UOWGE Group CEO Marisa Mastroianni recognised among AFR Women in Leadership 2026

Friday, 19 June, 2026

Marisa Mastroianni, Group CEO and Managing Director of UOW Global Enterprises, has been recognised among The Australian Financial Review’s Women in Leadership 2026 in the Education, Government and Not-for-Profit category. 

The annual recognition celebrates women whose leadership is helping to shape the future of their industries and create meaningful impact across the communities they serve. For the UOW Global Enterprises network, including the University of Wollongong in Dubai, the recognition is especially significant. It reflects not only Marisa’s leadership, but also the growth and global impact of an international education network that continues to expand access to high-quality Australian education across borders. 

Over the past decade, Marisa has led the development of UOW Global Enterprises from a single offshore campus into a truly international education network spanning Dubai, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India and Australia, with a sixth campus in Saudi Arabia expected to open in 2027. 
Today, more than 17,000 students and 1,400 staff across five countries are part of the UOWGE global community. 

For UOWD, one of the network’s most established international campuses, this recognition carries particular meaning. More than 7,000 students now call UOWD home, forming part of a wider global community connected by a shared commitment to academic excellence, student success and the transformative power of education. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Marisa acknowledged the people across the organisation who have contributed to UOWGE’s continued growth and success.

“This recognition reflects the work of an outstanding leadership team and every one of our colleagues across five countries,” she said. 

“Together, we have built something of genuine global significance from regional Australia, an organisation that creates life-changing opportunities for young people by expanding access to a world-class Australian education.” 

Building a global education network 

Under Marisa’s leadership, UOW Global Enterprises has experienced a period of significant international growth. That progress was recognised nationally in 2025, when UOWGE received both the NSW Export Award and the Australian Export Award for Education and Training. 
While these awards reflect organisational success, they also speak to a deeper purpose: creating opportunities for students, staff and graduates across different countries, cultures and communities. 

Across the UOWGE network, students are able to access Australian qualifications in locations that connect them to local opportunities and global possibilities. This approach has positioned UOWGE as an important contributor to international education, while strengthening the University of Wollongong’s global presence and reputation. 

Leadership grounded in opportunity 

At the heart of Marisa’s leadership is a belief that education can change the trajectory of lives. 
As the daughter of Italian migrants who built a new life in Australia, Marisa understands the role education can play in creating opportunity, confidence and social mobility. That perspective continues to shape the way UOWGE grows: with a focus on expanding access, maintaining quality and building institutions that make a lasting contribution to the communities they serve. 

Her recognition among the AFR Women in Leadership 2026 celebrates an impressive career, but also something larger: the impact of a vision that has helped connect thousands of students, staff and graduates across the UOW Global Enterprises family. 

We congratulate Marisa on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for the leadership, ambition and sense of purpose that continue to shape our global community.