As The Professional

Danielle Keys is a Louisiana-born, New Orleans-based multidisciplinary artist, advocate, and entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, where she was a member of the ‘Emerging Leaders’ Program. With over 14 years of experience living and working in New Orleans, Danielle’s diverse career merges creativity with social advocacy, allowing her to engage and inspire various audiences.

Danielle is a versatile creator whose work spans painting canvases, painting murals, photography, graphic design, film, and interior design. Her deep passion for mental health and public advocacy informs much of her art, which seeks to spark meaningful conversations around these issues. Additionally, Danielle brings valuable experience in property management and project management. Her background in real estate and property management has provided her with firsthand knowledge of her community’s needs and a deep understanding of operational and strategic management. Her project management experience spans across various sectors, including event production, nonprofit work, and creative initiatives, allowing her to successfully oversee and implement projects from start to finish.

She has collaborated with small businesses, nonprofits, and influential platforms, including Angela Rye’s A. Rye brand and IMPACT Strategies, where she played a pivotal role in social justice and political advocacy projects.

Her career in communications expanded further when she served as Communications Coordinator at the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES), overseeing social marketing (not social media, but some of those too) campaigns and producing multimedia content. Danielle’s work at IWES helped broaden her understanding of community health, earning her certifications like Community Health Worker and Implicit Bias Modules. She also worked as a producer, assistant camera, and editor for several film projects, contributing to the organization’s multimedia efforts.

As an event producer, Danielle has worked with major platforms such as Essence's Girls United, where she served as a producer for their impactful events, creating spaces for empowerment and connection among young women.

In 2022, Danielle was welcomed into the For(bes) the Culture community, a Forbes platform dedicated to professional development, civic engagement, and social consciousness. This opportunity has allowed her to continue her work advocating for change and growth within her community.

In addition to her work with The Muvement—her self-empowerment initiative—Danielle currently serves as a Certified Nonprofit Project Manager (CNPPM) and Public Information Officer at Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD). MHSD is the largest local governing entity in Louisiana and an authority on mental health services in the state, serving Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes. In her role, Danielle leads creative efforts to expand the district’s mission of improving mental health, addiction recovery, and developmental disabilities services in these areas. She also contributes to the district's broader initiatives to provide vital resources and support for individuals and families in the community. Danielle is also a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, specifically training those who work with youth to better address and support mental health challenges in young people.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Danielle has a deep-rooted connection to her community. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring health and wellness, volunteering, and continuing her artistic endeavors through painting and photography.