Hannah Pierce Connects the Young Jewish Population of Columbus

Interview by Steph Greegor

Name: Hannah Pierce
Age: 24
Profession: Director, Young Adult Engagement and Philanthropy, Jewish Columbus (formerly Jewish Federation of Columbus)
Neighborhood: Grandview
One-word description: Optimistic
Quote: “On Saturdays in the fall, you can find me cheering on Ohio State, fully decked out in scarlet and grey.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

Hannah Pierce is an active 24-year-old who loves the hiking options Central Ohio has to offer, as well as its social scene.

“I love hanging out with friends, and especially love trivia,” she said of life outside the Jewish Columbus, where she works as the Director, Young Adult Engagement and Philanthropy, running its young professionals group, Young Jewish Columbus.

“I oversee all of the programming, engagement, and fundraising with young professionals ages 22-40,” said the native New Yorker who moved to Columbus for an education at Ohio State University, followed by a brief West Coast stint in Cali, before coming back to the Buckeyes. “I also oversee our 20-person Young Jewish Columbus board.”

Pierce often puts together happy hours, workshops, and professional development opportunities for her group, but has also orchestrated social events like apple picking and frequently meets with folks one-on-one.

“I love to meet with people who are new to Columbus, make new friendships and really engage people in the community,” said Pierce. “I really believe in what we’re doing here. It’s empowering to be able to invest in the future.”

Investing includes volunteering, which Pierce does as part of the young professional’s organization.

“In our organization we do a lot of work in our community,” she said. “We do food drives, deliver gift bags during the holidays—I really enjoy that.”

She also enjoys getting out into her Grandview neighborhood.

“The best part is that there are so many young people there,” she said. “It’s in a big city but with a small-town feel. If I go to a restaurant or a bar, I run into somebody I know. I see friends all the time.”

But for those new to the city, Pierce will lead them to the North Market.

“Start them off in North Market because there are so many places you can walk to and venture from there,” she said. “It’s one of the best places to go.”

Hannah was named to our annual list of 52 Young Professionals You Should Know in Columbus – one for every week in the year!
Meet the entire “Class of 2018” »