Danni Washington

Danni's Story

Daniell 'Danni' Washington is an amazing young woman from Miami, FL.  She has been following her heart for many years spreading the message of ocean conservation. Her expectations for herself and those around her have always been high. A recent University of Miami Graduate (Double Major in Marine Science and Biology) and world traveler (South Africa, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Costa Rica & more), Danni has dedicated her studies, her free time and her creative energies to become a spokesperson for the ocean.  Her love and passion for nature was ignited at six years old and has continued to be a major driving force in her life today.  Throughout her time at the University of Miami, Danni served as a team leader in the South Florida Student Shark Program (SFSSP) which is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research and education program geared toward encouraging high school, college undergraduate and graduate students to learn about the study and conservation of Floridian shark species, mangrove fish habitat and the Florida watershed.  In addition, she served on the executive board of the UM Marine Mammal Stranding Team that actively participated in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals that stranded along the coastline of South Florida.  Her ceaseless adoration for learning and exploration has helped provide her with incredible opportunities to experience the natural world at its best.

In August of 2008, Danni entered the ROXY 'Follow Your Heart' competition presented by Schick® Quattro for Women® a contest driven by the 'Follow Your Heart Tour' a 12-location tour intended to inspire girls to go after their dreams.  Little did she know that she would melt the hearts and impact the panel of judges to the tune of $10,00.00 - enabling her to follow her heart!   "I am the 'Green Marine spokesperson' for getting the word out about preserving our precious resource. The ocean is so vast, so beautiful and so mysterious – but many people don't realize how much our lives depend on it. Our society as a whole needs to change its perspective. I want to focus on the children. They are the ones that will really make the change." This unbelievable blessing has opened some excellent doors for her to reach out to youth including the opportunity to be the newest member of the Wild Classroom team.  Furthermore, Danni has created 'The Big Blue & You Foundation' which a non-profit organization that aims to inspire and empower today's youth to become ambassadors of the Ocean and Earth (www.thebigblueandyou.com). 

Danni hopes to use her knowledge, outgoing personality and love for our blue planet to motivate youth around the world to become stewards of our environment and encourage them to initiate change toward a brighter future by becoming leaders of tomorrow.

About Danni's Vision for UntamedScience