Houston Christian University (HCU) alum Hannah Mannion has been named a Houston Business Journal (HBJ) 2023 40 Under 40 Award honoree. An international student from Langley, England, Mannion earned an MBA from HCU in 2020 and has made a significant impact in the community serving families in need.
The annual 40 Under 40 list of honorees, chosen by HBJ staff members, recognizes the best and the brightest individuals in the business community who have made significant contributions in their respective industries. Candidates, who must be under 40 and reside in a specific 10-county area of Houston, are evaluated based on professional accomplishments, community involvement, philanthropic efforts and other exemplary qualities.
Mannion earned a double degree in educational studies and modern history from Keele University before receiving her graduate degree from HCU. She joined NestQuest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and educational stability to under-resourced families, and in less than one year was promoted to Development and Operations Manager and a year later to Chief Development Officer. Fueled by her own childhood experience of housing and education instability after a traumatic accident left her mother disabled, Mannion used her business acumen to help NestQuest grow and expand its reach in serving families in need.
She has extended her passion for serving struggling families in her new role as Development Manager for SEARCH Homeless Services, an organization that provides hope, opportunity and transformation for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Mannion has also served on the Mayor’s Commission for Building and Standards.
Mannion is honored to have been named to HBJ’s 40 under 40 list and credits the foundation she received at HCU, formerly Houston Baptist University, for being pivotal to her success.
“I really want to share this incredible honor with the school which gave me a solid foundation upon arrival to Houston as an international student,” said Mannion. “The family, community and passion [HCU] provided me with, ensure I am able to serve Houston in a multitude of ways.”
Mike Rome, HCU Dean of the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, commended Mannion’s selection.
“What a great honor for Hannah to be named to the Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 List. She is a thoughtful, natural leader, well-spoken with an intentional make-up to give back, and as described by her father, a hard worker. We are very proud of her at the HCU Dunham College of Business for her achievement,” said Rome.
Shannon Bedo, HCU Director of International & Veteran Services, is not surprised by Mannion’s success.
“There are students who come and go, and there are students whom you remember forever. Hannah is one of those students whom you never forget. She was always on top of everything she needed to do, from international requirements to academics. She would check in with me often, maybe with questions or maybe just to chat. When she graduated, I knew she would move on to great things, and she has proven that correct beyond what I even imagined. Congratulations to Hannah on this prestigious award, and I pray that God continues to bless her in her ministry and career,” said Bedo.
According to HBJ, this year’s young professionals have faced losses, conquered language barriers, became the first in their family to graduate college, endured personal and professional challenges and overcome a variety of other obstacles to make noteworthy contributions to their community.
Mannion and her fellow Class of 2023 “40 Under 40” honorees will be recognized at a July 27 event at 40 Below at Bayou Music Center and will be featured in HBJ’s July 28th edition.