motherly figure in your life influenced your career choices and professional development?

My mother always encourages me to seek growth and embrace new challenges, she gives me the space to experiment and learn, to succeed and fail, without judgement but total support and understanding. With a 15-year profession in teaching, followed by a master’s degree at the age of forty, to finding her creative passion in her 50’s, my mother teaches me that it is never too late to achieve anything in life. In moments of uncertainty, she is my saving anchor and a reminder to trust in myself, maintain my integrity and to stay grounded in my work. Whatever choice I make or path I decide to take, I know she will be right there behind me, cheering me on.

Can you share a specific lesson or piece of wisdom from your mother or a motherly figure that has guided you in your career?

My mother guides me to listen to my gut and to let my intuition lead the way – she reminds me that everything I wish to achieve is within me. It gives me an automatic confidence boost to whatever I set my mind to.  

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the luxury travel and hospitality PR industry?

Be curious – it is often the genuine questions that spark authentic conversations and in return create meaningful relationships. It’s all about how you make a person feel, we often forget that the person in front us wants to feel valued and appreciated, and that’s what hospitality is all about, it’s the warm embrace and the smile that makes someone feel welcomed and at home.

Also, be open to open to opportunities that scare you or challenge you, it is often in these moments that great things happen.

And always lean into the women that support and uplift you, there are countless women that want to help others do and be better. Find people that meet you with compassion and not judgement.

What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of women at MAIA and beyond?

I’d love to see a legacy of unshakable self-belief and unity for women in the future. One where females feel empowered to embrace their full potential without self-doubt or hesitation but with self-love – whether that’s in their careers, passions, or personal lives. 

In one word, what does being a woman working at MAIA mean to you, and why?

It’s a celebration – a celebration of our strengths, resilience, compassion, empathy and vulnerability that makes us whole and got us to where we are today.

Discover two more inspiring MAIA women – Alessandra and Dilara