For Hannah Van Curen '21, political science has become much more than an undergraduate degree. It's part of her daily mission to help Americans have their voices heard in democracy. Four years after graduating from Jacksonville University, she's making her mark in Washington D.C., using the foundation she built on campus to influence policy and impact lives as a manager at Targeted Victory.
Recently promoted to her new position, Van Curen oversees nationwide grassroots campaigns, helps shape digital advertising strategies and manages creative projects that support major public policy initiatives. In her role, she works with a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, national nonprofits and leading trade associations.
“As cliché as it sounds, no two days ever look the same,” Van Curen said. “Public affairs is a mix of communications, marketing, creative work, politics and even data. One minute I might be writing a press release, the next I’m setting up social media ads or visiting the [Capitol] Hill.”
Van Curen’s work covers sectors such as healthcare and tech and has led to the successful passage of legislation in the House and Senate, playing a key role in efforts that have shaped decisions by top government officials. She says it’s no small task, but the payoff makes her efforts well worth it.
“Working with Congress is always challenging, but seeing legislation pass after months (or years) of work is incredibly rewarding. It’s democracy in action and helping people participate in that process is deeply meaningful.”
Van Curen discovered her calling in politics and advocacy as a JU undergraduate, where dynamic professors and diverse classes sparked her curiosity about new ideas.
“My classes at JU were diverse, from politics to marketing and Shakespeare. The course variety helped me figure out what I was really interested in while pushing me to grow. My most impactful classes were Electoral Politics with Dr. Corrigan, which introduced me to the world of political campaigns and the strategy behind them, and Scandal and Corruption with Dr. Trantham, which taught me why political communication is so critical and political spin.”
Those professors noticed her enthusiasm. Dr. Matthew Corrigan, professor of political science and public administration, recalls Van Curen’s potential from her time in his classroom.
“Hannah always stood out. She has the passion for the political world and also the analytical skills to understand the impact that politics and public policy have on the everyday life of Americans. It is no surprise to me that she has become a policy leader in Washington, D.C.”
Building on both her academic foundation and professional experience, Van Curen has ambitious plans for the future. She hopes to eventually earn her Ph.D. and build on her master’s thesis, which examined ways in which nonprofits can be more effective in lobbying.
“I’ve seen firsthand how powerful grassroots mobilization can be, and I want to help nonprofits use it to make an even bigger impact.”
