Take 5 with Hannah Duane

Hannah Duane (’16)

Assistant Director, Engagement Programs, Office of Alumni Engagement, at Wake Forest University

1. How do you define success for yourself? What has helped you to be successful?

Success for me is being happy and healthy! It’s reaching a place of contentment (both personally and professionally) without being complacent. I had a high school teacher tell our class once that if you’re not pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, then you’re not growing. That really stuck with me, for better or worse. Through trial and error, I’ve had to learn for myself where my comfort zone boundaries are and at what point I might be pushing myself too far out of my comfort zone to the detriment of my own mental health.

2. Think of a time that you faced a challenge, obstacle, or roadblock. How did you get through that and what did you learn?

There were some really hard moments for me in the first few years after graduating, and I wouldn’t have made it through without the support of my people! I had it in my mind that I needed to do the big city thing post-grad (à la Girls, Friends, insert name here of sitcom following a group of twenty-somethings). I learned that my path may not look like my peers’ or even be what I originally imagined for myself, and there’s no shame in changing direction or changing your mind.

3. Who are your people (either by name or role) who help you to be successful/confident/intentional/reflective/any other descriptor you want to use? And how have they helped you?

I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing managers at Wake Forest, who also serve as dear friends and mentors, and colleagues on other teams within University Advancement whose work I really admire. The key for me is scheduling regular check-ins with these folks (I’m a huge fan of walking meetings; who wouldn’t be when you work on the most beautiful campus in the country?!). Otherwise, life gets too busy and months will go by before I realize I haven’t seen them in forever, especially with hybrid work schedules. I’m the type of person who lives in the moment and doesn’t love the process of goal-setting, but these people are great at encouraging me to reflect on the work I’ve done and to think critically and proactively about how to maximize my skills and passions.

4. How did you find your people?

Wake Forest! More specifically, the women I met as an undergrad who are now my best friends and the women I’ve had the privilege to work with while at Wake Forest are the most amazing people. I’m grateful to call them mentors and friends.

5. What advice would you give to Wake Forest students as they look for their people?

To my fellow introverts: I’m sorry but it’s true. You have to put yourself out there. Schedule that informational interview. Reach out to that person about getting coffee. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” and ask for more information. Make the first move!