Director of Communications, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care

Here is what Dani's nominator had to say about her: 

Dani is a strong and determined leader who consistently embodies the UCSF PRIDE values of excellence and integrity. Her involvement and leadership in the Administrative Management Professionals (AMP) group have helped improve the steering committee and outcomes of the sub-committees as well. Overall, Dani is an impactful and fearless leader, and she deserves to be recognized for all she does.”

Nominated by Hira Safdar

Dani’s Bio:

I came to UCSF in 2006 and worked as an assistant in the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI). During my 4 years in CVRI, I attended SF State, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business (Marketing) and a master’s degree in Sustainable Business. I then moved to the Department of Medicine, supporting Maye Chrisman when she was the Associate Chair. Soon after, I became a course coordinator in the Division of Education, running medical school courses for first- and third-year students. There, I was able to work with a great admin team and learn from the faculty leaders.

While I was working in the School of Medicine, I was attending many of the fun events that Campus Life Services’ Arts & Events put on. I became more interested in event production and eventually applied for a role with Campus Life Services (CLS). I was the executive assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Angela Hawkins. My first project in that role was throwing a retirement party for Angela. Soon after, Clare Shinnerl became the new Associate Vice Chancellor. She helped me grow a lot in that role, which eventually became more of a project manager position. I taught myself how to use Expression Engine, Drupal, and started working on different communications campaigns. I also joined Administrative Management Professionals (AMP) as a co-chair. After four years in the Associate Vice Chancellor’s office, I was hired in Housing Services as their inaugural Communications & Outreach Manager. During my time in Housing, we opened Tidelands in the Dogpatch, Mount Zion Housing, and were on the way to opening the UC Law SF housing complex downtown.

After 9 years in CLS, I am now back over in the School of Medicine! I was just hired in May of this year as the inaugural Director of Communications in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care.

As you can tell, I’ve been at UCSF for a while! Over 17 years! It feels like UCSF is all I know. I have made so many wonderful friends over the years, and they make work feel great.

Can you tell us about a significant role model or mentor in your life?

Clare Shinnerl was a great boss, mentor, and sponsor of mine while she was here at UCSF. She brought me to meetings that I didn’t have to be in, but if she thought I would find it interesting, I would tag along. I loved that she put me in the room with leaders so that I could watch and learn. She is now the Vice Chancellor of Finance, Operations and Administration at UC Davis, though we still chat on a regular basis.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I volunteer at a local animal sanctuary where I give physical therapy to a babydoll sheep. I am also part of a monthly book club. I have also found community at my local Pure Barre studio. I like to keep busy!

Do you have a favorite song? If you had to choose an anthem, what would it be?

I have a few favorite songs! One that always makes me happy is Blinded By the Light by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. My favorite album is Paul Simon’s Graceland. I could listen to that album on repeat…forever.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.