MEET YOUR ALLIES

Kerri “Kez” Hanley was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and has spent all but six years of her adult life in Spokane, with time spent in Seattle and Woodbridge, Virginia along the way. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School and later returned to school as a non-traditional student later in her life, studying sociology and communication at Spokane Falls Community College and Northern Virginia Community College. She also holds a technical school diploma in broadcasting.

She grew up in a family deeply rooted in social services. Her mother advocated for families of incarcerated individuals for many years, and her parents founded one of Coeur d’Alene’s most impactful Christmas charities. Kez proudly worked alongside her mother each year, an experience that shaped her commitment to service. Her professional background also includes work at a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and at a local teen shelter, further strengthening her dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.

Outside of work, Kez is a lifelong jewelry maker and small business owner. She has been creating jewelry since the early 70's, when her mother gave her broken pieces to repurpose into creations for herself and her dolls. Today, she sells her work at street fairs, galleries, and online, continuing a creative passion that spans decades.

Kez’s path to social services is both personal and professional. She is not only the receptionist and executive assistant at Triumph, but also a former client. After spending two years working as a concierge in an independent and assisted living facility, she realized she wanted to do more meaningful public service work. When the opportunity to join Triumph arose, she embraced it wholeheartedly, motivated by both lived experience and a desire to give back.

A quote that resonates deeply with her is from Harry Belafonte: “Each and every one of you has the power, the will and the capacity to make a difference in the world which you live in.” This belief reflects her journey from client to staff member and guides her daily commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.