Danielle D. North

North is a wife, mother of three, long-distance runner, author and serial entrepreneur. North is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University. North is a cradle to career education and strategic consultant that specializes in public speaking, strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion professional development sessions, building culturally responsive organizations, operational effectiveness and driving ideas from paper to process to implementation.

North is the Founding Executive Director of Degree Forward and Partner of Diploma Equity Project. Degree Forward is passionately pursuing higher college completion rates for working professionals and adults. Degree Forward achieves its mission by offering an accelerated, affordable, and achievable degree program through its college partner.

North is the visionary and implementation specialist for Dream Studio Detroit. DSD envisions a community-driven space with an equitable, multi-generational approach to entrepreneurship and career development for children and adults. The mission is to become a trusted connector and direct service provider for Detroiters of all ages seeking educational, entrepreneurship and career advancement. Dream Studio Detroit is the culmination of successful initiatives launched and sustained by North over the past decade.

As a serial entrepreneur, North has successfully founded several initiatives: Kidz Kingdom, Detroit’s first indoor playground, which is also a licensed child care center, Biz Kidz – to enhance her commitment to mentoring future entrepreneurs, and Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, which has grown to nearly 12,000 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 Award.

North is a founding member of Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance and serves as the Vice President of the board of directors. She also serves on the fund development board for Black Leaders Detroit. North is a guest columnist for Detroit Free Press.