Danielle Bonanno is the Director of Equity and Community Engagement at Acceptance Recovery Center. She has been an advocate for various oppressed and stigmatized populations, including those with substance use disorders, LGBTQIA2S+, homeless and low-income individuals, and those with complex traumas. Danielle’s life’s work revolves around bridging the gap between the queer and recovery communities, educating addiction professionals on how to serve LGBTQIA2S+ populations in a trauma-informed and culturally-affirming way.
Her extensive experience in corporate and nonprofit lead generation equips her to build essential connections and expand her referral network. Danielle’s talent as a master storyteller allows her to identify and leverage funding opportunities, crafting impactful and competitive grant proposals.
In addition to her role at Acceptance Recovery Center, Danielle serves as the President of Athens Pride and Queer Collective, the leading nonprofit in Northeast Georgia dedicated to enhancing the well-being of queer individuals through education, outreach, event curation, and support. Her visionary leadership was evident when she launched the Athens Pride and Queer Collective Trans Surgery Scholarship Program in 2022, awarding three full scholarships for gender-affirming surgeries within the Athens community.
Danielle’s outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the top 10 leaders under 40 in Athens-Clarke County by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Internationally, the Georgia Voice celebrated her as one of the six LGBTQ leaders globally to watch.
In 2023, Danielle’s impact continued to grow, as she received the Community Leader of the Year award from OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community was further honored when she was selected as a Grand Marshal by the Atlanta Pride Committee for the 2023 Atlanta Pride Parade, highlighting her unwavering dedication to leadership and advocacy.
In her personal life, Danielle enjoys writing and values time spent with her two canine companions, Blueberry and Hershey. Through her steadfast dedication to inclusivity, advocacy, and leadership, Danielle remains a driving force in transforming communities and promoting the well-being of marginalized individuals.
