Chicago – October Member of the Month, Hannah Karns, Midwest Sales Director, Lonely Planet

Hometown? The Mini Apple (Minneapolis, MN)

Current job title and company? Midwest Sales Director, Lonely Planet

Describe your career journey. It has been exactly that – a journey! From investigative journalism in Washington, DC focusing on nuclear energy and nuclear waste to a brief stint in public relations here in Chicago, I then tried marketing consulting based out of Minneapolis working primarily with local television stations. Pivoting to a different side of the business, I moved to New York City with the Rubicon Project, a digital advertising technology company. I loved the combination of qualitative and quantitative work on the yield team, and was with the company for five years until an opportunity opened up at Lonely Planet here in Chicago. As a passionate traveler and avid user of Lonely Planet’s guidebooks, I was excited to work for such a fantastic brand. It is my first foray into the world of sales, and I’ve been here a little over a year.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality? Ambitious, Genuine, Thoughtful

What committees/programs are you involved in with She Runs It? Co-chair of the Young Executive Committee, Leadership Development Committee (and subcommittee for upcoming Influencer Marketing panel), and mentee in the Mentorship Program

How has participating as the young executive co-chair committee helped with your own personal and career development? As an office of one here in Chicago, She Runs It has been a fantastic resource to help me connect with others in the industry. Personally, I have made friends, and professionally I have expanded my network. Every time I attend a committee meeting or event, I’m reminded of the strength and support of the community, and I honestly can’t imagine what the transition from NYC to Chicago would have been like without this organization!

Name a woman who inspires you and why. Ruth Bader Ginsburg for breaking down barriers, her steadfast advocacy for women and her incredible commitment to work that impacts our everyday lives. I highly recommend seeing RBG if you haven’t already! Alexa von Tobel and Sallie Krawcheck are also inspiring to me for making personal finance more accessible and understandable. The empowerment that comes with financial freedom and independence can’t be undervalued, especially for women!

What does the words “She Runs It” mean to you? She Runs It celebrates the progress we have made as women in the workplace, while shining a light on areas where we can work collectively to ensure women are represented at all levels of an organization, particularly at the top. She Runs It promotes the diversity and inclusion that is necessary to keep our industries competitive as well as representative of the world today and tomorrow.

Your social handles: Instagram – @hkarns