Q: What drew you to CCFWG?

I have long been a champion of equity for women and girls. Through my work in diverse non-profits, social action and personal experiences, I witnessed first-hand the frequent disregard for and ignorance about women and girls’ true needs which harms the overall quality of life for all. I was thrilled to learn of the opportunity to support CCFWG’s unique collaborative approach to making a real difference in the lives of women and girls – now and into the future – by empowering them through experiential learning, making a real impact in their local communities and, at the same time, building life skills that will benefit them and all those they encounter for the rest of their lives. The impact of this ripple effect is truly powerful!

Q: What issue affecting women and girls keeps you up at night?

I am concerned for pre-teen and adolescent girls who are often vulnerable and not supported in having their voices heard and acted upon. I want all women and girls to feel confident and have the critical skills to speak up clearly and respectfully, act on their values and principles, and advocate for themselves and those too often marginalized in our society, through no fault of their own.

Q: How do you stay nourished and inspired?

I refuel myself in a number of ways – meditation, working in my garden and being in nature, reading, watching movies and documentaries, and being an active member of my church community.

Q: Summer reading recommendations?

• Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• Anything by Brene Brown – Daring Greatly, Dare to Lead, The Gifts of Imperfection, Rising Strong, or Braving the Wilderness
• Quiet by Susan Cain
• Give and Take by Adam Grant

Dana has worked in diverse staff, consultant and volunteer roles in Greater Philadelphia area non-profits for more than 20 years. Most recently, she was a Major Gifts Officer at United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and fundraising consultant with Be a Part of the Conversation. She oversaw Global Philadelphia Association’s GlobalPhilly™ 2016 International Exposition and helped plan activities related to Philadelphia’s designation as the 1st World Heritage City in the US. Dana also worked as a clinician at Family Services of Montgomery County. She is a long-time active member of her church community. Dana holds a BA in psychology from Northeastern University and MSW from Simmons College.