Fathia Hardy is a visionary leader, passionate educator, and unstoppable force for inclusive change in Huntsville and beyond. As the Director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), she plays a critical role in connecting academia with real-world workforce needs—developing forward-thinking programs that empower professionals to lead with confidence in an ever-evolving world.Since joining UAH over a decade ago, Fathia has designed and delivered impactful training programs for nonprofits, government agencies, and private-sector organizations. Her signature initiatives—such as the Leadership Accelerator Academy and Leading Complex and Highly Technical Teams—showcase her ability to develop innovative learning experiences in collaboration with academic and military partners.But Fathia’s impact goes far beyond her job title. She has served as President of the UAH Staff Senate, mentored students as a part-time instructor, and given back to the community through volunteer roles with Leadership Greater Huntsville, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy, and the Madison CEO program.Her leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from UAH’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, recognition from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a Young Professional of the Year nomination from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.As the first and youngest minority woman to oversee continuing education at UAH, Fathia carries the weight—and the pride—of breaking barriers for others. Her journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and the desire to build a legacy for her two children, Malik and Farrah Starr.In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Fathia to talk about navigating leadership as a woman of color, building inclusive spaces, and what it means to lead with heart, strategy, and a little bit of theatre flair. (Yes, she’s a lifelong theatre kid—and a double-jointed culinary enthusiast, too!)Follow Fathia and UAH OPCE:🌐 UAH Professional and Continuing Education🔗 LinkedIn: @FathiaHardy📸 Instagram: @uahuntsville
