A Local Heart with a Global Mission Hannah Barker’s Journey from Ashland to Advocate

A Local Heart with a Global Mission

Hannah Barker’s Journey from Ashland to Advocate

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

In a world that often overlooks those who need connection the most, some individuals shine a little brighter—offering hope, compassion, and inclusion to those who have long been left on the sidelines. One of those individuals is Hannah Barker, a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and Ashland native whose recent nomination as a 2025 Champion of the Year for Best Buddies International has ignited a wave of excitement and pride across her hometown and beyond.

“I am a 2006 graduate of Raceland-Worthington High School,” Hannah shared proudly. “After graduation, I attended the University of Kentucky, studying merchandising and business. I am an avid UK Wildcat fan as well.” Her journey from the bluegrass of Kentucky to the fast pace of New York City might seem unexpected, but for Hannah, it was always about following her dreams.

After years of living in Lexington, Hannah moved to New York City to pursue her dream of modeling. But her heart, it turned out, had even bigger plans.

“I have been a career nanny of 18 years and lived in NYC, LA, Denver, and Haiti—where I taught special education with a nonprofit doing mission work,” she explained. “I currently live in Nashville, Tennessee, where I’ve been for the past three years.”

Today, she runs Bump City, a maternity boutique in Nashville where she serves as both the manager and charity director. But her true calling? Advocacy and inclusion.

“I’m involved in many organizations such as Best Buddies International, myLIFEspeaks in Haiti, and People Loving Nashville,” Barker said. “I serve on the Board of Young Professionals at Best Buddies as well.”

This year, her efforts were recognized in a monumental way. “I have recently been nominated for 2025 Champion of Best Buddies, which is a huge honor,” she shared. And indeed, it is.

This prestigious nomination places Hannah among a select group of Tennesseans recognized for their leadership, professional success, and philanthropic spirit in creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

As a Champion candidate, Hannah is currently raising both funds and awareness to support the mission of Best Buddies and will be formally honored at the Champion of the Year Gala on October 25, hosted at the JW Marriott in Nashville.

  Founded by Anthony K. Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to creating a global volunteer movement that offers life-changing opportunities for individuals with IDD. These include… one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support.

The IDD community includes individuals with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, and other developmental or undiagnosed disabilities. Best Buddies believes these individuals deserve the same chances at friendship, careers, leadership, and independence as anyone else.

Since opening its doors in Nashville in 2010, Best Buddies Tennessee has grown tremendously, now directly serving over 5,000 individuals across the state each year. In addition to its foundational programs, the organization introduced Family Support and Inclusive Living programs in 2024—further expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

Inclusive Living, in particular, is transforming lives by providing individuals with IDD the opportunity to live independently in a supportive, integrated environment that fosters autonomy, personal growth, and lasting relationships.

The Champion of the Year campaign is not just about raising funds—it’s about celebrating inclusion. This nationwide initiative recognizes leaders like Hannah who are working to build a more inclusive world. Each campaign culminates in a vibrant gala, where nominees are honored and one Grand Champion is crowned.

Through this platform, Hannah is not only representing her community but also paving the way for countless individuals with IDD to be seen, heard, and valued.

Hannah Barker’s story is more than just impressive—it’s inspiring. From a small town in Kentucky to the bustling streets of NYC, and now as a passionate leader in Tennessee, her journey proves that when you follow your heart and use your platform to lift others, real change happens.

In Hannah’s own words, “I would love to reach more people to let them know about this huge achievement.”

And we believe she should. Because what Hannah is doing isn’t just a personal success—it’s a movement. A call to action. A celebration of every human’s right to belong.

So, the next time you pass by someone society has forgotten, think of Hannah Barker. Think of the bridges she’s building. And ask yourself: What could I do to make the world a more inclusive place?