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Ouafaa Hmaddi, assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at CCNY’s Colin Powell School, is on a mission to level the playing field for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Born and raised in Morocco, Hmaddi’s career journey spans engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship research, weaving a narrative of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to equity.

A Path Shaped by Experience
Hmaddi’s journey began in Morocco, where she grew up in a family of entrepreneurs navigating systemic barriers. These early experiences planted the seeds for her current research, which focuses on how structural disadvantages shape entrepreneurial outcomes. After earning a Fulbright scholarship to study policy in the U.S., Hmaddi discovered her love for research and academia. Her personal connection to entrepreneurship drives her to find solutions that foster inclusion and fairness, especially for underrepresented groups.

Research with a Purpose
Through innovative experiments, Hmaddi studies how different groups access and mobilize resources. A surprising yet sobering finding from her research is that rejected entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds often leave the field entirely rather than pivoting or trying again. To address this, Hmaddi is developing tools that demystify lender preferences and connect entrepreneurs with supportive backers. Her ultimate goal is to dismantle systemic obstacles and foster equitable participation in entrepreneurship.

Finding a Home at CCNY
Hmaddi joined CCNY during a challenging time in her life—while undergoing breast cancer treatment. The Colin Powell School’s unwavering support made it possible for her to pursue this opportunity. “It was equity in action,” she says, reflecting on how this experience aligns with her work on addressing inequities.

What keeps her rooted at CCNY, however, are the students. “Teaching here is incredibly rewarding,” Hmaddi shares. While she once doubted her enthusiasm for teaching, her experience at CCNY has transformed her perspective. “I love seeing the impact it has on students. It’s been a transformative experience for me as an educator.”

Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Hmaddi plans to expand her research infrastructure to conduct experimental studies that further explore how structural disadvantages affect entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors. She hopes to create a lab dedicated to advancing this field. On the teaching front, she plans to continue her entrepreneurship courses and potentially develop a new course on experimental methods in business and research.

Beyond academia, Hmaddi is committed to community engagement, particularly with NYC’s entrepreneurship ecosystem in Harlem and the Bronx. She also supports initiatives like the Build a Bright African Diaspora (BBAD) foundation and the Interdisciplinary Network for Tech and Entrepreneurship Research in Africa.

What Makes the Colin Powell School Special
For Hmaddi, the Colin Powell School stands out for its dynamic growth and commitment to equity. “It’s one of the fastest-growing schools I’ve seen,” she notes. Being part of this trajectory excites her, as does contributing to its mission of fostering opportunity and inclusion for all.

Hmaddi’s story is one of perseverance and purpose—a reminder that equity in action can transform not just institutions but also lives.