Meet Hana Woyt | MPH/MSW | Executive Director of Houston Angels | Lifelong Learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hana Woyt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hana, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal for me is not a place or specific role. At the end of my career, I want to truly know that I have transformed something – whether it be lives, processes, an industry, an entire country or all of the above! I am here to transform. I want to have changed the world for the better and step out of my career knowing that I have done well, I have empowered others, and I have made my mark to ensure that others that come after me can continue to strive for the greatness that this world needs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a 25-year-old social entrepreneur with a servant heart. Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to do something that I loved and was truly passionate about, and I always wanted to help others. I maintained at least 1 job all throughout college and grad school (although I usually had 2 or 3 jobs or side-hustles), and I always wanted to be doing something meaningful, which is why I originally chose to study Healthcare Administration. After I graduated college, I chose to pursue a dual Master’s in Public Health and Social Work because, well, 1) the two professions overlap a lot and I think that is a huge opportunity for a well-rounded knowledge base and 2) it sounded really cool and I didn’t know anyone with two Master’s degrees! What I realized after graduating, though, was that I subconsciously wanted to continue school because I loved the structure and challenges it provided, and I honestly didn’t know how to function without being in constant go-mode. I have also realized the importance of balance and individual happiness. While my work brings me joy and is very impactful, there are always good and bad days, and no one can be 100% at their best all of the time. Through my social work education and from first hand experience, I learned the importance of self-care, taking breaks when it’s needed, doing things that make you happy, and shutting off your phone/email/notifications every now and then! One of my favorite sayings is “You can’t pour from an empty cup!” I am an enneagram 2, The Helper, so my nature is to always be helping (which is common for those working in non-profits for obvious reasons) but one of my toughest lessons was that sometimes I needed to put myself first so that I can better help those around me.

A few months ago, probably in a bit of a quarter-life crisis, I have thought about why I am here doing this work and what my goals are after achieving this huge accomplishment of two Master’s degrees while leading a nonprofit, and the other day, I came across a thank you card from my childhood. I had seen in the newspaper (yes, when I was young, we read those still) that a family’s house had burned down, and they lost everything. I was so upset for them and immediately wanted to help. I organized what I now see as my first “fundraiser” at my intermediate school where my history teacher let me put out a donation jar. I announced to the class what had happened and how we needed to raise money to help this family in need. I ended up raising several hundred dollars, some of which was stolen from that jar. My teacher helped me continue to collect donations, and we made up for the stolen money. My parents helped me locate the family, and we sent the money to them. They sent me back that thank you card and I’ve kept it ever since. It reminded me of who I am, and after accepting the promotion to full-time Executive Director of Houston Angels, I realized that this is why I am here. To help. To give. To raise money for others in need. To connect the helpers to those that need help. To lead and guide others in their passions. To inspire those who want to do something but aren’t sure how. To continuously grow and spread love and kindness to all. It’s all I wanted when I was in 6th grade and it’s what I will continue to do as the leader of Houston Angels and for the rest of my life, no matter my role or title.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Currently, my favorite spot for a drink is Wooster’s Garden, and if you make it in time for happy hour, even better! They have plenty of drink options that are all high-quality and delicious, but I always love to try the seasonal drinks. For food, I wish I could eat at Candente for every meal every day. It is the best spot in Houston for Mexican food and Mezcal margaritas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner, Nick, and my therapist, Jessica, have both been with me through some of my hardest phases in life, and as cliché as it sounds, I would not be the person that I am today without them!

When I was in college for my Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration, a group of my classmates and I went to the ACHE conference in Chicago. I watched a seminar where a leader of some hospital organization was telling her story, and she gave a shoutout to her husband in the front row who has made it to every single one of her speeches for the decades that she had been speaking at events. He teared up watching her, and she told the crowd that support means everything. I remember thinking that day how much I wanted to be like her- a powerful, humble and kind leader, all while giving credit to her husband for supporting her through it all. I have found my person that supports me that exact way that I wished for, and I can’t wait to be at my 1000th speech giving credit to Nick for all that he does for me to be able to change the lives of those in need.

Website: https://www.houangels.org/

Instagram: @houstonangels_nonprofit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanawoyt/

Image Credits
Casey Ann Photo