Danielle Viens-Payne

Danielle Viens-Payne is a dedicated nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing education, mentorship, and equity in both Baltimore and Southwest Florida. She currently serves as the Director of Development, Major Gifts at Champions For Learning – The Education Foundation of Collier County, where she leads strategic fundraising efforts to support students and educators. Danielle started at Champions For Learning as a Relationship Manager for the Entrepreneurship Program and College Student Program. Prior to this role, Danielle served as the Teen Program Manager for the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, in both Naples and Immokalee, where she guided teens through college and career readiness and leadership programming.

Danielle's achievements include launching Champions For Learning's Alumni Council, developing a tailored college student support program, and expanding the volunteer program for the Collier County Public Schools Entrepreneurship Program. Danielle is a graduate of the Associate Leadership Collier Class of 2025 and has been recognized as one of Naples Illustrated's "Five Fresh Faces of Naples."

In addition to her professional work, Danielle serves as President of the Naples Junior Woman's Club and is a member of the Naples Lions Club. She is the Supply & Agency Partner Manager for the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL, advocating for more than 25,000 women and girls experiencing period poverty and working to reduce stigma while increasing access to essential menstrual health resources.

A passionate mentor, Danielle currently mentors a young woman in the Take Stock in Children program at Champions For Learning; this is her second mentee in the program. She also continues to mentor many of her former students from both Baltimore and Collier County.

Known for her compassion, creativity, and collaborative leadership style, Danielle is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive Collier County—one relationship at a time. She is especially passionate about empowering women and girls through mentorship, education, leadership development, and advocacy. Through her work in nonprofit leadership and community service, Danielle strives to create opportunities that help women feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead in their own lives and communities. Danielle often says, "Once a mentor, always a mentor," reflecting her belief that empowering others creates lasting community impact.

"Service is the price we pay for the privilege of living on this earth."