Vanessa Priya Daniel
Vanessa Priya Daniel
Courage Catalyzer
Principal, Vanessa Daniel Consulting LLC
Tacoma, WA
TOPICS
Leadership
Activism
Race
Gender
Democracy
Vanessa Priya Daniel is an award-winning organizer, author, and fearless advocate for racial and gender justice. A queer, biracial feminist and mother of two, Vanessa has spent her life helping social justice leaders build the grassroots power needed to win a truly multiracial, feminist democracy.
Known for keynotes and talks that spark action with equal parts fire and wit, Vanessa brings audiences to their feet and leaves them ready to organize. Her groundbreaking book, Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning, has made her a sought-after voice for those ready to dismantle systems of inequity and build something better in their place.
Beyond the stage, Vanessa partners closely with donors, foundations, grassroots organizers, and nonprofit leaders, offering sharp strategic advising and coaching to help communities and movements grow their impact. She is the founder and former executive director of Groundswell Fund, one of the nation’s leading funders of women of color-led grassroots and electoral organizing. Over 17 years under her leadership, Groundswell moved more than $100 million to over 200 organizations through the collaboration of 40 foundations and 2,000 individual donors.
Her vision and tenacity have earned her recognition as one of Inside Philanthropy’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Players in Philanthropy” and one of The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s “Influencers” changing the nonprofit world. Through every project, Vanessa stays rooted in her core belief: when women of color lead, whole communities win.
There is nothing more dangerous than letting fear run us. Courage is safer than cowardice. Truth telling is safer than silence. Solidarity is safer than individualism.
Listening to Vanessa Daniel speak is both grounding and uplifting. She has a way of weaving stories and truth together that makes you feel seen, while also opening your eyes to what’s possible. Her commitment to justice shines through every word, and she communicates with such authenticity that people from all walks of life can connect with her message. Vanessa doesn’t just speak—she inspires, leaving you with both clarity and courage to take action. She is one of the most timely and necessary voices of our generation.
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