What Is Your Role At CSF?
I’m the Program Officer – Special Projects.
When did you join the CSF team?
I joined at the end of November 2023.
In a few sentences, describe your professional background.
I worked in the youth development and service-learning field for 10 years, primarily working with middle and high school aged youth in both the Seattle area and Chicago. After that, I came to St. Louis to complete my master’s in social work, and then worked for 5 years in collective impact and coalition building in East St. Louis.
What drew you to work for CSF?
I’m deeply connected to CSF’s mission as a former youth development provider, parent of 4, social worker, and county resident. In previous roles, I’ve encountered so many pockets of greatness- incredible programs, innovative ideas, passionate staff- that lack the resources to fully live into their visions. I’m excited to have a role that can put resources in the hands of people who support young people and build strong systems where all youth have what they need to thrive.
What about your background prepared you to work at CSF?
The coalition I supported prior to coming to CSF managed a collaborative grant from the State of Illinois. As the lead agency on the grant, I worked as the go-between for the agencies in the coalition and the state, gaining experience as both the funder and grantee. In addition to this experience, I’ve worked in a variety of nonprofits and school systems, some very small, some national, so I have a breadth of understanding of the nonprofit landscape.
In a few sentences, describe your position at CSF.
I manage special projects at CSF, a portfolio of projects that provide support across the system or envision systems change. One example is the Community Resource Initiative of the St. Louis County Library. I spend a lot of time supporting agencies as needed, collaborating with other CSF staff, ensuring processes run smoothly, and learning about best practices in the field. Oh, and sending a lot of emails.
What keeps you passionate about your work at CSF?
Remembering all the dreams, strengths, and struggles of the youth I know and have known, and how important these services were and still are in their lives.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite moments in the week are always when I get to hear about the work of our partners—they are doing amazing things! I also love any chance to be a part of collaborative spaces, either working together with my team at CSF or in broader community efforts.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Since I’ve recently joined the team, the greatest challenge right now is just getting used to the role and what it’s like to work in philanthropy and government, which are both new to me.
What is a project you were heavily involved with at CSF or in your previous work that you’re most proud of?
I worked with an amazing group of youth at a high school in Chicago. They wrote and received a grant to do an anti-violence project in their neighborhood. They started with organizing a small neighborhood walk with the students from their school, and then kept going. They developed a presentation for all the nearby elementary schools, wrote a song, created and sold shirts—they really took it and ran with it. I can’t really take any credit, I was just along for the ride. But I was SO proud of them.
In my current role, I’ve been able to support the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission, which CSF has recently joined and invested in (for youth violence prevention activities in the County). I believe strongly that all children deserve to grow up in safe places, so it’s a privilege for me to get to be a part of this important work.
What’s your favorite lunch spot?
Any place with a great sandwich.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I have four kids, ages 1, 3, 12 and 14, so my time is pretty kid-focused right now. But I love to cook, make art, and enjoy being outside gardening, hiking, etc.
To learn more about her professional background, visit Hannah’s bio on our website.