Danielle Stroud, 38

Occupation: Nonprofit Executive, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter

What I do: Strategic leadership, developing organizational culture, high-level financial oversight, land development and relationship-building in support of our fund development and advocacy efforts.

How I got started: I became familiar with the nonprofit sector as an AmeriCorps member working for the Southwest Conservation Corps, a nonprofit organization based out of Tucson, Arizona. Our crew built trails and assisted with environmental studies. Once I completed my term of service I was hired as an executive assistant at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in 2012. I quickly fell in love with the work and held a strong vision for my career path.

I’m passionate about Habitat for Humanity because: Knowing that I’ve had a chance to invest in someone’s life and help them achieve a dream that they felt was out of reach is highly satisfying.

My biggest professional accomplishment: Growing Habitat’s philanthropic support by 280% since joining the team in 2015.

When I’m not helping people into homes: My two favorite things include being active and traveling, and many times I combine them. Locally, I enjoy lifting weights, hiking and playing sports but my next big active travel adventure will be to summit Kilimanjaro with my husband, Chase, for my 40th birthday.

My first job: As a 12-year-old I had two side gigs; I sold cookies in my neighborhood and I worked at the nursery at my church. Once legally allowable, around age 15, I started my first “real” job as a hostess in a local seafood restaurant.

My local mentor: Felix Ramirez, who recently passed, was a friend and champion of mine since joining Habitat in 2015. He believed in me, cheered me on and was a shining example of what it meant to be a force for good.

The best advice I’ve ever received: More of a mantra than advice, my father would shout at my siblings and I “Come on! You are a Vanoven!” which meant, we don’t give up, we don’t back down, dig deep within yourself and find the will to succeed… usually there was gritting of teeth and a smile that followed the phrase. Now that I’m a Stroud, I have had to adjust the phrase that I yell to my boys.

Fun fact: At a whopping 5’2,” I had a strong high school career in both volleyball and basketball.

If I had a million dollars to give: I would support local programs that provide opportunities for youth and disadvantaged individuals to invest in themselves and allow them to create a better future than the one they may have grown up in. Organizations locally such as Find, Feed, and Restore, Forward Paths, local mentorship and scholarship programs and of course, Habitat for Humanity.

Life after 40: I’m looking forward to seeing my boys, Zeke and Asher, grow up into little human beings (and enjoying the freedom that comes along with that). Professionally, I don’t envision leaving Habitat anytime soon; my work here has only just begun. The need for affordable housing is ever increasing and I am dedicated to the cause.