Danielle was honored as one of Glamour’s 20 Amazing Young Women at the 2010 Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Read about the other honorees here.
Name:
Danielle Snyder
Age:
25
Your email address:
Your website:
Your “claim to fame” – aka why you were part of Glamour’s 20 Amazing Young Women!:
I co-founded a non-profit called L.W.A.L.A. (Live With A Lifelong Ambition) after visiting the Kenyan village of Lwala and testing approximately one third of the villagers for HIV at the nearest health facility. Upon learning the frightening rates of infection, my best friend and I co-founded LWALA to get young people to use their passions and talents to impact change. The organization is named after the Kenyan village that we fundraised approximately $100,000 for in order for them to finance their first community health facility. We threw several fundraising galas in New York and Nashville and are in the process of planning our upcoming event.
What are you doing to change the world?
My sister and I had designed a capsule jewelry collection to help fundraise for the first health facility in Lwala, Kenya in 2007. It was a huge success, and ultimately gave us the encouragement to found our own label, DANNIJO in March of 2008. We’re working on a project that will employ women in underdeveloped areas of the world to take part in creating DANNIJO so we can help create sustainable economic opportunity while doing what we love. We also donate jewelry to several non-profit organizations for silent auctions to help fundraise for worthy causes that we are passionate about.
What is a quotation or message that drives you?
“Live lightly” and “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Co-founding my non-profit and raising approximately $100,000 for Lwala, Kenya’s first health facility is one of my proudest accomplishments. Professionally, being featured on the TODAY show and being recognized as Inc Magazine’s 30 under 30 list as “America’s Coolest young Entrepreneurs” for my work with DANNIJO were also very proud moments.
At what one point did you really feel like you’d made an impact?
When I watched “Journey to Lwala,” the documentary that we made during our trip to Lwala, at our first New York fundraising Gala at the Asia Society, it brought tears to my eyes and I saw its impact on everyone around me in the audience. I knew it was enough to inspire, and it gave me reassurance that we were on our way to impacting positive change.
What would you say was the “coolest” moment in your life thus far?
Too many to list! High moments include: dancing with the locals in Lwala, Kenya; opening our first ever DANNIJO showroom in the meatpacking district of New York; being featured in New York Magazine (one of my favorite magazines); Beyonce buying DANNIJO at Bergdorf Goodman; being honored alongside such amazing women at Glamour Women of the Year Awards; watching my sister and I on the TODAY show…
What is a challenge you’ve faced while trying to achieve your goals?
Finding balance.
If someone gave you a million dollars to benefit your cause (or your research, your company, etc.) what would you use it for?
I would use it to fund a DANNIJO program that creates sustainable economic opportunity for women in underdeveloped areas of the world.
In 10 years I hope… to have positively impacted millions of women around the world and for DANNIJO to be the go-to accessible luxury lifestyle brand.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?
Something in music, film, or journalism.
What 3 adjectives would people use to describe you?
Bold, Inspiring, Creative
What is your biggest weakness?
I try to do too much at once.
Who is your hero and why?
My parents. Their unwavering love for each other inspires me and their generosity and selflessness make me want to be a better person. I’m also a huge fan of Natalie Morales. She’s able to balance it all—she’s married with two kids, has a successful career she’s worked relentlessly to create, she has a vivacious and accessible personality, and is in the best shape ever!
Who is your biggest cheerleader, supporting you every step of the way?
My mom and dad and my best friends.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
Go to concerts with my boyfriend, bikram yoga, going out with my friends, dining in New York, vintage and antique shopping, running and wakeboarding
Which of this year’s Glamour WOTY award winners would you most like to meet and why?
Dr. Hawa Abdi and her two daughters. They are fearless and changing the world to make it a better place.
What was your favorite part of Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
I loved Julia Roberts’s speech
What did you wear to Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
A gorgeous Marchesa white gown, Jimmy Choo shoes and DANNIJO jewelry.
Who did you bring as your guest to Glamour’s WOTY Awards?
My Mom
Who do you think should win a Glamour WOTY Award next year?
My dear friend Elizabeth Dearborn Davis for her work in Rwanda.
What does “glamour” mean to you?
It means focusing on your inner beauty so that it radiates outwards. Glamour is having impeccable style and uniqueness while also having a positive attitude, calming sensibility and desire to do good.
How does it feel to be honored as one of Glamour Magazine’s 20 young women who are already changing the world?
Amazing!!
What advice would you give to our college women readers?
Do what you love and incorporate a way to give back. Invest in friendships and relationships and always remind yourself to stay grounded. Pursue your passions.