Staff: Daniel (Dani) DeLeon

Dani’s passion for youth advocacy is deeply personal, stemming from his own journey of overcoming challenges with the support of mentors who saw and invested in his potential. This fuels his dedication to empowering young people to realize their greatness and pursue their dreams.

With over a decade of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, communications strategy, and team development, Dani has worked at the intersection of civic, social, and environmental justice, building bridges between resources and people to address systemic inequities.

Currently serving as Chief of Staff at Friends of the Children - Boston, Dani leads organizational strategy, operational improvements, and resource alignment to create lasting impact. His expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, HR integration, and stakeholder engagement enables him to deliver innovative solutions that empower teams and align with the organization's mission.

Prior to this role, Dani worked closely with nonprofit leaders in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan to drive results and build high-performing teams, spearheading communications strategies that amplify organizational goals and foster community trust. Recognized as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, Dani excels at building leadership alignment, managing high-stakes projects, and crafting narratives that inspire action and innovation.

Outside of work, Dani finds joy in kayaking, exploring the outdoors, and international travel—having visited over 20 countries. His love for adventure and cultural exploration fuels his passion for connecting with people and learning from diverse perspectives.

Contact Dani at: daniel@friendsboston.org