For Ryan Hansen, a proud graduate of West Haven High School’s Class of 2011, the journey from varsity athlete to tech industry professional has been rooted in relationships, curiosity, and self-discovery. A former captain of the hockey team and multi-year baseball player, Ryan’s path shows how passion and perseverance can evolve into purpose—both personally and professionally.
Looking back at his time at WHHS, Ryan credits the support of teachers who went beyond the classroom. “One of the teachers who had a lasting impact on me was Mrs. Warren, my English teacher,” he said. “She was incredibly patient and encouraging. She made me feel like she truly believed in me—even though English wasn’t my strongest subject.” For Ryan, that belief made all the difference. “Sometimes all it takes is one adult to see your potential and say it out loud. Mrs. Warren did that for me, and it’s something I’ll never forget.” That encouragement carried him into his next chapter at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Criminal Justice, graduating in 2015.
When asked what advice he’d offer to current students, Ryan kept it real and reflective. “Thinking about the future—college, careers, and everything in between—can feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been exposed to all the options that are out there,” he said. His first piece of advice? Talk to people. “Ask questions. Whether it's a friend in college, someone you meet at work, or even a stranger at the airport—people love to share their stories. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn just by being curious.”
His second insight encourages students to focus inward. “Spend some time reflecting on what you truly enjoy—not in terms of a career title, but in terms of what lights you up,” he said. For Ryan, that meant embracing his love of relationship-building and people skills, which eventually led him to a successful career in tech sales.
If he could go back and talk to his high school self? Ryan would keep it simple: “Enjoy the ride. Make mistakes—they’re your best learning opportunities. Treat everyone—your classmates, teammates, and teachers—with kindness and respect. And above all, just try to be a good person. That’ll take you further than anything else.”
Professionally, Ryan is now thriving as a Strategic Account Executive at Superblocks, a tech startup helping major companies build internal tools using AI. “I help companies like Rocket Mortgage, DraftKings, SoFi, and Toast evaluate, purchase, and adopt our platform,” he explained. His journey into the tech world began shortly after college, when he joined Datadog in an entry-level role. “Over eight years, I moved up through the ranks, helped the company grow from 200 to over 5,000 employees, and had the incredible experience of being part of Datadog’s IPO in 2019.”
That experience solidified his passion for the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of software—and his drive hasn’t slowed down since.
When it comes to the mindset that’s stuck with him all these years, Ryan didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “‘You can do whatever you want in life—as long as you put your mind to it.’ — My mom,” he shared. “It’s simple, but I’ve found it to be true time and time again. Hard work, belief in yourself, and persistence can take you places you never imagined.”
Ryan’s story is a reminder that it’s okay not to have it all figured out—but by staying curious, building connections, and believing in yourself, you’ll find your way.