Hannah Grady

I grew up outside of Richmond, Virginia where I was homeschooled my whole life. My family knew at a young age that I had a passion for the outdoors, because every day I would beg my mother to let me do my school work on the porch or on a blanket in the backyard. My fiancé and I now get outdoors as much as we can by hiking, fishing, kayaking, and more. I have two dogs that share their love for the outdoors with me. They also strongly believe their humans. That is my own fault and dotake the blame for it.  

My journey with Virginia State Parks started in the summer of 2016. It was in my senior year of college at North Carolina State University. I was studying parks, recreation and tourism. I had to complete an internship before graduating. I was thrilled to receive the Virginia State Parks’ Public Relations and Marketing internship for district 4. I was able to learn so much more about what goes on behind the scenes in marketing and building relationships. That internship is when the spark for marketing began for me. 

Then, in December of 2016, I received my degree in parks and recreation and a job as the marketing assistant for districts 1, 3, 4, and 6. I am now assisting in marketing for twenty-five of Virginia state parks, and I am loving every minute of it. I enjoy promoting the outdoors for people of all ages to enjoy. 

I have an extreme passion for wildlife, nature, and parks. I was always told to follow my dreams, and that is why I studied parks and recreation. It’s also why I am where I am now in life. I see the good, no the “great”, that parks do for people. My goal in life is to share my passion and encourage more people to explore the outdoors.