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Danielle North

she/her Founding Executive Director, Detroit
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North is a wife, mother of three, long-distance runner, and a social entrepreneur. North is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University.

North is the Founder and former CEO of Degree Forward, a local nonprofit providing college pathways to achieve degree completion for Detroiters and communities in Michigan.

As a proven cradle to career strategist and implementation specialist, North has successfully founded several initiatives: Kidz Kingdom, Detroit’s first indoor playground, a licensed child care center, Biz Kidz, a youth entrepreneurship and career summer camp, and Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, which has grown to 14,000 members on its Facebook platform.

She is a proud 2012 alumni of the prestigious German Marshall Memorial Fellowship. In 2019, she became a Detroit Free Press, Shining Light Mayor Dave Bing Future Leader Awardee. In 2021, North was awarded the honor and distinction of Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40. In 2022, North received the Spirit of Detroit for her commitment to youth, women, education, and community development.

North serves on the fund development board for Black Leaders Detroit, she’s a guest columnist for Detroit Free Press and a Kresge Thrive Leaders Alumna.