People with Purpose: Stacy Hanan

Although her involvement began at Temple Beth Sholom Schools and the Junior League of Sarasota, Stacy Hanan has expanded her volunteerism to the nonprofits most important in this stage of her life — The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Girls Inc. Hanan, 45, says despite juggling the demands of a busy schedule as a working mom, giving back remains one of her priorities.

I’ve been involved with nonprofits from the time I moved here to Sarasota 17 years ago. I’m originally from Memphis, Tenn., and I went to college at The University of Texas at Austin, where I met my husband, Ben, who was born and raised in Sarasota.

After moving here, I got very involved at Temple Beth Sholom Schools, where my daughters went to preschool. I joined Junior League shortly after that to meet people and learn about volunteering and the Sarasota community. I became the chair of the board of the preschool at Temple Beth — that was my first leadership role experience. At that point, I was also getting involved with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. I started joining more and more committees, chairing events and working to get younger people involved with the Federation.

I can’t remember how many years ago it was, I would guess seven to eight years ago, I was invited to a Girls Inc. luncheon and I was just blown away. I was so impressed by the organization. I remember walking in and the girls met you in the hallway by looking you in the eye, shaking your hand and introducing themselves. Looking people in the eye and firm handshakes are things my husband and I have taught our children to always do, and it reminded me of how we have raised them. Having three daughters, that just spoke to me. After hearing the strong, smart and bold mission, I knew right away I wanted to take that home with me.

I’ve always focused my volunteering on where my life has been at the time. Jewish continuity is first and foremost in my life. I want my kids to understand the importance of Judaism and keeping that continuity.

A lot of what I do is for my kids to see us giving back, to set an example for them so they will do that as well. My husband is also very involved in nonprofits, and it’s our purpose to be role models of that because both of our parents were role models of that for us. My husband and I both have very busy careers and three daughters, but it’s still so important to be involved in our community. I think it’s important to know that it’s not impossible.

I almost feel like being involved in Sarasota is difficult to avoid because there are so many opportunities to give back. It’s interesting because once you get involved, you begin to realize your purpose and why it’s important to you. For me, I love this community — that’s why I enjoy selling real estate. I sell this community and I want to give back to this community. I want to make a difference in people’s lives.