Rising Stars: Meet Hannah Parham-Humphrey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Parham-Humphrey.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At the age of nine years old, I lost my mother to domestic violence. My stepfather broke into our home, my mom went through the court system to retrieve an order of protection and it was not enough to save her life. The system failed her when she needed it the most. From that day forth, my life and my family was never the same. As you can somewhat imagine what myself and my family endure for years to come. I still struggle with attachment and trust issues. I eventually ended up in a domestic violence relationship myself. I set in my mind that I would be a voice for women suffering in silence. I originally founded this business in Georgia in 2014; life happened (I got married my husband was in the Army – we moved to Alaska and our family begin to grow). I later dissolved my business to focus on my home life. In 2020 I started the business back up because my heartfelt it was time. My mission is to be a leading voice in breaking the silence about domestic violence through accommodation, activism, and awareness. I am currently a generational curse breaker, I am a survivor and an advocate. I noticed that in BIPOC communities that women do not know that there are other resources for them to access outside of the police department. They did not know where to start to get help. Net’s Nest Shelter will be that link in the broken chain to help OUR communities. I now speak at events just to give out information and to be a present resource in the community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth, in fact it has been rough as hell excuse my French. As a young black woman who was once a statistic, it is very hard. I have learned so much along this process. So much I did not know coming into the non-profit world. I have been taken advantage of with my business and eagerness to succeed and make a difference. Exposure, finances and support. Because Domestic Violence is such a taboo issue within the BIPOC community a lot of people will by pass my table or be afraid to speak with me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated from The Fort Valley State University a HBCU in Fort Valley, Georgia in 2019 with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I like to paint, decorate, do arts and crafts, cook, travel, read, hang out with my friends and family. I am known for my bubbly personality always willing to help someone and a having a good heart. I have worked in the medical field since I was 17 years old. Once I got my degree and throughout school, I knew I wanted to do something with community relations. I currently work with DIDD individuals – as a community engagement contact.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Knoxville has a lot of hidden gems here and a lot of potential for transplant people. I am originally from Georgia. I dislike it’s not a lot of BIPOC owned businesses and restaurants. I wish was more culturally diverse because that’s what I am used to seeing growing up.

Contact Info:

• Email: netsnest00@gmail.com
• Website: www.netsnest.org
• Instagram: netsnestorganization
• Facebook: net’s nest organization

Image Credits
Professional pictures by Eric Vinson with Dreaming Wild Photography