Alumni Spotlight

Danielle Brown

Brown attended the seminar in 2013 as a representative from Mattanawcook Academy. She graduated from Husson University in 2020 with an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Studies and an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management. 

Brown currently works as the Dental Operations Coordinator at the Penobscot Community Health Care dental center. 

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life?

I have been lucky to work in a community health center that allows me to stand true to the character that MYL helped teach me. I start everyday with the reminder to build a no judgement zone for all. This mindset was a large factor in sparking my passion to help everyone have access to health care no matter their socio-economic status. There are so many barriers to good care for patients and MYL helped spark my passion to fight for those without care, free from judgement. 

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.)

When I came to MYL, I was struggling in many aspects of my life, including the way I looked at myself and my relationships. After attending MYL I felt as though I could finally be true to myself and allow myself to grow. MYL taught me how to challenge myself in a healthy way, build healthy relationships, and how to pursue a passion. 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

The last night after when we sat together and debriefed on our experience. As our group shared, I was able to open up in a way that I never had before. My group listened to every word, cried with me and sincerely helped me through it. I couldn’t believe the relationships we had built in such a short amount of time. I sat in our circle and felt so accepted, loved, and supported. I believe our friendships helped me to build better relationships when I returned home. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I have a chronic health condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome that causes my joints to dislocate very easily. MYL was the first place I met someone with the same disorder, right before I was diagnosed. 

What gives you hope?

The passionate people around me. I am fortunate to work around people with passion and dedication to changing the world we are in and providing better care to everyone. I also am so inspired by watching others grow and reach their goals. 

What gets you particularly fired up?

Hearing people’s stories. I love that so many people are more willing to share their trials, wins, and lessons to help others grow and improve. The fact that we are opening so many new conversations makes it a better world for everyone. The less we hide our struggles and the more we are open, the more we can grow as a group. Having hard conversations is our next step in making progress  in a more accepting and innovative world.

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work and/or life?

MYL affects my life everyday, it reminds me to always go into situations without judgement and give people a chance. To always be thankful for opportunities we have and never take them for granted.

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 8/23/2021]