Hannah Powell
Hannah Powell is the Founder and Director of Mother Angela’s Foundation, a nonprofit she established nearly four years ago to address barriers to care for people living with chronic illness. The organization’s flagship program is a hard-copy resource pamphlet designed to connect unhoused and low-income individuals with wraparound services. First launched in 2025 in New Orleans and San Francisco, the pamphlet has already demonstrated impact: a 10% sample of recipients reported a 91% reduction in overwhelm and panic when seeking support. A 2026 iteration is currently in development, with plans to expand accessibility through multiple languages, braille, and enhanced content.
Hannah’s professional focus blends mission-driven advocacy with practical program implementation. Her philosophy centers on dismantling stigma through unconditional generosity and a community-first approach, underpinned by the belief that everyone deserves basic needs, stability, and the ability to pursue happiness. Over the course of nearly four years in the nonprofit space, her work has evolved from direct services such as meal pass-outs and harm-reduction programs to prioritizing resource accessibility and information clarity. She combines strategic oversight with hands-on engagement, ensuring programs meet the nuanced needs of marginalized communities while measuring and refining their effectiveness.
Hannah’s expertise lies in community advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and family support services, and she continues to develop programs that strengthen resilience and wellbeing for mothers, children, and families affected by adversity. Beyond her work at Mother Angela’s Foundation, she envisions expanding her professional growth by taking supervisory roles in larger nonprofits while continuing to advance the foundation’s mission. Passionate about community empowerment, holistic wellbeing, and creating safe, supportive spaces, Hannah brings dignity, connection, and tangible impact to the communities she serves.
• Washington and Lee University - BA, English
What do you attribute your success to?
Personal lived experience with chronic illness, strong personal ties and mentorship (doctors, neurologists, chosen family), and a focus on measuring and demonstrating impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Continued encouragement from mentors and medical professionals during difficult times — their support kept her moving forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
"Keep believing in yourself. There will be moments it's easier to give up — find your chosen family and build a support network; that will get you through the low moments." Believe in yourself, resist taking the easy path that isn't aligned with your purpose, and cultivate a chosen family/support network to sustain you through challenges.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: stigma, barriers related to insurance, income and support; nonprofit founders face access-to-capital and connection inequities and the difficulty of balancing personal health with organizational growth. Opportunities: creating low-barrier, accessible resources (like multilingual/braille pamphlets) to reduce overwhelm and connect people to sustained care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Unconditional generosity, community-first thinking, equity in healthcare access, and ensuring everyone has stability and support.
Locations
Mother Angela's Foundation
San Francisco, CA 94110