Her Story
About Hannah
Hannah Jablonka is pursuing a career in economic development and economics research. She began her internship at EDAWN in January 2026 while completing her studies as a graduate student at UNR through the 4+1 master's program. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in May 2026 after pivoting from an initial interest in neuroscience to business and then economics following her experience in Econ 102. During college she gained experience in financial planning and management through previous internships and positions. She is currently enrolled in a Python and SQL data analytics program and expects certification by the end of October. Her time studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, broadened her perspective on community development and inspired her commitment to helping regions grow. After completing her master's she aims to move into economic consulting to support individual companies. She attributes her success to a strong support system of family and motivated peers and values dedication and kindness in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hannah
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of Monster Energy drinks. But a really good support system. Like, I'm really blessed that I had family that really believed in me. My boyfriend's incredibly supportive of me. And I just kind of when you were saying, like, surround yourself with like-minded people, like that is basically my Bible. Like, I am really, really lucky to be surrounded with people who are very motivated, very good at what they do, and it motivates me to be that person as well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think my the best career advice I've ever received is just to always keep your mind open. You never know what opportunities are going to pop up just because you say yes to something else. And just, you know, to realize that, like, the journey is always continuing forward, and that a lot of options are gonna come through. And, you know, just always keep your mind open, because something that you never expected would fit you is probably what's going to fit you best.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Honestly, I'm gonna kind of copy what you said, but that is really how I feel, is just always be the best version of yourself, keep your head high, don't be afraid to tell people what you're actually feeling, and, you know, trust your gut. If you are going into economic development, it's always going to be a learning experience because things are constantly changing, but if you are just the best version of yourself and always willing to put yourself out there, you will succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Economic development and then also economic research in terms of my, like, master's thesis is still really male-dominated. ... the brokers that we're working with are men. Pretty much every, like, out, like, organization or company that we're working with is run by men, and I have noticed a really big difference in the way that I feel like men who Are in like top position to treat Woman. And I think that's been the hardest thing for me is, like, kind of realizing that sexism is alive and well...
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dedication. For sure. Kindness, because I've realized, especially within the world of economic development, there is unfortunately, like, a lot of people who are competing with each other... And I think kindness really goes a long way, but I also think dedication as well, because dedication shows how motivated you are to actually make the change in a positive way.
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