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Jan 09, 2024 By Jessica Jones
Dani (Sheley) Hann: The Power of Community
Dani (Sheley) Hann shares the impact IIDA has had on her life both professionally and personally
By Jessica Jones Jan 09, 2024
Published in Articles

Dani (Sheley) Hann, IIDA is an associate interior designer at CannonDesign and has been an active member of the IIDA community since 2019 through her dedication and passion for the IIDA Gateway Chapter. Through her IIDA experience Hann gained design experience, friends, mentors and mentees. Throughout her career she has worn many hats but being a mentor and volunteer has been the most impactful in her IIDA journey. Hann’s desire to be involved and make an impact connects her with others creating new experiences, opportunities and stronger communities. Serving with IIDA gives her a greater reach to impact the future of interior design and helping those affected by built environments. Hann shares with us her thoughts and what inspired her to become a part of the IIDA community.

Why did you join IIDA and how have you been involved?

I joined IIDA at a time when I did not have many interior design colleagues at my level of experience in my firm. I longed for a network and group of like-minded people. Shortly after, I jumped in headfirst by joining the IIDA Gateway Chapter Board of Directors. I spent four awesome years on the Board of Directors in the roles of Co-VP of Membership, President Elect, President, and Past President. I truly love IIDA and the impact we can have on our communities. While I recently offboarded in July 2023, I can’t imagine I’ll be gone forever.

What inspired you to become a design professional?


Since I was twelve years old, I wanted to be a designer. I loved building things with Legos and problem solving was my forte. Before I even knew what they were, I was drawing elevations of my bedroom makeovers and presenting to my parents ideas for our home. I stayed the course and pursued a degree in Interior Design. I am so thankful for my career journey and what led me to where I am today.

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Hann named 2023 Member of the Year, joined with Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA and 2023 Student of the Year Espe Zivkovic, Student IIDA at IIDA's 2023 Annual Meeting.
Hann named 2023 Member of the Year, joined with Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA and 2023 Student of the Year Espe Zivkovic, Student IIDA at IIDA's 2023 Annual Meeting.
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Hann and Co-VP of Membership Michele Land speaking at the 2019 Gateway Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards about the value of membership.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann
Hann and Co-VP of Membership Michele Land speaking at the 2019 Gateway Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards about the value of membership.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann

What aspects of your membership have been of most value?

The most valuable aspect of my IIDA membership is at the local level. IIDA gives a platform to learn and share knowledge, be active in a community and stretch your imagination. By being an IIDA member, you also gain access to incredible national resources through CEUs and panel discussions. During my leadership on the Board of Directors, I had many opportunities to gather with other chapter leaders. To hear and experience what IIDA members are doing across the country is inspiring and encouraging. Even in our small world, we influence those around us through design as a unified community.

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Hann joins a group of design industry volunteers at Lemay Child & Family during the first annual Give Back Day event. This event was created as part of the new VP of Community Impact position Dani envisioned and added during her year as President.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann
Hann joins a group of design industry volunteers at Lemay Child & Family during the first annual Give Back Day event. This event was created as part of the new VP of Community Impact position Dani envisioned and added during her year as President.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann
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Hann and a team from the Gateway Chapter at the Missouri State Capital for Advocacy Day talking to legislators about the profession of Interior Design.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann
Hann and a team from the Gateway Chapter at the Missouri State Capital for Advocacy Day talking to legislators about the profession of Interior Design.
Photo by Image courtesy of Dani Hann

Why would you encourage others to join IIDA?

If you see a need for change, join IIDA! If you want to develop your network, join IIDA! Want to advocate for our profession, join IIDA! IIDA and my involvement changed the trajectory of my career and for that I am forever grateful.

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