Alumna and motivational speaker authors “The Hat Chronicles”

After 19 years at ITC Holdings Corp. in Novi, HFC alumna Linda Hannah retired to focus her energies as a motivational speaker and author.
“More than 30 years in corporate environments prepared me to transition from structured systems to a calling of purpose and reflection,” said Hannah. “Launching Linda Hannah Speaks in 2021 wasn’t just a change in my career – it was a leap into my life’s deeper mission.”
The Hat Chronicles
Hannah, a former hat designer (milliner) who uses hats as a metaphor to empower women, recently wrote and published her first book called The Hat Chronicles: Scripture-Powered Insights to Embrace Every Role You Wear. Through 31 reflections rooted in the Christian biblical tradition, Hannah explores how the many "hats" women wear as mothers, daughters, professionals, friends, leaders, and more shape their identity and purpose.
The concept behind The Hat Chronicles grew through Hannah’s Hat Moments talks and millinery workshops, including sessions she led at the Michigan Sewing Guild and classes she taught at Minnesota Fabrics.
“My years as a milliner and mentor introduced me to stories that weren’t just about style; they were about identity,” she explained. “I wanted to create a book that honored those stories and offered tools for women to reflect on the many hats they wear in life. It’s a faith-centered guide to help women navigate their roles. Each symbolic hat represents a calling or season, and the book uses journaling and creativity to support spiritual growth.”
Attending HFC full-time, working full-time, and being a mom to 3 teens
Born in Detroit, Hannah is the middle of three children. For more than 30 years, she was married to (the late) Howard Sweeney, Jr. She has three children and two grandchildren and lives in Farmington Hills with Keith Hannah, her husband of 11 years.
An alumna of Finney High School in Detroit (which has since closed), Hannah earned a certificate in court reporting from the Detroit Institute of Commerce. She later attended HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) and earned her associate degree in general business, graduating with honors. At HFC, she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. After graduation, Hannah transferred to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies and human resources, also graduating with honors.
During her time at the College, she was taking classes full-time, working full-time at AAA Michigan in Dearborn as executive assistant to then-President and COO Douglas Bower, and raising three teenagers, which is “a full-time job in itself.”
“HFC was a great experience. It provided me with a lot of flexibility. The teachers were very understanding and accommodating,” she said. “I worked in Dearborn and went to school in Dearborn, which saved time and money. That was a win-win for me and a great blessing.”
Creative freedom to blend purpose with practice
“Feedback has been heartening,” Hannah said of The Hat Chronicles. “Leaders from the Michigan State University Women’s Leadership Institute, Career Mastered Magazine, and ministry circles have endorsed the book. Readers have shared how it’s brought clarity and comfort in their own journeys. These beautiful ‘tips of the hat’ reminded me that impact often arrives in quiet, meaningful moments.”
Writing The Hat Chronicles gave Hannah a lot of creative freedom. Designing the “Putting Your Hat to Work” activities brought her great joy when penning the book, blending purpose with practice.
“The most challenging part was ensuring spiritual depth while keeping the reflections approachable and relevant,” explained Hannah. “I wanted every woman, no matter her walk of life, to feel invited in, equipped to grow, and encouraged. It was important to craft each chapter with a blend of storytelling, symbolism, and compassion that shapes my purpose and the message behind Linda Hannah Speaks. Another challenge was narrowing the hats down to just 31. There were so many additional roles and symbolic hats that came to mind, each with its own story and spiritual lesson. Selecting the core 31 required reflection, trust, and a steady focus on the message I felt led to share.”
Detroit Public Library presentation
While The Hat Chronicles is Hannah’s first book, it is not her first time getting published. She contributed a chapter called “To Love and Love Again” in A Widow’s Resilience: Wisdom Keys for Moving Forward in Life and Love After Death Do Us Part. This 2021 anthology contained 14 stories about widowhood, written by widows. The book’s purpose is to empower women as they heal from the death of their spouse.
“There aren’t many books about widowhood, which is sad because they’re needed,” said Hannah. “You feel so alone, but you are not alone. This book can be a resource of encouragement and comfort.”
Readers may obtain a copy of The Hat Chronicles at local bookstores and online.
Recently, Hannah has been selected to Career Mastered Magazine’s “Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch 2025,” which will feature visionary women making an impact across business, media, and community.
Hannah has also been invited to present at the Detroit Public Library next January 15, which is National Hat Day.
“It’s a full-circle moment to share my message at such a historic venue,” said Hannah. “Years ago, while homeschooling my three children, we spent many enriching days inside that very library. Its stunning architecture and timeless atmosphere made it a treasured space for learning and inspiration. Returning now as a speaker feels like a divine echo, where past devotion meets present purpose.”