To say that Gard’s Associate Director of PR, Hannah Smith, is a travel aficionado may be a bit of an understatement.
As of the end of 2024, the proud Swiftie has visited 22 countries around the world, from France, Germany, Slovakia and Poland to Hong Kong, Myanmar, South Korea and far beyond. In 2019, she and her dad hiked 100 kilometers of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain; in 2015, she and her husband backpacked throughout Southeast Asia for seven months; and in October, they made their second trip to Japan.
“My favorite thing about traveling is how it can widen your perspective,” Hannah says. “Seeing how different people live and view the world in different ways has helped me grow as a person.”
When she’s not trotting around the globe – or playing classic Nintendo games or listening to podcasts – Hannah works closely with Gard’s clients and the rest of our team to make the PR magic happen. She’s been doing that for us since 2022.
Where did you grow up and what was unique about it?
I grew up in Springfield, Oregon. My mom was a recreation major in college, so she put on some creative birthday parties for me. My favorite was probably my around-the-world birthday, where we visited different country stations that my mom created around the house and in the backyard.
What do you do at Gard?
As the Associate Director, my primary role is to be an account manager for many wonderful clients. I also manage our team of Associates, and I’ve managed our last three interns. I really enjoy mentoring.
What led you to this work?
I was a public relations major in college, so doing this work has been a passion of mine for a long time.
What do you like about working here?
My favorite part of working at Gard is the people. People here are genuinely kind, and I think everyone cares about doing good work.
What work are you most proud of?
There are so many projects and client work that I’m proud of, but one project that stands out is The Standard Volunteer Expo. I’ve worked on it for the past two years, and it’s really rewarding to help highlight the work of fantastic nonprofits and help them recruit volunteers. Join us at the 2025 VExpo!
What inspires you in this work?
I really like the problem-solving part. Helping clients identify what they want to accomplish, and figuring out creative and interesting ways to do that, is very rewarding. Also, Gard tends to have long relationships with clients, and I’ve really gotten to know my clients over time.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you want to be doing?
I’ve always been passionate about building community. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d probably be running a cohousing retreat somewhere abroad.
Do you have a favorite book or show?
My favorite book I’ve read in the last few years was “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. I’m a big TV fan, and some of my favorite TV shows include “Mad Men,” “Station Eleven,” “Derry Girls,” “Veronica Mars” and “Girls.”
You’re obviously an avid traveler. Have some favorite experiences that stand out?
In 2015-2016, my husband and I took a sabbatical to travel through Southeast Asia for seven months. And in fall 2019, my dad and I hiked 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago. It was a longtime dream of his and an incredible experience.