A dynamic 501(c)(3) not-for-profit program, Danialle Karmanos' Work It Out uses a holistic and yoga-based approach to give kids the tools to make healthy choices.
Just who is Danialle Karmanos?
She is a philanthropist and community activist committed to driving positive change in Greater Detroit. She’s also a successful entrepreneur and a full-time mother of three sons.
What is she doing right now?
She’s building and running DKWIO.
Probably the most visible expression of her commitment to her community is Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out (DKWIO), an organization she founded in 2005 to fight childhood obesity in some of Detroit’s poorest neighborhoods. DKWIO uses a unique yoga-based approach that boosts self-esteem through exercise and meditation. Danialle created the curriculum to provide children with the added measure of confidence and optimism needed to exist and thrive amidst the challenges of an inner city environment. Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out is a 501 (c) (3) based in downtown Detroit.
What else has she done?
She’s been busy applying her hands-on approach to volunteerism and service to make a difference in our community.
In 2010, Danialle was elected to the Wayne State University Board of Governors. The Board consists of eight members elected by the people of the State of Michigan to serve eight-year terms.
As an award-winning writer, producer and director, it was appropriate that in 2008 Danialle was tapped by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the newly-chartered Michigan Film Office Advisory Council.
Her creative talents and multi-media experience led Danialle to become a founding member, Board member and past chair of the critically-acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD). Her commitment to the Detroit Art Community is also evidenced by the fact that she serves on the board of the Michigan Opera Theatre and is a trustee for the Parade Company, the non-profit organization responsible for the renowned America’s Thanksgiving Parade and numerous other family-oriented events in Metropolitan Detroit.
She also serves on the Board for the College of Creative Studies (CCS).
Danialle and her husband, Peter Karmanos, Jr., the Executive Chairman of Compuware Corporation, have given generously of their time to many of Metro Detroit’s most successful fund-raising events – including AutoGlow!, which recently raised nearly $1 million to support local work with troubled children.
She and Peter will be honored by the Alzheimer’s Association at its 2011 Annual Dinner.
In recognition of her many achievements, Crain’s Detroit Business named Danialle to its “40 Under 40” list of young achievers.
In March, 2010 Danialle was honored by the Greater Wayne County Chapter of The Links, Inc. as an “Innovator in Health and Wellness.”
This past September she was named one of the “Esteemed Women of Michigan” honoring women who have made extraordinary contributions through personal, volunteer and professional avenues.
In 2009, Danialle received the American Heart Association’s “Cor Vitae Award for Community Service.”
She was honored in 2008 by the MBPA Women and Leadership and received the organization’s “Distinguished Leadership Award for Philanthropy.”
Danialle also received the “Women of Wayne” Headliner Award. And her DKWIO.org website earned recognition for Web Excellence by the Troy Chamber of Commerce.
Danialle is frequently asked to share her insights and experience at gatherings throughout Metro Detroit.
What made Danialle … Danialle?
One of Danialle’s most admired qualities is the “real world” attitude she brings to everything she does.
This is because the real world is the world she’s always lived in.
Danialle began working at the tender age of 14, waiting tables and washing dishes in her father’s pizzeria. She started her professional media career at just 19 as a sports intern at WDIV-TV.
While working full-time, Danialle completed her coursework at Wayne State University and graduated with honors in 1999 with a degree in Journalism. During this same period, she worked with the children of addicts as a regular volunteer at Maplegrove Community Education.
By the age of 21, Danialle was writing and producing daily newscasts and feature presentations for the international Chrysler Employee Network. She went on to become one of the Detroit Area’s most sought-after freelance writers and the executive producer of numerous live events and video programs for a long list of Fortune 500 clients. She has also been featured on television and in print as a model and on-camera talent.
So, what’s she like?
What you see is exactly what you get. No pretense. No airs.
Throughout her career, Danialle has consistently attracted the very best talent to her jobs or her causes for the simple reason that people genuinely want to work with her. They enjoy her ever-present optimism … her contagious sense of humor … and the fact that no one on a “Danialle Job” works harder or longer than Danialle.
An avid athlete and amateur photographer, Danialle, Peter and their three sons live in Metropolitan Detroit.
Danialle Karmanos
Founder
Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out
She is a philanthropist and community activist committed to driving positive change in Greater Detroit. She’s also a successful entrepreneur and a full-time mother of three sons.
What is she doing right now?
She’s building and running DKWIO.
Probably the most visible expression of her commitment to her community is Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out (DKWIO), an organization she founded in 2005 to fight childhood obesity in some of Detroit’s poorest neighborhoods. DKWIO uses a unique yoga-based approach that boosts self-esteem through exercise and meditation. Danialle created the curriculum to provide children with the added measure of confidence and optimism needed to exist and thrive amidst the challenges of an inner city environment. Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out is a 501 (c) (3) based in downtown Detroit.
What else has she done?
She’s been busy applying her hands-on approach to volunteerism and service to make a difference in our community.
In 2010, Danialle was elected to the Wayne State University Board of Governors. The Board consists of eight members elected by the people of the State of Michigan to serve eight-year terms.
As an award-winning writer, producer and director, it was appropriate that in 2008 Danialle was tapped by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the newly-chartered Michigan Film Office Advisory Council.
Her creative talents and multi-media experience led Danialle to become a founding member, Board member and past chair of the critically-acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD). Her commitment to the Detroit Art Community is also evidenced by the fact that she serves on the board of the Michigan Opera Theatre and is a trustee for the Parade Company, the non-profit organization responsible for the renowned America’s Thanksgiving Parade and numerous other family-oriented events in Metropolitan Detroit.
She also serves on the Board for the College of Creative Studies (CCS).
Danialle and her husband, Peter Karmanos, Jr., the Executive Chairman of Compuware Corporation, have given generously of their time to many of Metro Detroit’s most successful fund-raising events – including AutoGlow!, which recently raised nearly $1 million to support local work with troubled children.
She and Peter will be honored by the Alzheimer’s Association at its 2011 Annual Dinner.
In recognition of her many achievements, Crain’s Detroit Business named Danialle to its “40 Under 40” list of young achievers.
In March, 2010 Danialle was honored by the Greater Wayne County Chapter of The Links, Inc. as an “Innovator in Health and Wellness.”
This past September she was named one of the “Esteemed Women of Michigan” honoring women who have made extraordinary contributions through personal, volunteer and professional avenues.
In 2009, Danialle received the American Heart Association’s “Cor Vitae Award for Community Service.”
She was honored in 2008 by the MBPA Women and Leadership and received the organization’s “Distinguished Leadership Award for Philanthropy.”
Danialle also received the “Women of Wayne” Headliner Award. And her DKWIO.org website earned recognition for Web Excellence by the Troy Chamber of Commerce.
Danialle is frequently asked to share her insights and experience at gatherings throughout Metro Detroit.
What made Danialle … Danialle?
One of Danialle’s most admired qualities is the “real world” attitude she brings to everything she does.
This is because the real world is the world she’s always lived in.
Danialle began working at the tender age of 14, waiting tables and washing dishes in her father’s pizzeria. She started her professional media career at just 19 as a sports intern at WDIV-TV.
While working full-time, Danialle completed her coursework at Wayne State University and graduated with honors in 1999 with a degree in Journalism. During this same period, she worked with the children of addicts as a regular volunteer at Maplegrove Community Education.
By the age of 21, Danialle was writing and producing daily newscasts and feature presentations for the international Chrysler Employee Network. She went on to become one of the Detroit Area’s most sought-after freelance writers and the executive producer of numerous live events and video programs for a long list of Fortune 500 clients. She has also been featured on television and in print as a model and on-camera talent.
So, what’s she like?
What you see is exactly what you get. No pretense. No airs.
Throughout her career, Danialle has consistently attracted the very best talent to her jobs or her causes for the simple reason that people genuinely want to work with her. They enjoy her ever-present optimism … her contagious sense of humor … and the fact that no one on a “Danialle Job” works harder or longer than Danialle.
An avid athlete and amateur photographer, Danialle, Peter and their three sons live in Metropolitan Detroit.
How does she balance all of this?
Ask her.