Her Story
About Heather
Heather Hanson, M.A., MLIS is an Applied Anthropologist, Research Librarian, Systems Transformation Leader, Facilitator, and Lived Experience Strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing child welfare reform and community-centered change in Colorado. Her work focuses on addressing structural violence within systems by promoting equity, strengthening families, and creating preventative approaches that ensure communities have access to meaningful support. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, Heather works to transform systems by centering humanism, lived experience, and the voices of families most impacted by policies and practices.
As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Building Bridges LLC, Heather partners with organizations, government agencies, and communities to co-create equitable, family-inclusive solutions. She leads the Reimagining Child Welfare Steering Committee and has spearheaded the Colorado Warm Line Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect families with community resources and support while reducing unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system. Her leadership extends across statewide and national initiatives, including collaborations with organizations such as Foster America, Thriving Families for Safer Children, and Casey Family Programs, where she advances strategies that promote prevention, accountability, and sustainable systems change.
Heather holds a Master of Applied Anthropology with a focus on Structural Violence from Mississippi State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Denver, with an emphasis on qualitative research and data collection. She has played a key role in advancing equity initiatives, training professionals and mandatory reporters, and ensuring that individuals with lived experience hold meaningful leadership roles in reform efforts. Recognized for her dedication to community impact, Heather received the 2023 Community Leadership Award from Illuminate Colorado and recognition from the Colorado Department of Human Services for her service. Through her continued advocacy and leadership, she remains committed to building systems where families are heard, valued, and empowered to shape the future of care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, resilience, and the belief that meaningful change is possible when people come together to create solutions. I have learned the importance of not accepting “no” as the final answer, while approaching challenges with curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to finding new pathways forward. By encouraging others to dream boldly, share their experiences, and co-create solutions with me, I have been able to build strong partnerships and contribute to lasting, positive change.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never stop dreaming, continue using my imagination, and hold onto the curiosity and creativity that inspire innovation. I believe that meaningful transformation begins with the ability to envision what is possible. My work is centered on reimagining systems, and without imagination, we cannot challenge existing structures, create new solutions, or achieve meaningful reform. Staying open-minded, curious, and willing to imagine a better future has been essential to driving the change I strive to create.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to protect their humanity as fiercely as they protect their passion. While it is important to understand the systems and structures you work within, do not allow those systems to define what is possible or limit your vision for change. Stay grounded in your values, trust your experiences, and continue to challenge assumptions with curiosity and courage. Your perspective, imagination, and willingness to advocate for better solutions are powerful tools for creating meaningful transformation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is helping systems and individuals become ready to embrace meaningful change and shifts in long-standing norms. New ideas and approaches are often met with resistance because transformation requires people to question familiar ways of thinking and doing things. I have learned that advancing systemic reform requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to do the internal work necessary to move through adversity. The greatest opportunity lies in creating spaces where people can collectively dream, imagine new possibilities, and recognize the beauty and impact that can emerge when we work together to build more equitable and compassionate systems.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are transparency, honesty, and empowerment. I believe in making decisions with awareness of their broader ripple effects and considering how they impact individuals, communities, and systems as a whole. I strive to lead by uplifting and empowering the entire team rather than centering myself, creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and encouraged to contribute their strengths. Through trust, collaboration, and shared leadership, I believe we can create meaningful and lasting impact.
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