Miss America’s Teen 2024, Hanley House, is a high school junior from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is also dually enrolled in college courses. Hanley plans to pursue a degree in business at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill while also being an active member of the University's "Carolina Girls" dance team.
With thirteen years of competitive dance experience, Hanley has garnered national awards and attended ballet programs across the country, including the Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. At the age of twelve, she started her own vinyl design business, inspiring her to initiate "Passion to Profit," a community service project dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering real-world skills.
Hanley's mission is to assist others in discovering and transforming their passions into profit, whether in terms of income, purpose, or learning opportunities. The impact of 'Passion to Profit' extends beyond monetary gain, providing Hanley with a platform to explore her talents and creativity. Studies suggest that individuals who engage in enjoyable responsibilities spend less time on social networking apps, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being—something Hanley considers invaluable.
Now a community leader, Hanley teaches young entrepreneurs the art of turning passion into profit, focusing on imparting real-world skills such as financial management, community reinvestment, and brand marketing. Through her YouTube platform, she has shared "Five Steps for Young Entrepreneurs" in classrooms and virtually, observing the excitement and engagement of students as they contemplate their aspirations.
The validation Hanley receives in those moments fuels her determination to continue. 'Passion to Profit' has enabled her to reinvest in her community by raising and donating funds to The American Heart Association. As Miss America's Teen, Hanley is confident that this initiative is not only beneficial but also critical for future generations.
Looking ahead, Hanley eagerly anticipates continuing her mission of delivering 'Passion to Profit' and hosting virtual entrepreneurship sessions through her YouTube platform, connecting with a broader and more diverse audience nationwide. Guided by North Carolina's motto, "esse quam videri" – "to be, rather than to seem," Hanley is steadfast in her commitment to empower teens to build real-world skills, encouraging them "to be" rather than "to seem."