Danya’s passion for writing has taken her to Jamaica, England, Botswana, the United States, among other countries, where she has served as a teacher, program and non-profit manager, community organizer, lecturer, and consultant—collaborating with parents, teachers, and government officials on in-school and after-school programming, writing workshops, reading support labs, curriculum design, and parent-school partnerships. In all her work, Danya has used creative writing and public advocacy to challenge deficit narratives about young people, their parents, and their communities.

Danya honed her writing skills through academic training and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Canterbury Christchurch University, a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Touro University, USA. She has designed curricula and developed writing programs for schools, school districts, and community alliances in London, Boston and New York City.