Danette was born and raised in northern Iowa and has lived most of her life in Iowa aside from short stints in Japan and Illinois. Danette earned her BA in Business Administration from Clarke University and her MBA from University of Iowa. She has worked in academic administration at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and Drake University—where she is currently the Assistant Dean in the College of Business and Public Administration.

Danette joined the IWF Board after being connected through her work and participating locally. Her background in higher education paired with her experiences as a mother have reiterated the importance of childcare and education/training in a woman’s success, and she is passionate about breaking down those barriers.

She has also served through the Jaycees, both in Ames and Urbandale, participated in the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program, and is active in her parish.