Jessica M Hanna

Designing Accessible Learning | Advancing Educational Leadership | Expanding Digital Access

I am an instructional designer, educational leader, and U.S. Army veteran with 8 years of active-duty service supporting domestic and global mission operations. During my last four years of service, I was promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer and led teams in logistics, training, coordination, and resource management across diverse operational environments. My approach to leadership is shaped by this experience, as well as my role as a caregiver and parent to four, including three adults and one university student.

Much of my academic and professional advancement has taken place while navigating complex systems, managing family responsibilities, and working without consistent access to military education benefits. When online higher education expanded during the pandemic, I completed my undergraduate degree and pursued my Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. That experience strengthened my commitment to digital access and reinforced my belief that flexible and inclusive online pathways transform what is possible for adult learners.

Today, I support organizations, public agencies, and community partners through instructional design, digital learning strategy, and accessibility centered consulting. My work focuses on creating learning systems that recognize talent, reduce structural barriers, and offer clear, reliable pathways for advancement. I combine instructional design, Universal Design for Learning, digital pedagogy, and evidence-informed practice to help institutions redesign programs into accessible, scalable, and sustainable learning experiences.

A central part of my mission is supporting female veterans, veterans, and women who rely on online education to pursue new opportunities. I am committed to strengthening digital access, expanding benefit utilization, and creating environments where learners with caregiving responsibilities or complex life demands can succeed without sacrificing their well-being or potential. My long-term goal is to earn an EdD in Educational Leadership and contribute to policy efforts that ensure equitable access to online higher education for military-connected women, all veterans, and all women seeking to advance through education.

My work is grounded in clarity, structure, and community-responsive design. I build systems that support growth, leadership development, and long-term success for all participants, ensuring that talent is recognized and that no learner is limited by barriers that can be removed through thoughtful design and equitable policy.