3 Questions With ... Danielle Smith in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/24

WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist, Danielle Smith: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
I understand the drive and perseverance that it takes to continue to thrive in this society.  I do not take it for granted and nor do I believe that anything is owed to me.  Because of that reason, I feel that it is necessary to give back to our communities to help challenge our youth and see what I can do to truly make a difference.  When I give of my time, I am investing in something that is greater than myself. When I give my talent, I am using a God-given gift to make the world a better place. When I give financial resources, I am supporting a cause that will help to keep these initiatives moving.  I truly believe that it takes all three areas to support an organization.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
I really started giving back to the community during my teenage years.  I was very active in my church and we were always involved in community activities.  We did everything from clean-up campaigns to feeding the homeless.  Then, right out of college I started working for an organization where philanthropy was recognized and encouraged.  Then, I began getting involved in community activism on a larger scale.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
Giving back is a rewarding experience!  When you realize your purpose and understand that there is a greater cause in the world, like helping others, that’s when your world really starts to open up!

Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?

• Boy Scouts of Howard County
• Howard Community College Educational Foundation Board
• OHANA HC 

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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