Hannah Wells

I attribute my success to a combination of adaptability, dedication, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. My career began as an elementary school teacher during the pandemic, working in a high-poverty area where I focused not only on academics but also on fostering a sense of community. During that time, I helped launch initiatives like a garden club and the Sunshine Club to support students and their families. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education in 2020, but as the world shifted, so did my professional path.

Teaching provided me with a strong foundation in communication, problem-solving, and empathy—skills that have proven invaluable in government technology. About four years ago, I transitioned into GovTech sales, where I found an opportunity to create impact at scale. I was drawn to the transparency, accountability, and long-term value that technology brings to public institutions.

Currently, I manage GXI Foundations, a free survey feedback tool designed for local government websites. My role involves meeting with clients across the U.S. and Canada, demonstrating the platform, and overseeing implementations from start to finish. I work closely with government teams to ensure the solution effectively serves their communities. This past July, I was promoted into a new role, where my focus has shifted to streamlining and improving internal processes. I’ve been fortunate to learn from strong mentors—particularly my former boss, Mae Turner—who emphasized hands-on experience, collaboration, and continuous growth.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that professional growth comes from hands-on experience and collaboration. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside supportive colleagues and mentors—especially my former boss, Mae Turner—who emphasized learning by doing and leading with integrity. This guidance has shaped the way I approach challenges, build relationships, and continuously grow in my career.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to trust that your skills are transferable, even if your career path takes unexpected turns. I transitioned from teaching into GovTech sales without a traditional sales background, yet the communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills I developed in the classroom became some of my greatest strengths.

Don’t wait until you feel fully qualified to take the next step. Embrace learning by doing, lean on mentors and supportive colleagues, and be willing to ask questions. Growth rarely comes from staying in your comfort zone, and some of the most meaningful opportunities arise when you remain open to change.

Finally, focus on impact. Whether you’re working directly with students or supporting government systems that serve entire communities, aligning your work with purpose will help you stay grounded, motivated, and fulfilled over the long term.

The biggest challenges in government work stem from its unique environment—strict regulations, complex processes, and the realities of political change. At the same time, these factors create opportunities: government spending is intentional and transparent, and knowing that our work helps agencies better serve the public makes it deeply meaningful. Currently, one of my immediate challenges is managing the increased demands of the busy holiday season, which requires careful planning and prioritization to ensure continued impact.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center on balance, growth, and connection. Living in Colorado, I spend a lot of time outdoors—gardening has been a long-standing passion since my teaching days—and I cherish any opportunity to reconnect with nature. These experiences remind me of the importance of patience, nurturing, and persistence, which I bring into my professional life as well.