Reaching back* is the only way to make true change

*to borrow a phrase from ADCOLOR

 

“After meeting Danielle through my involvement with ADCOLOR and collaborating with her at Weber Shandwick to strategize ways to foster an inclusive environment for incoming interns at the company, I can certainly say she has a passion for bringing up the next generation of aspiring diverse communication professionals.

She has also helped me navigate my own agency journey as a first-generation Hispanic immigrant and I certainly would not be where I am professionally if it weren't for her guidance.”

— Paula Chirinos, 2021 ADCOLOR FUTURE

  • PRSA San Francisco Board of Directors

    2019

    Director of the Professional Development Committee. Created programs “Improv for Communicators: Make Business a Little Less #Awkward”, How to Pitch Yourself: a DEI Discussion”, and spoke on “Millennials @ Work” DEI panel.

  • Mentor and Scholarship Judge, The LAGRANT Foundation

    2010-present

    Career mentor for students from under-represented ethnicities pursuing a career in PR/communications/advertising. Annually, score scholarship applications for next generation of talent.

  • University Guest Lecturer

    2010-present

    I connect with aspiring communicators and students across the nation at the collegiate level by guest lecturing at colleges and universities across the nation, including: University of San Francisco, Dominican University of California, Kansas State University, San Jose State, Fresno State, and University of Denver

    I speak frankly with students about breaking into the industry, salary negotiation, networking, and the importance of DEI in our industry and for their careers.

  • Students Rising Above (SRA)

    2017-2019

    In San Francisco, I volunteered with Students Rising Above, a Bay Area non-profit supporting low-income, first generation high school and college students. From hosting mock interviews, to speaking on panels about career growth and honing interview skill, to mentoring a then-high-school-student (now college graduate!), connecting her to professional and personal opportunities — and even making an 800-mile drive for a college campus tour.

  • Reimagined Internship Program

    2014-2019

    At Weber Shandwick San Francisco, I raised my hand to lead our internship program in San Francisco for five years, and reconfigured our program from the ground-up to integrate a focus on digital media skills and attracting candidates from under-represented ethnicities. I focused on piloting partnerships with The LAGRANT Foundation and BAYCAT, collaborating with the T. Howard Foundation, and connecting with historically diverse universities like San Jose State University.

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society

    2004-present

    When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 17, I dove deep into the world of the National MS Society seeking support and community. I volunteered for Walk MS, hosted fundraisers, and ultimately launched my career as a Marketing Assistant while completing my Bachelor’s degree. From there I joined as a writer and profiled people like Olympian Maureen Manley. Since then I’ve stayed connected as a donor and Walk MS participant.