We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Daniels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As a Community Engagement Director at Reading Partners South Carolina, my mission is deeply rooted in my belief that education is the foundation for creating equitable opportunities for all students. My journey into this role began with the Charleston County School District and a passion for empowering communities, especially those facing systemic barriers, by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.

I have always been motivated by the idea that literacy opens doors for the individual student and for their entire community. Working with Reading Partners South Carolina, I see how reading can transform lives and help children gain the confidence they need to succeed academically and beyond. My mission is to build strong, lasting relationships within the community that are centered around supporting students’ growth through literacy.

One of the driving forces behind my mission is the power of collaboration. By fostering partnerships with schools, volunteers, and local organizations, we create a support system that ensures students receive the attention and resources they need to improve their reading skills. True community outreach includes building a network of support that extends beyond the classroom, ensuring that children have the tools to succeed both now and in the future. At the heart of my role is a commitment to inclusion and making sure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me and My Journey

Currently, I am honored to serve as the Community Engagement Director at Reading Partners South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to closing the literacy gap by providing individualized reading support to students. My journey into this field began with the Charleston County School District, driven by the belief that literacy is the foundation of success, both in school and in life. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how access to education and resources can shape a person’s future. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others achieve their full potential, while also advancing my own education as a Doctoral Candidate at Charleston Southern University.
I entered the education and nonprofit sectors because I wanted to be a part of the positive change, particularly in underserved communities. I was drawn to the idea of building relationships and partnerships that would directly impact students’ lives. Through this, I discovered that community engagement was the key to fostering lasting, sustainable change. By connecting schools, volunteers, and local organizations, we can ensure that students have the resources they need to thrive.

What I Do and How I Help

As a Community Engagement Director, my role centers on creating these meaningful partnerships to recruit volunteers to support literacy initiatives. I lead efforts to build and manage relationships with local organizations, schools, volunteers, and community leaders to ensure we are providing the best possible reading support to students. The services I provide are centered around connecting talented, passionate volunteers with students who need one-on-one reading assistance. Our work focuses on helping students develop critical reading skills, so they can catch up to grade level and build a strong foundation for future academic success.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I am most proud of the real impact we have accomplished in our community. Watching students grow in confidence and knowing they are better prepared for success is truly rewarding. It is the teamwork and shared commitment to empowering students that makes our work so successful.

What I Want Potential Clients, Followers, and Fans to Know

Reading Partners SC is actively recruiting volunteers to support our 11 reading centers. Reading is not just a skill, it is s a lifeline that can open doors and create endless opportunities. My work is about making sure those opportunities are available to all students, especially those who need it the most.

I believe in the power of community. Real change happens when we all come together and work toward a common goal. If you are looking for ways to make a meaningful impact, whether as a volunteer, a partner, or a supporter, Reading Partners SC is always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify our reach and impact.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the community and within my field has been the result of consistency, relationship-building, and a genuine passion for the work. I believe that trust and transparency are foundational to creating strong partnerships. By consistently delivering on promises and being dependable, I have earned the trust of those I work with. Additionally, I have made it a priority to show up reliably, stay true to my values, and always prioritize the needs of the community.

One of my mentors once shared with me that it is important to listen to understand, not just to hear. I have taken this advice to heart, always focusing on truly listening to others and understanding their needs. This approach has allowed me to be more responsive and adaptive, helping me build long-term, meaningful relationships. I also prioritize collaboration over competition, believing that the best outcomes come when we work together as a team toward a shared goal.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to have all the answers or be in control of every situation to be effective. Early in my career, I thought being a leader meant solving problems on my own and always having the solution. However, through working under various leaders both those with positive and challenging approaches, I came to realize that true leadership and success stem from respect, collaboration, vulnerability, and learning from others.

The turning point for me came when I started working more closely with teams and community partners. I noticed that the best outcomes did not come from me trying to do everything myself, but from listening to diverse perspectives and allowing space for others to contribute their expertise. I had to unlearn the need to “do it all” and embrace the strength that comes from empowering others to step up, share their ideas, and take ownership of parts of the process. The more I let go and trusted others, the more successful our projects became. Now, I approach challenges with a mindset of shared leadership, knowing that collaboration is key to achieving meaningful, and sustainable results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://readingpartners.org/get-involved/volunteer/
• Instagram: @rpsouthcarolina
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

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