2024 40 Under 40 Winners

Danielle has been pivotal in driving the Burnaby Hospital Foundation's exponential growth, increasing annual revenue from $2.5-$3 million to $13.4 million in 2023 under her leadership. Notably, she spearheaded the Bright Future Redevelopment Campaign, surpassing its $30 million goal in half the expected time, with current totals exceeding $45 million. Her strategic acumen extends beyond capital campaigns, including her role in establishing the Physicians for a Bright Future initiative and organizing successful annual galas that collectively raise over $400,000.

My passion for healthcare and philanthropy started from both my parents. My dad came to Canada as a refugee and was always so appreciative of the support that he received from various communities and organizations. He instilled the value and importance of giving back to one's community. My mom was a healthcare executive and was always very appreciative of the financial support that organizations provided to enhance the healthcare experience and services offered to all. These early values and experiences made healthcare philanthropy a natural fit for me.

A gift that my parents gave me was the permission to make something of myself, to do something with my life, and to shape my destiny that would have a positive and greater impact on something other than just myself.

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to be selected to participate in a Minerva Foundation’s 11-month intensive program called Women Leading the Way. It reinforced for me that leadership matters and provided me with a roadmap for my leadership journey in healthcare philanthropy. More recently, I successfully obtained my CFRE designation. This designation not only enhanced my skill set and knowledge in fundraising but also elevated my creditability with donors and colleagues and further confirmed my commitment to philanthropy.

Travel is a passion of mine because it allows me to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, gain a broader perspective on the world, and fuel my curiosity. Each trip offers unique experiences, from tasting exotic cuisines to witnessing breathtaking landscapes. The world is our oyster, and there is so much of it to explore!

I read this somewhere years ago, and it resonated with me: You are not your job, and your identity should not be your job. Find your identity outside of work and be that person. That, then, will be reflected in your career, family, and life choices.