Nation Hahn

Managing Director

John M. Belk Endowment

We tend to think of [careers] as a ladder. . . when instead it’s a whole lot more like a jungle gym.

About Nation

After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, I jumped into political campaigns, eager to understand how people and systems create change.
My interest in environmental issues led me to the Sierra Club, where I explored policy and advocacy work firsthand.
A blog I started about professional sports unexpectedly opened the door to a startup football league, where I learned digital media and entrepreneurship.
When that startup ended, I found my way to a design-thinking firm and discovered the power of solving problems through collaboration and creativity.
After experiencing profound personal losses, I reevaluated how I spent my time and decided to commit to work that felt meaningful and aligned with my values.
I joined some friends, helped launch an education-focused nonprofit, and spent the next decade working to improve education and opportunity.
Today, I help strengthen postsecondary education across North Carolina, building trusted relationships that create pathways to good jobs and brighter futures.