Danielle Flood, The Catholic University of America

Danielle Flood, a senior at The Catholic University of America, is an incredible student leader who has taken an active role in addressing issues related to the poor and marginalized. Currently serving as an intern at the Friendship Place, a homelessness services agency, Danielle works directly with individuals who are deeply affected by poverty. She has built upon this service through her service and advocacy. Danielle has taken on a leadership role in CUA’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and has worked diligently to coordinate four alternative spring break trips, engaging over 75 of her peers in building houses for families who need them most. She has also helped shape public policy through her participation in Habitat on the Hill. She lobbied with state legislators for affordable housing, and was a valuable contributor to the discussion. Danielle is a passionate leader with an engaging spirit that energizes others to action. Her potential for improving the lives of the poor and marginalized, and for inspiring others toward action, is unlimited.
-John Garvey, President

I have grown up in an environment where serving others is the norm, leading me to make service a vital part of how I currently live my life. This has led me to study social work, giving me the opportunity to link service and charity with concrete skills to make social change, as well as learn the social injustices that must be addressed. From engaging in service, I have consistently been reminded that it should be a mission of all individuals to give everyone we come into contact with the opportunity to have a safe place to live, a healthy chance at life, and a community who loves and supports them. I have learned that small actions can make large change, and that serving others can help to change the hearts of those doing the serving, just as much as the populations they are working with. 
-Danielle Flood