Danielle Horton is the 2Gen place-based practice program associate for Ascend at the Aspen Institute. As a program associate, Danielle is responsible for all things logistics when it comes to managing our work in our designated places, including, but not limited to LA County, New Mexico, and DC. She plays a key role in supporting our key stakeholders including Parent Advisors and elevating how we work with families through a 2Gen approach through designing and implementing national convenings and research and publications that aim to improve how whole families gain the economic mobility they deserve while also changing the systems that make it so hard to do so in the process.
Prior to joining Ascend, Danielle worked closely with the organization, Youth Speaks. She has been an avid participant in their international poetry festival – Brave New Voices. Danielle made her way from participant to Festival Director, and helped to put on some of the first virtual poetry festivals this organization has seen. Danielle has a rich background in the Performing Arts. Being a Spoken Word Artist herself, Danielle has published an original book of poetry titled “Get Free.”
Born and raised in Flint, MI, Danielle believes in the power of creative storytelling and its ability to transform hearts, assist in one’s healing process, and foster meaningful exchange across society’s most pressing issues. As a first-generation college student, she has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with double minors in Theater and Entrepreneurship. Living passionately and authentically, she inspires others to do the same.
