This inspiring story tracks Hannah Williams, a high school student who felt left behind when her friends headed to four-year colleges. As it turned out, NOVA was precisely where she was meant to be.
Hannah’s path to success wasn’t without trials, but she always bounced back. For example, her job as a senior data analyst turned into a nightmare. And after doing some research, she realized she was being underpaid by a whopping $20,000–$25,000.
But she didn’t throw a pity party. Instead, she interviewed for a senior data analyst role at another firm. At that point, Hannah was armed with the knowledge of how much she should be paid, so she could confidently negotiate her salary. She got the job and a salary that was $25,000 more than her previous job.
Hannah couldn’t shake off the realization of how she solved her job and salary issues, knowing that countless others enter job interviews unaware of their true worth and end up settling for dramatically less money than they should be making.
While working to advocate for pay transparency, she had a simple idea: “I’m just going to go out on the street and ask people how much they make.” That’s how her company, Salary Transparent Street, was born.
Hannah’s videos went viral. Salary Transparent Street has more than 2.8 million followers on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn and her profile continues to grow.
While she has torn down the long-held taboo of asking someone how much money they make, Hannah’s core mission is advocating for pay transparency and addressing pay disparities. Her company turns two this month. Read more about her story and her future aspirations below.
What made you decide to quit your job and start your business?
I realized that I could create a business out of this. I could have an impact and cause change that would help hundreds of thousands of workers with a simple concept.
Our first video, shot in Georgetown, was posted on April 16, 2022. By the following morning, it had gone viral. I thought, let me keep going and see what happens. Within a week, the videos were still going viral, and I was getting constant emails from major media outlets. I thought, there’s something really big here.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I live in Alexandria, Va. My family moved to Northern Virginia during my senior year of high school. I previously lived in Colorado and overseas, so my mind was set on Colorado colleges. But living here in Virginia, I’d have to pay out-of-state tuition. I found myself facing the dilemma of where to go to college.
What brought you to NOVA?
I graduated from Yorktown High School around 2014–15, and my school had a connection with NOVA through its honors program. Encouraged by my parents, I applied for and received a full honors scholarship at NOVA.
My parents convinced me that obtaining two years of education for free at NOVA was smart, even though I wasn’t happy about it because of the stereotypes surrounding community colleges. But looking back at my NOVA experience, it was the opposite of what I’d expected. I loved my experience at NOVA!
People are usually shocked to hear that I went to community college and then went to Georgetown, and I am proud of that. It’s a testament to community college and the fact that all paths are possible. What you put into your experience is what you get out of it.
What did you study?
I started at NOVA in August 2015 and graduated in May 2017. I thought I wanted to be an athletic trainer and study anatomy, but I quickly realized anatomy is not my thing. So I pivoted to cybersecurity and eventually pursued a business major.
During my second year at NOVA, I had an epiphany: I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I got more involved in my business classes, networking and campus activities while saving money to pay for the next two years since I was determined to attend Georgetown University.
I was one of a few NOVA transfer students who got into Georgetown, and I was very proud. I also got a few scholarships while I was there. I started at Georgetown’s prestigious business school in August 2017, and I graduated in May 2019 — but without a job lined up.
Tell us about your experience at NOVA (professors, staff, friends who impacted you).
I had amazing teachers with whom I’m still friends. I’m good friends with Jill Mitchell, my accounting professor at the Annandale Campus, and Tank McCarl, who ran student life. He now does campus and community outreach at Annandale.
So many people really supported me in my professional and student career, so I have only good things to say.
What would you tell a new NOVA student?
Get involved as much as possible! Join clubs and groups that match your interests and go to events, especially student life events; it’s where you meet people.
What about your future goals?
With Salary Transparent Street, I focus on my three Cs: Community, Congress and Corporate.
In the community, it’s supporting workers by giving them tools, resources and advice through our videos, blog posts and salary database. It’s about empowering them to receive fair pay and closing pay gaps.
Congress and corporate are the hardest to impact. In Congress, I advocate for legislation such as pay transparency laws. I testified in support of the D.C. Pay Range Act, which recently passed. I also want to make a difference in my state, Virginia.
Corporate is the most challenging. I’ve done speaking engagements and direct discussions. However, convincing corporate America to make less money for ethical reasons is an uphill battle. But I’m focused on making a direct impact. I’m trying to show them that the bottom line is worth it.