dani920

There are small things to do make change, like carrying reusable bags, tutoring in my community, helping out a friend, or signing a petition for a cause I believe in. Then, there are the big things. I think the big things require teamwork and collaboration and the passions and talents of many people inspired to change the world. That's why I work for Ashoka, its about supporting social entrepreneurs and individual changemakers, bringing everyone together, and acheiving something even bigger.

Though I love living in DC and India and look forward to moving across the world in the near future, I'll never lose my Midwest roots and still love visiting my home state of Wisconsin. The easy-going and quiet friendliness of the people, the beautiful fields and forests, the undying devotion to classic rock and Tom Petty, and of course the fried cheese, bratwursts and hometown micro brews. Wherever else I roam, there's still always something to be said for coming home for a bonfire in the backyard and a mug of Spotted Cow.

A short laundry list :) I passionately believe one of the greatest services a person can provide is to teach a kid, to nurture their talents, creativity, and tenacity, and to set them free to go off and accomplish greater things than we can imagine. I want to see every child have that kind of teacher and the resources and opportunities to become changemakers themselves. I want people to see resources used, shared, and respected in innovative and productive ways so that no one has to suffer just because of where they live, who their parents were, or what nationality they are. I want to see environmentally sustainable products and processes become the only ones individuals, communities, and governments even think about investing in. When the most sustainable products and processes are also the ones that provide the most utility for households, communities, and the economy, then we'll really be on the way to saving the planet. I want to see art and interesting design that intrigues people's senses incorporated into everyday life, from bus stops to libraries, to the work place.

Danielle is the program manager for the Ashoka-Lemelson Tech 4 Society Event series. Before joining Ashoka, Danielle most recently worked in Chennai, India where she developed programs for a small women's organization and saw first-hand the cross-cutting impact that technology can have on a society. At Ashoka, Danielle has designed and pioneered new fundraising initiatives for the organization while also working closely with the Venture and Fellowship staff both in DC and across the Asia diamond. Danielle is now a contributing member to Ashoka's social media users group and is looking forward to the upcoming Ashoka-Lemelson Tech 4 Society events coming up around the world.