MCC Daily Tribune
MCC Proud: Meet Hanan Gahi
Hanan Gahi, Program Director of TRIO Student Support Services, has been working at Monroe Community College (MCC) since Fall 2021.
As a student, Gahi excelled at college, earning her bachelor’s degree in business. However, she later realized that business was not her true passion.
“I had initially chosen the major to support my husband's business, hoping to contribute effectively,” she said. “However, after graduation, I took a one-year gap to deeply explore my interests.” Ultimately, Gahi wanted to pursue a field that aligned with her personality while also helping college students avoid the uncertainty she experienced (due to a lack of proper guidance) as a first-generation student.
Through her exploration, Gahi discovered the Higher Education Student Affairs Administration program at Nazareth University—appropriate for her aspirations.
The career choice was a perfect fit! In fact, Gahi received two promotions within her first year at TRIO.
“I initially joined the organization as a part-time Academic Coach, and after four months, I was promoted to a part-time Program Advisor by the Director of the Learning System, Jason Parker,” she said. Three months later, Gahi advanced to a full-time role as Program Coordinator. After serving in this role for a year, she was promoted to director of the program.
Gahi has even been selected for the President's Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PELF) training.
Overall, Gahi is proud of the tremendous growth of the TRIO program. She recalls seeing a first-generation student who struggled academically transform into a confident graduate (with job offers) who later returned to offer her support to other students.
She was also honored to be recognized by her students and have their kind words shared via the Daily Tribune.
When asked what advice she would give current students, Gahi said, “Take advantage of the available resources like advising, tutoring, counseling, career services, transfer services and more.” She also encouraged those considering enrolling at MCC to explore the campus and ask questions.
Gahi, a mother of four, graduated from MCC with an A.S. in Business Administration in 2014. She also received a B.S. in International Business from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2016. She later earned her M.S. in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration at Nazareth University in 2020. She is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Administration (Higher Education Specialization) at the University of Rochester. She is set to graduate in Spring 2025.
Fun Facts About Hanan:
Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Hanan: Vegetables
Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
Hanan: The Upside
Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
Hanan: I'm not super into sports, but I love the energy of a good game!
Courtney: What is your biggest fear?
Hanan: The impact of the media, AI, and the technology on how we like to raise our children
Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Hanan: That I'm balancing a full-time job, parenting, and finishing my doctoral degree. English is my 4th language.
Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Hanan: Oprah
Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
Hanan: Staying up late
Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Hanan: The degree is not everything you need experience
Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Hanan: Switzerland
Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Hanan: Shopping or watching a long movie
Photo caption:
- Hanan Gahi: Head and shoulder shot of Hanan smiling directly into the camera and wearing a black, beaded hajib, black dress, and a white blazer.
Attached Files:
Hanan Gahi.jpg
Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
03/05/2025