Danielle grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and from a young age her rich cultural experiences have helped shape her love and passion for food and travel. She always loved being in the kitchen, whether it was making biscuits with her grandmother or chocolate mousse with her mother. She realized quickly that food and travel had the power to bring different types of people together. Visiting and dining with family and friends from diverse backgrounds, whether it was in Seattle or abroad, propelled her to continue on her culinary journey.

At eighteen, Danielle decided to spend a gap year in the north of France, not only to perfect her French but learn the art of pastry. She attended a small cooking school in Orchies before returning to the USA to attend The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree she moved to New York City to learn more about table service and worked in the cities top fine dining restaurants. However, her love for cooking could not keep her away from the kitchen. Danielle worked as a private chef on the side.

Understanding, her passion for food and connecting directly with people, she knew she wanted to go into business for herself as a private chef. She headed back school to get her MBA, specific to hospitality, in Paris. During that time, she spent 9 months working and studying in Asia.
Finally, returning to The Big Apple, she launched her own business. Cooking brings her joy as much as being able to form strong relationships with those she is cooking for. Her clients have included Shaun Alexander, Alicia Keys and Carmelo Anthony.

Currently, she focuses on testing and developing recipes, travel and writing content for her new blog Diversity Kitchen. She also works with various youth organizations to help empower and educate young students about food, health and nutrition.