Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Danielle Stewart! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
My friends and family encouraged me to pursue a field that was both creative and scientific. They encouraged me to find something that would challenge me technically but also allow me to express myself — which led me to study Computer Science and Creative Technologies. I enjoy being able to express creativity through code. I also love that front-end development is people-centric. Even when you’re not directly working with clients, you must think about their wants and needs and how they’ll be interacting with what you’re creating.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
One thing I’m really proud of is earning two degrees in 4.5 years. It was a challenging experience that pushed me to grow both personally and academically. Balancing multiple programs taught me how to stay organized and motivated even when things felt overwhelming. I had to learn how to manage my time, stay motivated, and adapt to different kinds of coursework. I also got to work on some really cool projects with amazing people along the way, which made the journey even more rewarding.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
My older sister Dominique has been there for me my entire life. From helping me learn how to developing a sense of style, I can safely say I’m not sure where I would be without her influence and support. She has always encouraged me to be confident in who I am and to take on challenges, even when I doubted myself. To this day. I still go to her often for advice. Having her as both a role model and a best friend has made a huge difference in my life and the person I’ve become.
Why did you choose to be a professional volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s mission is especially critical today. Bridging the educational gap is not only about changing lives now, but also correcting the mistakes of the past and building a more equitable future. When we think about the future, it is truly in the hands of the youth and the lives they’ll lead. By uplifting and empowering their potential, we take the first step toward creating lasting, positive change. I’m happy to support E.R.E.’s mission and help make education more accessible for all.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s purpose to overcome educational challenge resonates deeply with me because it reminds me of my parents. Neither of them were expected to go on to college, yet they worked hard and earned multiple advanced degrees. Part of the reason they pushed themselves academically was how access to education can change lives and create opportunity. Their journey showed me the importance of supporting others in continued learning, which is why E.R.E.’s mission is so meaningful to me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that helps others reach their full potential through education.
If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?
My first wish would be the ability to safely teleport to any location I think of. Traveling without time constraints or gas prices would mean more time I could spend with my family and friends. My second wish would be reverting the effects of climate change and instilling practices and technologies worldwide to limit its future impact. The third and final wish always has to be to free the genie (or whoever is providing the wishes). I think it’s simply common courtesy to return a gift that has been given.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
The introduction of Outliers by Malcom Gladwell is about Roseto, Pennsylvania and “the Roseto Effect”. Gladwell talked about the population’s lower heart disease rates and longer life expectancy and attributed it to their strong sense of community. It dispelled the common notion that medical problems always require medical solution. It opened my mind to the broader value of social connection and support. Since then, fostering strong communities and support systems has become a core value of mine.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
My advice would be to focus on your attitude. There are so many aspects of life beyond our control, but you can always manage your perspective and response to a situation. If you’re focused on the grey clouds in the sky, you might miss the rainbow that came after the storm. On the journey to success there will be many rainy days, but by learning to find the “rainbows” in your missteps you’ll be better suited to move forward. And by staying positive and hopeful, you’ll keep the door open for future opportunities of success.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be?
I would inspire a movement of social change focused on strengthening community and collective engagement. I can’t define a perfect society, but it’s clear that many areas are in need of improvement—ranging from low voter participation to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Many of these issues could be helped by fostering stronger social connections and a greater sense of shared responsibility. Individualism is ingrained in our society, but real progress comes when people are uplifted as a community. Contributing to a movement that shifts this narrative toward collaboration is something I would be proud to be a part of.
Please share your favorite life lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is, “Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.” I like this quote because it emphasizes the importance of balance. Pride on it’s own is not a symbol of strength. If you’re unable to comfortably sit in your humility, you’re holding yourself back. This is relevant to me because it’s something I’m still learning. Doing things I’m not already good at is challenging, but trying those new things and coming out unscathed makes me stronger.
