Meet Amy Hanna.

Amy Hanna is the Executive Director of the RespectTeam, a non-profit organization in the heart of Huntertown, IN, that serves the middle schools and high schools in Allen, Whitley, Noble, Dekalb, Huntington, and LaGrange counties. RespectTeam provides educational programs centered on self-respect and respecting others as well as empowering programs for parents and those impacting the lives of teens. They also offer engaging opportunities that connect teens to their community. Amy is also the Chairperson of the Greater Fort Wayne Women’s Network, a community of women and men that seeks to empower, inspire, and connect women in the greater Fort Wayne area. Outside of the workplace, Amy runs an online clothing company called Classy & Sassy, is a Mary Kay Consultant, mentors young women at Pine Hills Church, and is a wife to Jesse Hanna and mom to two amazing teenage girls.

YWCA Asks:   What does an “empowering woman” mean to you?

Amy: An empowering woman empowers women with no expectation of selfish gain and no hidden agenda. Instead, an empowering woman is confident in who she is and what she brings to the community and is able to see the potential in other women, giving them the encouragement and strength they need to be their best self.

YWCA Asks:   In what ways do you feel that you empower other women?

Amy: For 20+ years I have been mentoring young women as they strive to realize their full potential in their personal lives and in their professional lives. I believe in the potential that women have and the impact that we can make in our community. I live this out through my position as Executive Director of the RespectTeam, where we teach our teens how to respect themselves and others, and through my position as Chairperson for the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Women’s Network, where we help women in our community to be inspired, connected, and empowered.

YWCA Asks:  Would you please share an experience or tidbit of knowledge that would help other women? This could be a lesson learned, or motivational story, or information that you would like to share to help educate others.

Amy: Before you can truly believe in others, you need to be able to believe in yourself.  Empowered women empower other women, so know who you are and be true to that person.