First Flying Lesson, Today.

Danya Steele is an author, entrepreneur, speaker and change agent. At age 17, she was named one of Teen People Magazine’s “20 Teens Who Will Change The World” for her work in media and youth culture. To date, she’s spoken at Columbia University, Oxford University, Essence Magazine, on NBC’s “Our World” with Ed Gordon & Black Enterprise, The 30 Summit  and on Radio 2000 as an “SA Hero” with  SABC, South Africa’s leading broadcaster. She has worked with leading media companies including Publicis, FOX Television, MTV, Rolling Stone, Hot 97, The AVE Magazine, BlackPlanet.com, Migente.com and more.

Danya has helped lead several non-profit organizations committed to youth development. At the age of 20 she was elected Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for HarlemLIVE, an award-winning youth-based organization that uses media to empower young people. She remains the youngest person and first alumnus to be elected Chair of the Board in the organization’s 15-year history. Danya also spent time working in strategy for Teach for America, and in development for Children of Promise, NYC, a Brooklyn-based organization that works to empower children with parents in prison.

Originally from Harlem, New York City, Danya studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) at the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Oxford University (UK). In 2009, after leaving a comfortable job at one of the world’s most prestigious hedge funds, Danya took her own savings to travel across South Africa, recording the stories of her friends and extended network: inspiring young leaders in a post-apartheid South Africa whose stories she felt ought to be documented but were not being told.

Danya has served on Boards and is an advisor to several organizations committed to freedom of speech, development of young women and high-risk youth. She returns to South Africa this year to continue her work and can be reached at info@danyasteele.com.

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Update: Check out a a recent interview with Danya on Making A Difference Radio w/ Barbara Talisman –> Click here.

Also, a recent interview on SABC’s Radio 2000 with Carol Mashigo & Rushay Booysen: Click Here for “SA Heroes”.