Meet a Member : Hannah Gissane

25 May 2015

This article is part of our member profile series. Our members tell us that one of the things they really love about being part of our community, is getting to know likeminded women. So, each month, we’ll feature an interview with a member, so you can get to know each other a little better. Today, meet Hannah Gissane, Project Officer at the Equality Rights Alliance. 

You in a nutshell.

26. ENFP. Feminist. Improviser. Former Novocastrian. Wannabe Canberran.

What was your highlight of the past year? 

Attending the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne with YWCA young women from across the globe. This was the first time I got a real feel for just how big our movement is. There is a joyous sense of global solidarity and sisterhood that the Y brings.

What’s an achievement you’re proud of?

A collection of little things – a great costume for this year’s Mardi Gras, exhilarating moments with ACT Impro friends and walking 25Km in the Canberra 100.  A little achievement unlocked every so often keeps me happy!

What’s on your playlist?

This American Life!

Why did you join the Y?

Organisations like the Y bring people together in a world that is increasingly siloed, indivualistic and disconnected (well, offline that is). The simple act of joining a club, organisation, movement is in decline and I want to rebel against this! I want to be a joiner! I want to be a member! I want to connect. This is how we change the world and the Y is a perfect vehicle for this.

Who inspires you?

My mum. She brought up four children by herself on the smell of an oily rag. She’s my hero and I love her to pieces.

What’s the change you want to see in the world?

A safer world. A world where interpersonal and institutional violence isn’t ever justified, glorified, accepted or seen as inevitable.  It is possible.

Would you like to be featured as Member of the Month? Email Zoya Patel at zoya.patel@ywca-canberra.org.au to register your interest!

Tags: meet a member, membership