Danae Davis
Danae Davis is a nonprofit leader and animal welfare professional with more than a decade of experience dedicated to advancing care for companion animals and the people who love them. As Executive Director of Project Street Vet, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s growth and impact, bringing both strategic vision and operational expertise to a mission-driven environment. Passionate about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community collaboration, Danae is committed to strengthening organizations that create meaningful, lasting change.
In her current role, Danae was the first staff member hired at Project Street Vet and was tasked with building the organization’s infrastructure from the ground up. She has since developed and implemented systems across board governance, staffing, programs, fundraising, marketing, and operations—helping transform the nonprofit from a single-veterinarian initiative into a multi-city organization serving hundreds of pets and individuals experiencing homelessness each year. Her leadership continues to drive innovation, expansion, and increased mission impact nationwide.
Prior to joining Project Street Vet, Danae spent nearly a decade with the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE), where she advanced through multiple roles to ultimately serve as Executive Director. There, she led all aspects of organizational management, including strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnerships, helping the organization achieve record-breaking growth in both revenue and services delivered. Danae holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a certification in nonprofit management from Brandman University. She remains deeply committed to professional growth and to collaborating with others to make a meaningful difference in the animal welfare sector.
• Certification in Non Profit Management
• Brandman University
• UC Santa Barbara
• Dean's Honor List - University of California
• Santa Barbara
• Animal Protection and Rescue League
• Jewish Family Services
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say being a forever student has been key to my success. I take everything as an opportunity for learning, to grow, and to move forward. I'm always absorbing things and staying hungry for new knowledge, and I think that continuous curiosity has been incredibly helpful. Another important factor is knowing that you can't do everything yourself. Looking to others when you do need help, having a supportive team, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people who encourage you is incredibly valuable. I don't know exactly where this drive came from, but being willing to continuously learn and recognizing when to seek support from others has really shaped my journey and allowed me to grow from leading a small local nonprofit to managing a national organization.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my former colleague, Brooke Haggerty, Executive Director at Faunalytics. She taught me to always lead with passion and purpose—especially when it comes to work that truly matters, like animal welfare. Brooke has been an incredible source of knowledge and support, and one of the smartest, most dedicated professionals I know. Her commitment to putting her mission first has been deeply inspiring, and I’m truly grateful to have learned from her and to step into my role with her guidance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think what's important is to stick to your gut and stick to what you are passionate about. It might take time to develop the skills you need to get into a position that you ultimately might want, but I think sticking with something and sticking with an organization that you believe in and that you see a future in is crucial. There were multiple roles where I felt like I could do that eventually, and I kept learning as much as I could in different roles. So I'd say continue to learn as much as you can, expand your knowledge and horizons, and find something that you feel good about at the end of the day. Following your passion and finding work that makes you feel good has served me well, and I believe it will lead to fulfillment in your career.