Hannah Liu, Founder, Author, DEI Expert and Advocate
Hannah Liu’s identity formation journey shaped her into a formidable advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion. The daughter of a Taiwanese father and a Jewish mother, Hannah’s early life was marked by a sense of dual heritage that often felt like living between two worlds. As a child, she embraced the musical and cultural aspects of her Jewish heritage, yet in the broader world, she was often recognized solely for her Asian features and stereotypical talents, such as playing the piano and violin. She often felt like she had to choose being Taiwanese, or Jewish.
Her educational journey took her to Brown University, where her personal experiences with identity took a pivotal turn. It was here that Hannah found a community that resonated with her own mixed-race background. She joined, and eventually started, affinity groups for multiracial students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding among peers who shared similar experiences of navigating multiple racial identities. This involvement was transformative, helping Hannah to see herself not as a divided entity but as a whole person enriched by a diverse heritage.
Hannah’s commitment to exploring and supporting multiracial identities deepened during her time at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Here, she pursued a master’s in educational policy, which equipped her with the tools to structurally support multiracial individuals in educational settings. After Harvard, Hannah embarked on a teaching career where she continued her passion for leading affinity groups, this time focusing on empowering young students to embrace their multifaceted identities.
Today, Hannah serves as a diversity, equality, and inclusion specialist at Pingree School in Massachusetts. Her professional and personal experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to DEI work. She saw how young people of multiracial identities struggled to develop a sense of self without multiracial adult role models. She is dedicated to creating environments where young people, particularly those of mixed racial backgrounds, can thrive by forging their own identities and drawing strength from their unique cultural narratives.
In founding the MIXED Identity Project, Hannah has furthered her mission on a larger scale, reaching out to multiracial teenagers through programs that celebrate and explore the complexities of their identities. Her work continues to inspire and support the next generation, encouraging them to see themselves as whole beings, enriched rather than divided by their diverse ancestries.
