Dr. Danielle Beam ED Food Education Fund

Dr. Danielle Beam is a dynamic and results-oriented executive leader with over a decade of experience driving organizational growth and fostering impactful community relationships. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Food Education Fund in New York, NY, a role she assumed in March 2023. As Executive Director, Dr. Beam has spearheaded strategic initiatives and targeted fundraising efforts, including the organization's highest-grossing event in history, which raised $1.1 million and increased program offerings by 25%. Dr. Beam excels in navigating unstructured environments, redefining organizational culture, setting new expectations, and streamlining processes, showcasing her forward-thinking leadership and vision. Before joining the Food Education Fund, Dr. Beam was the Executive Director of the Rising Knight Institute and Senior Associate Director of Athletics at New Jersey City University (NJCU) from September 2016 to September 2023. Her transformative leadership was instrumental in curating personal enrichment and educational components for historically marginalized communities, emphasizing her commitment to equitable opportunity. Dr. Beam's strategic management of a $4.7 million budget and development efforts, coupled with her skills in benchmarking and establishing success metrics, have further solidified her reputation as a transformative leader in collegiate athletics, inspiring others in the field. Dr. Beam earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University in 2020, following a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education from NJCU in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in History with double minors in Psychology and Communications from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2011. Her leadership extends beyond administrative roles. As the Senior Woman Administrator at NJCU, she championed equity and diversity in athletics management, a testament to her unwavering commitment to these values. Dr. Beam also chaired the Diversity and Inclusion Committee from July 2020 to January 2023, leading the DEI Education Series and organizing the inaugural DEI Leadership Summit. Recognized for her contributions to diversity and inclusion, Dr. Beam received the NCAA Diversity Spotlight Winner award in March 2020 and the DIII NCAA Team Works Challenge Community Service Champion award for 2020-21. Her published work, "Holistic Student Development Programming: DIII Athletes’ Academic Success and Retention Rates," reflects her commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience through academic success and retention, inspiring others in the field with her dedication. Her career is a testament to her passion for fostering excellence and holistic development in every community she serves. Dr. Beam's work has not only brought about organizational growth but also made a significant impact on the communities she has served, reflecting her strong commitment to social responsibility.