We recently connected with Danielle Suber and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danielle, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As long as I could remember, I was the “only one” in the room. Whether in school it was the only Black student, the only single-parent child, the only kid who wore “that kind” of clothing.In the beginning stages, I just wanted to be like everyone else. I didn’t like the attention positive or negative that I got from being the “only (fill in the blank.)” But what I did notice was how adults consistently encouraged me to continue to lean into being “the only”. What I saw it as my Achilles’ heel, they saw as my super power!
As I began my career, I had gotten used to be the “only one”. I began to lean in more and I felt a sense of pressure yet gratitude. Because I was “in the room” I needed to stay in the room and more importantly, show why I deserved to be there. That pressure became immense, then turned into imposter syndrome very quickly. I started to wonder “Should I be here?” “Can I really offer something different?” “Is there someone else better?”
This pressure forced me to lean into the only place I knew I was always enough…my relationship with God. After many nights of tears, private conversations, and connection, God eventually revealed to me the following messages: “You’re not lucky, you didn’t “win”, or get selected based on your resume. You are here because I choose you. I have something to be done that no one can do but you and when you complete your mission, I will move you onto the next one.” I can’t tell you the freedom and confidence that gave me.
Now I won’t say I still don’t face moments of self-doubt, but ever since that encounter with God, I know that nothing is coincidental or done on my own accord. Where ever my feet land, no matter who’s in the room, I am meant to be there. If I trust in Him and let him use me, I will be just fine.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Simply put, I am a people person who believes every person should be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. My current role is Head of Inclusivity and Belonging at Malvern Preparatory School just outside of Philadelphia, PA. In this role, I work directly with students to give them a opportunities to be curious about themselves and others. Whether it’s through food, cultural assemblies and presentations, or trips; I love being able to help middle and high school students understand the vast yet complex world around them and prepare them to enter into a world that needs them to open to those who are both similar and different to them. I am a school leader who works directly with all aspects of the school; from day to day student experience to adult professional development and everything in between. I manage a team of talented educators who create experiences for students that allow them agency, creativity, and hands on engagement in a supportive and inclusive environment.
I have the pleasure of working with amazing colleagues in the ASEA (Augustinian Secondary Education Association), a forum for sharing resources and the advancement of the Augustinian charism and values in secondary education under the care of the Order of St. Augustine. I have the opportunity to collaborate and share strategy around DEIJB work to ensure our schools are inclusive and welcoming to all members of our communities.
Along with my role at Malvern, I have worked closely with ADVIS (Advancing Independent Schools) a non-profit organization that supports independent schools across many areas but primarily PA, MD, DE, and NJ. I was honored to chair their biennial 2025 MCRC@ADVIS DEIJB Conference in April of 2025 and I am currently serving as chair of the MCRC@ADVIS Committee that focuses on delivering powerful programs to increase knowledge and understanding of equity and social justice.
In my spare time, I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. a national collegiate sorority, founded by seven young educators, and comprised of women from every profession. Sigma Gamma Rho offers its members opportunities to develop their unique talents through leadership training and community service. We believe in “greater service, greater progress” and we seek to help the communities we live and work in thrive.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three of the most important qualities or skills I learned are the following:
1. Be Authentic-There is no one like you and there never will be. Stand in your uniqueness and individuality boldly and unapologetically. You have gifts, talents, and skills the world needs. Shrinking or minimizing them is robbing yourself and the world of what you have to offer. Don’t be cocky or unteachable, but stand firmly in your identity.
2. Know Your Why-Life is way too short to waste it doing things that don’t help your or others. If you don’t have a clear “why” your doing something, whether it’s a job, relationship, or any other situation; take a pause and re-evaluate. If you can’t give two to three reasons “why” you do what you do at any capacity, it might be time to think about if it’s the right path for you.
3. Have a Guiding Light-I don’t care who or what you believe in. I do care that you have a moral compass and a guiding light that helps you when the world gets dark and it will get dark. How do you ground yourself, reset, find inspiration or have faith in something greater than you? Find your path that re-fills your cup and stay committed to that path.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most helpful thing I have learned when facing challenges or needing to grow is to pause. When I say pause I mean a number of things: breathing, journaling, self-reflection, taking a walk, coming off of social media, the list goes on. Interrupt the cycle and take the time to truly formulate the plan and options ahead of you. I know there are deadlines and things that constantly have to be done, however, a short pause can truly help you avoid costly mistakes. Do the research, phone the trusted friend/colleague, take the constructive and nonconstructive feedback, listen to your head and your heart, then do the thing. And by the way, if it goes bad, it wasn’t a failure, it was a lesson. Lick your wounds and get back out there because you have work to do and people waiting on what you have to offer.
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