Jurisdiction: Elkin
University: Wake Forest University
Hometown: Ararat, NC
Danielle Key is the Lead for North Carolina Fellow for the Town of Elkin. She is currently working for the Explore Elkin team as a public information officer to boost community engagement through varied media platforms. Through this role, she has been able to assist with event planning for the town of Elkin. Recently, she served as the event planner for the first annual CommUNITY Picnic to celebrate diversity, culture, and unity through fellowship. As the 2020 North Carolina Trail Days Coordinator, her current endeavors are focused on event scheduling, managing partnerships, as well as sponsorship procurement to ensure a successful festival in June. Danielle attended Wake Forest University, where she graduated magna cum laude and received a BA in Communication with a minor in Studio Art. A member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, Danielle spent her time at Wake Forest as a physics tutor for Student-Athletes, as well as a mentor for students in public speaking as a peer consultant at Wake’s Speaking Center. Her skill in fine art flourished through advanced printmaking courses, during which she produced various etchings and prints that were chosen to be displayed in both the Hanes Art Gallery and START Gallery. She states her involvement with the NC Tar Heel Girls State program as the foundation of her commitment to mentorship and government. Her five-year involvement in the government-in-action patriotic learning program allowed her to counsel promising young women from all across the state.
On her why: I am extremely passionate about small towns and appreciate the uniqueness they have to offer. Through Lead for North Carolina I will be able to positively contribute to my community and learn so much about the way it runs. I know this is the perfect opportunity for me to put forth my passions and talents while learning so much along the way.
Recent Work Accomplishments:
Danielle is the project manager for Elkin's 2020 NC Trail Days Event, an initiative to increase the invisibility of the town as a major "trail" town and promote economic development. She recently planned and advertised the CommUNITY picnic to celebrate diversity and inclusion in Elkin. She plays a pivotal role in the "Explore Elkin" initiative to create a more vibrant, active community and promote a more robust economic climate for existing and new businesses.