Danielle Fontenot
What is your role with The Center and what are you most excited about?
I am the Vice President of Program Development. I have the privilege of working with The Center’s staff and school systems throughout the state of Louisiana to eradicate the literacy crisis. As the first female to graduate college in both my mother and father’s family, it is important to me to ensure that all individuals have access to quality education. I am most excited about working with the dedicated and talented staff who want to make a difference in the great state of Louisiana.
What is your background?
After receiving my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Campbell University in 1996, I worked in various public and private entities. As the spouse of a Marine, I had the opportunity to work as a Family Advocate and serve as the liaison between the families and the Command. In 2010, I earned my Masters in Elementary Education and began to serve my communities as an Elementary Education Teacher and Reading Interventionist. In 2012, my family relocated back to St. Tammany, and I began to work in the St. Tammany Parish School System. In my nine years with St. Tammany, I served as an educator in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades and was a Technology Resource Teacher. In those nine years with St. Tammany Parish Schools, I earned my Educational Leadership Certification and became an Assistant Principal.
What is your favorite childhood book or literacy memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going to the New Orleans and Lafayette Public Libraries and participating in the summer reading programs. It was wonderful to spend time inside an air-conditioned building and compete with my brothers to see who would read the most books.
Flashback to when you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew when I was 6 years old that I wanted to be a teacher.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
On vacation with my three children!
What passion projects do you have outside of work?
I love to run and I love sharing my love of running with others. I volunteer with Girls on the Run and have coached many young athletes and students. My three favorite runners are my three children, who have now begun to make connections in their communities through running and other outdoor activities.