May 2021 Phenomenal Woman in Leadership
Danielle North
Founder/Managing Director, Detroit Women's Leadership Network
Founder/Owner, Kidz Kingdom
Danielle North is a wife, mother of three, long-distance runner, serial entrepreneur and author. She’s the Founder and Managing Director of the Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, which has grown to over 9,000 members on its Facebook platform. She is also the founder/owner of Kidz Kingdom, Detroit’s first indoor playground, which also operates as a licensed child care center. In 2018, she launched her 501c3 nonprofit – Biz Kidz -- to enhance her commitment to mentoring future entrepreneurs.
North is a K-12 education expert supporting academies in and around Detroit. She serves as a School Consultant for Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office and Director of Operations and Finance for Merit, a four-year character development, career exposure and mentorship program for youth. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from Central Michigan University. She’s a proud 2012 alumni of the prestigious German Marshall Memorial Fellowship. In 2019, she became a Detroit Free Press, Shining Light Mayor Dave Bing Future Leader Awardee. In 2020 she and her partners launched The Blend - a digital magazine focused on women’s empowerment! She’s an advocate for women, children, equity and diversity.
Being an entrepreneur means I have a duty to provide jobs to citizens, economically develop the community that raised me and be a shining light, example and support to others interested in doing the same.
Additionally, I believe as an entrepreneur I am building a legacy for my children and breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Being a Black woman is a trifecta. Being a Black woman means having a rich legacy of greatness, success and determination to aspire towards while acknowledging the inherent disenfranchisement and adversity I must overcome in order to realize that potential. In other words, I am Black, Beautiful, Proud, Strong, and Capable despite what society might portray. I work daily to present myself as a light to other Black people and children who will look to me for inspiration - it is my gift and calling.