Meet Danielle Daniels-Gilbert | Founder/Child Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Daniels-Gilbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Bri’s Closet Co. is a nonprofit organization that was created from me noticing a child welfare need and a simple idea that I had as a working mom. Working in the Juvenile Court System I noticed that there were not enough resources for teens in the foster care field. Along with raising a highschooler I learned the wants and desires that young adults have so I decided to create and collect consignment prom items. Bri’s Closet Co. is a non-profit consignment prom boutique, our closet provides prom attire to young teens that are currently in the foster care system and need formal wear for prom, formal dances, birthday parities, and military balls.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a bachelors degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in reading. I have been working in the child welfare field for 15 years throughout the Atlanta and Metro areas. Currently I work for Atlanta CASA where I supervise 35 advocates who advocate in Juvenile Court for abused and neglected children in Fulton County. What I am most excited about is that after working in the social services field for over a decade I have found a way to connect, partner, and provide an answer to a need through the resources that Bri’s Closet Co. is creating for the foster care community. Targeting my nonprofit towards children in care sets Bri’s Closet Co. aside from other nonprofits and consignment boutiques. The lessons that I am learning along the way is that funding will not be easy to find and networking is key. What I want the community to know is that Bri’s Closet Co. is ready to assist a youth in foster care that needs formal wear for a special event. Visit our website for information on ways you can help our nonprofit organization.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I was responsible for showing my bestie a good time in Atlanta Area I would definitely work to show her a good time. Day 1-
-enjoy lunch
-have a massage at Treat your feet
Day 2
-Brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club
-Stroll through Centennial Park and take a Ferris wheel ride
Day 3
-tour the High Museum
-shopping at Atlantic station and Buckhead
Day 4
-GA aquarium and World of Coke
-happy hour at Suite Lounge
Day 5
-day site seeing/belt-line
-Civil Rights Museum and MLK Center
-condo showings
Day 6
-yoga in Piedmont Park
-Dinner at a Steak House
-lounge hopping for live music
Day 7
-Brunch
-Selfie Museum

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person that I owe credit to for the creation of Bri’s Closet Co. would have to be my children. My two daughters, Brionni and Brielle have inspired me in so many ways. Raising my two daughters and my son has afforded me the opportunity to parent with challenges, learned lesson, and a life time of experiences. Building bonds with my children while working with parents fighting for theirs has encouraged me and only strengthens the fact that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” No matter your family situation all children deserve to experience some of life’s greatest moments. Because I would do anything for my kids I was encouraged to extend my talents and skills to be a resource for displaced children so they can live as enjoyable lives as possible despite the obstacles they are being faced with.

Website: https://4brisluv.wixsite.com/briscloset

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