Dani Protivinsky, DrPH, MPH, MBA
Dr. Dani Protivinsky is a transformational leader, educator, consultant, and author whose career spans nearly two decades across healthcare, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and leadership development. Based in St. Cloud, she is the founder and CEO of ProConsulting Group, a consulting practice focused on leadership development, organizational culture, strategic growth, and performance improvement. Originally on the path toward medical school, Dr. Protivinsky discovered her passion in community and public health, where she became deeply committed to prevention-focused education, population health, and helping individuals and organizations create meaningful, sustainable impact. Her work is driven by a philosophy centered on courage, continual learning, authentic leadership, and empowering people to thrive in the right environments.
In addition to leading her consulting firm, Dr. Protivinsky serves as an innovation strategist with Sourcewell, where she collaborates with public and private sector organizations to design scalable solutions and strengthen communities through innovation. She is also a respected faculty member teaching graduate-level coursework in public health, healthcare administration, kinesiology, and health sciences at institutions including American College of Education, Rasmussen University, and St. Cloud State University. Her academic credentials include advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, business organizational leadership, and executive leadership, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to leadership and systems change. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to connect strategic vision with practical implementation while fostering cultures rooted in collaboration, wellness, and accountability.
Beyond her professional leadership roles, Dr. Protivinsky is an advocate for purpose-driven work, community engagement, and sustainable leadership practices. She serves on nonprofit boards focused on senior wellness and dementia care initiatives, while also supporting public health and child enrichment efforts through organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network. In 2026, she launched her first leadership book, Before You Lead Them, a leadership playbook emphasizing self-leadership, authentic influence, and long-term organizational impact for emerging and experienced leaders alike. As an entrepreneur, speaker, mother, and mentor, Dr. Protivinsky continues to inspire others through her commitment to service, innovation, and the belief that effective leadership begins with leading oneself first.
• Generative AI- Optimizing Outcomes & Innovation
• Leading Change and Organizational Renewal
• COVID-19 Contact Tracing
• Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist
• Certified Health & Wellness Coach
• Adult and Child CPR, First Aid, AED
• Capella University - DrPH
• Culture Award from previous healthcare organization
• Multiple leadership awards
• Public speaking awards
• Children's Miracle Network
• National Institute of Public Health
• National Institute of Health
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Local public health agencies
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The biggest piece of advice I would give is don't stop showing up for yourself. Dive into the things that interest you, the things that you want to do, and don't let life pass you by saying 'when this happens, I'll do this' or 'when this is like this, I'll do this when.' Because life is so short, and we only get one chance, right? So don't be afraid to kind of take some of those risks, and really, it's the courage that allows you to make the decisions. I want to show my daughter that you can wake up and do whatever you want. You can have the courage to change your mind, you can show up in spaces that maybe you're not certain about, but you have a lot to offer.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a woman and as a mom, a wife, and a leader, I think for me, I want to do it all. I have a zest for life, and I really want to do other things and continue to learn. I do get questions from people asking why do you want to do this, or why do you want to do that, why do you want to spend time doing that. But it really fulfills me, and I believe that it truly makes me a more well-rounded person, which then, in turn, I can bring more value to those that I work with. The challenge is specifically how do you do it all, right? There are times where you do have to pick and choose, even though you really do want to do different things. So I think it's just figuring out what is serving you in that season, and that's a question that I've continued to just be really mindful about and ask myself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value courage, continual learning, and integrity—believing strongly in the importance of aligning actions with words and consistently “walking the talk.” I am also deeply committed to prevention-focused health and wellness, both personally and professionally. Above all, I value showing up for others and for myself with authenticity, accountability, and compassion.