Dynamic, compassionate, and mission-focused, Danielle Trabon is committed to supporting the causes she most believes in such as financial literacy and early childhood education.

Danielle was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and after moving to Kansas City to start a life with her husband, she quickly immersed herself in the non-profit community. A true planner by nature and profession, Danielle got right to work and began building a plan with her husband to identify their annual philanthropic giving and overall vision for their legacy. Guided by the “time, talent, and treasure” motto of philanthropy, Danielle engages in a combination of all three as she works to support the missions of organizations such as the Child Abuse Prevention Association, where she serves as a member of its board of directors.  

Danielle has served her community in many capacities but her work as a member of the steering committee for the United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Emerging Leaders Society is some of her most impactful. The Emerging Leaders Society members create lasting impact through volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy. The gifts made through this network support United Way of Greater Kansas City, and the vital work of more than 190 partner agencies and 250 health and human service programs throughout Kansas City.

Not only did Danielle assist in organizing the Holiday with a Purpose event sponsored by the Emerging Leaders Society, but she was also instrumental in the recruitment of 12 new members to the committee; essentially doubling the total membership and its capacity. Danielle’s strong leadership and dedication have had a ripple effect throughout the agency and have helped to shine a spotlight on the tremendous work of the United Way.

Danielle’s welcoming and energetic nature engages others and as Brendan Carney, United Way of Greater Kansas City, shared about her work with the Emerging Leaders Society, “Danielle came to every meeting with a smile on her face and an energy that got the most out of every committee member.” Danielle’s expertise, generosity, and infectious personality have been an asset to the United Way, as well as the Child Abuse Prevention Association.

Working as a financial advisor for Edward Jones, Danielle has taken her passion for financial literacy from her day-to-day work to her volunteer opportunities. Danielle uses her skills and expertise to assist in such areas as providing investment education, comprehensive retirement plan reviews, as well as additional professional insight related to managing non-profit finances. As one of a small number of bilingual women who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, Danielle volunteers as a mentor for other women advisors in her industry and advocates for the retirement, growth, and development of fellow advisors with an emphasis on women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). Danielle continuously uses her expertise and influence to advocate for those who may have barriers to the financial industry. 

When sharing about her reasons for engaging in volunteerism, Danielle cited her strong belief in the “A woman/man for others” mantra from her alma mater, Saint Louis University. Her guiding question is simply, “How can I do the most good for the most people?” This lens of giving of herself to others with a servant leader’s heart is at the center of what motivates Danielle to serve and lead.

Rochelle Parker, Child Abuse Prevention Association, remarked, “Danielle is certainly one of the first people I would consider a “Rising Star.” She is young and relatively new to our community but has taken Kansas City by storm both professionally and personally.” This dedication to creating a life of giving has truly shaped who Danielle is and how she chooses to engage with her community.

Danielle resides in Overland Park with her husband and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, a baby boy, this summer.

Also featured in the May 29, 2021 issue of The Independent.
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
By Nicole Jacobs Silvey