Hana Mcchesney
Hana McChesney is a passionate advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and equity, serving as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Specialist at the Missouri Historical Society. In her role, she ensures that museum exhibits, buildings, programs, and activities are fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, using her expertise to create inclusive environments that welcome people of all abilities. Drawing on over a decade of experience in the disability field, Hana combines practical advocacy with thoughtful program development to promote meaningful change and equity within both the museum and broader community.
Originally from Ethiopia, Hana earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Addis Ababa University before moving to the United States, where she completed a Master of Social Work at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis in 2021. Her professional journey includes multiple graduate practicums and internships, including work at the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Paraquad, where she focused on accessibility evaluation and disability services. Her lived experience as a blind woman deeply informs her approach, ensuring that her work is grounded in real-world understanding and empathy.
Beyond her primary role, Hana is actively involved in volunteer work and professional organizations that promote disability inclusion and advocacy. She serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Missouri Federation of the Blind and is a member of the National Federation of the Blind, working to advance access, education, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Hana’s career is defined by her commitment to equity, her dedication to fostering inclusive environments, and her drive to eliminate barriers that limit full participation in society for people of all abilities.
• Basic Computer Skills
• EdX Verified Certificate for Introduction to Web Accessibility
• Addis Ababa University- B.A.
• Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis- M.S.W.
• St. Louis Clark Chapter
• National Federation of the Blind
• Missouri Federation of the Blind
• St. Louis History Museum
• Missouri Federation of the Blind
• Equal Opportunity Association for Women with Disabilities Living with HIV
• Ethiopian Women with Disabilities National Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion and using my lived experience as a person with a disability to guide my work, staying self-driven and independent in building a career dedicated to inclusion and accessibility.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to find your passion—identify where you want to make an impact and follow that path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to find your passion and decide where you want to make a difference, whether that’s helping others or pursuing personal goals. Listen to your inner guidance, follow your heart, and be prepared to approach your work with courage and commitment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are limited mentorship, the need for stronger networks, and adapting to communication systems in the U.S. At the same time, there are growing opportunities to increase visibility, share experiences, and build connections through platforms and professional networks focused on accessibility and inclusion.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are giving to others, promoting inclusion and accessibility, and approaching life with courage and commitment.