Hummus

Serving With Love: Salwa’s Culinary Journey

From bussing tables to seeing her own hummus recipe featured in local restaurants, Salwa Hassan’s journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication. Starting her career with Watermark in 2012 as a busser, she embraced every role within the dining team at three Arizona communities — from host to server, line cook to omelet bar chef, and eventually rising to dining room manager and certified dietary manager. Her story is not just about climbing the ranks; it’s about infusing every dish, every interaction, with the love and care that has made her an integral part of the community’s heart.

With a degree in hospitality management and a drive to continuously grow, she even took on part-time roles at local restaurants during her 12-year tenure at Watermark, honing her skills and bringing fresh expertise back to enhance the experience for residents. Salwa recently taught an inspiring Watermark University class, sharing the rich history and significance of Eid al-Adha with residents while weaving in her own family’s traditions alongside those from diverse Muslim cultures around the world. Her signature hummus is not only a cherished family recipe, it is featured on the menu at two local restaurants in Tucson, as well as two Watermark communities — The Hacienda at the Canyon and The Hacienda at the River.

For Salwa, the most rewarding part of her role as director of dining services is creating special moments for residents, turning every meal into an opportunity for connection and joy. From recreating a dish from their childhood to preparing their favorite dessert on their birthday, or cooking a special meal for an anniversary, each meal is prepared with love. “These moments create a lasting impact for the resident, and for me, they always help bring me back to my ‘Why’ — creating that joy or comfort is so heartening.”