Danise Sugita
Danise Sugita is a strategic nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity, community engagement, and workforce development across the education and nonprofit sectors. As the former Director of Recruitment & Workforce Development for AmeriCorps and Public Allies, she has designed and implemented programs that place hundreds of emerging leaders annually, co-authored California’s statewide AmeriCorps Recruitment Toolkit, and embedded DEI best practices into organizational hiring and HR policies. Passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, she has consistently leveraged her expertise to build inclusive pipelines and foster cross-sector partnerships.
In addition to her extensive nonprofit leadership, Danise is the founder and host of Voices That Propel Us, an independent podcast launched in 2025 that amplifies the stories of changemakers, social justice advocates, and community leaders. Through thoughtful interviews and storytelling, she highlights actionable ways for listeners to engage in civic life, emphasizing empathy, justice, and solidarity. Her work as a host has quickly drawn a diverse roster of guests, from civil rights attorneys to artists and educators, positioning her podcast as a platform where equity meets action.
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Sociology and Asian American Studies, Danise combines academic insight with practical experience in nonprofit management. Her career reflects a commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and community impact, inspiring the next generation of nonprofit professionals while fostering inclusive spaces for dialogue and change.
• University of California, Berkeley- B.A. x2
• Received a service plaque upon departure from her AmeriCorps role
• Received a community recognition from a congressional office
• Asian Pacific American Student Development
• Disabled Students Program
• Bears United in Literacy Development
• Asian Pacific American Coalition
• Multicultural Student Development
• AmeriCorps
• UC Berkeley Alumni Groups
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to activism and community involvement, shaped by my family’s history and values. My experiences with AmeriCorps and Public Allies, along with persistence in building networks and creating platforms—like my podcast, which has nearly 70 episodes—have allowed me to amplify positive change and connect communities for meaningful action.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a guest I interviewed who said, “Good begets good,” reminding me that I have the power to be the change I want to see in the world.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to pursue a career that makes a difference in the lives of others—doing meaningful work can also bring you incredible personal and professional fulfillment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I face are breaking through divisive and negative media narratives, securing stable funding, and expanding my audience beyond my existing networks. At the same time, podcasting and digital platforms offer incredible opportunities to reach more people, spark civic action, and create meaningful conversations across different perspectives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are community, activism, unity, and hope, while showing love and lifting up the next generation of leaders—all while working hard and setting an example for my ten-year-old daughter as a single mom.