Hannah Stewart
Hannah Stewart is an emerging nonprofit professional and early childhood education leader based in Fort Madison, Iowa. She currently serves as Assistant Director at the Keokuk Community Child Development Center, an independent nonprofit organization, where she has built a strong foundation in operations, administration, and hands-on program delivery over the past seven years. Known for her adaptability and commitment, she plays a key role in supporting the center’s day-to-day functions while contributing directly to the development and care of young children.
In her multifaceted role, Hannah manages critical administrative programs, including oversight of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) tuition program. Working in a small, two-person leadership team, she takes on a wide range of responsibilities—from data management and compliance to classroom instruction as a preschool teacher and even meal preparation. Her ability to balance operational oversight with frontline engagement has contributed to successful program evaluations, including a highly positive CACFP review that recognized her potential to support other centers.
Hannah is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University, with concentrations in Project Management and International Business, and an expected graduation in 2027. As she continues to grow her career, she is focused on expanding her expertise in project management and operations, with an interest in applying her nonprofit experience to broader organizational leadership roles.
• CDA (Child Development Association)
• Southern New Hampshire University
• President's List every semester since Fall 2024
• 3.93 GPA
• NSLS Member
• NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, discipline, and staying focused on the bigger picture. I made the decision early on that no matter how challenging things became, I was going to follow through and accomplish my goals. Balancing multiple responsibilities can be emotionally demanding, but keeping my end goal in mind helps me stay motivated and push forward. I’m also fortunate to have a supportive work environment that allows me to continue growing professionally and academically. One of the habits that has helped me most is staying ahead by completing tasks early, giving myself time to review, refine, and produce work I’m truly proud of. Ultimately, my success comes from personal commitment, resilience, and the willingness to keep showing up and improving every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't sell yourself short. I think it's really important to recognize your own value and capabilities, especially when you're just starting out in operations management or early childhood education. And realistically speaking, I probably would have got my degree sooner versus later, so I'd say don't wait to invest in your education and professional development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are loyalty, perseverance, and patience. Working in early childhood education and nonprofit management, especially in all the different aspects from administration to working directly with children, patience is absolutely essential. Perseverance keeps me going when I'm balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. And loyalty matters deeply to me, both in how I show up for the children and families we serve, and in my commitment to seeing things through to completion.