A Montgomery, AL native, Hanae Victoria Mason earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Hampton University and an MPA at the University of Pennsylvania. After working in different capacities in the communications field, she was drawn to a new professional path: community advocacy and development. As the Community Programs Manager for Mt. Airy CDC, Hanae spearheaded the organization’s public life and placemaking initiatives, the most notable being the launch and activation of Lovett Park. Her public space advocacy work has been nationally recognized, and she was named an “Emerging Cities Champion” by the Knight Foundation and 8 80 Cities in 2018. Hanae is currently a self-employed writer, consultant, creative, and activist based in West Philadelphia.