Danielle joined Food Literacy Center in 2025 as the Community Engagement Manager. With a love of food, culture, and community, it is no surprise she chose Food Literacy Center as a place to grow her skills and passion. Danielle brings over 10 years of experience in youth and community development. Before joining Food Literacy Center, Danielle spent 5 years working with the community to transform vacant lots into community gardens in Detroit, Michigan. Her focus included expanding food access, creating safe and beautiful outdoor community spaces, and developing new opportunities for youth development. In her new role at Food Literacy Center, she is leading our community engagement efforts, bringing residents together to inform and expand our 1 acre farm through placemaking and food access, while enhancing our field trip opportunities for students throughout the region. 

With her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan, Danielle has spent her career building power through community change, policy change, and youth development. She has organized with the Farmworker Union (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste), led policy campaigns with the Detroit Justice Center, and spearheaded community development efforts with Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. In addition to her community work, Danielle brings experience as a line cook, barista, grant writer, and farmhand.

Danielle speaks fluent Spanish and English, and is conversational in Portuguese. Growing up in a multicultural, multi-family home, Danielle ate a variety of foods ranging from Soul Food to Mexican and Brazilian cuisine. Her favorite meals are Collard Greens, Albondigas Soup, and Brazilian Feijoada.