Dance It Up-KidsUSA   

What will our culture look like?

Leadership will set the tone for the Dance It Up-KidsUSA culture, making it a top priority that the organization becomes one of the "best places to work".  Although a new company, the leadership team believes they will be able to develop an organization that is fun, friendly and family oriented.  Dance It Up will be an environment that does more than value diversity. It will walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk.  "We want our board and team to reflect the children that we serve," says Sylvia McDaniel, Board President.  "Diversity is what will make our program strong and help us to be seen as a global compassionate leader," says McDaniel. 

About our co-founders

Sylvia McDaniel brings more than 20 leadership experience in private sector and nonprofit organizations. She is gregarious, passionate and as an inspirational leader, she is a visionary who seeks to make the world a better place by inspiring youth to make a difference.  Sylvia's professional background features leadership excellence in the areas of marketing, public relations and government for organizations in Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles.  They include Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle Association, KPDX TV49, Garlington Center, KBOO Community Radio, BW Specialty Stores and City of Kent where she worked for the Mayor's Administration. Sylvia is currently Executive Director at Portland Community Media in Portland, Ore.  She has served on boards, commissions and citizen advisory committees, which included serving as a Juvenile Services Commissioner and Junior Achievement Consultant. Sylvia has traveled overseas and lived in London, England. She has an Associate of Science degree from Portland Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Business from Concordia University and graduated cum laude. 

Brenda Stewart has over 20 years of public relations, customer service and community outreach experience. Brenda’s past work experience includes 18 years in Workers Compensation as a manager, supervisor and customer outreach specialist. During the initial phase of the Oregon Health Plan, Brenda led a public education effort that targeted communities throughout Multnomah County.  For the past 10 years, Brenda has worked in the mortgage and credit reporting industry.  She attended Chemeketa Community College, University of Phoenix and has achieved certificates in management and customer service. Brenda has been married for 32 years with two boys and five grandchildren. Her goal is to inspire youth through her own personal experiences, especially through dance, "which is something all kids love and have in common," says Brenda.  Brenda believes that through the love of dance children will acquire a multitude of tools that can be used throughout life.

Our board of directors

Dance it Up is pleased to introduce the following dedicated members of its Board of Directors. The intent of the board is to govern the organization, provide strategic leadership and fiduciary responsibility.  

Our officers & members

Sylvia McDaniel, Board President

Brenda Stewart, Vice President

Yvonne Draper, Secretary

Vanessa Hardin, MBA Treasurer

TiAnna McDaniel, Member 

Vanessa Hardin brings 20 years of accounting experience to the Dance It Up board and has worked in both the public and private sectors. She has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and is Finance Manager for Muckleshoot Indian Tribe in Auburn, Washington.  Vanessa, who has a son who recently graduated from Boise State University, is excited about being a part of the new organization.  She believes that today’s youth are tomorrow's hope for a better future, therefore, need extra support with developing social skills.  “Our kids are faced with some tough challenges,” says Vanessa. “They need to learn how to take full advantage of opportunities that will help them to win in life.” Vanessa will serve as the board’s treasurer and on the executive team.

Yvonne Draper brings to Dance It Up a variety professional skills in the areas of public relations, personal care, healthcare, business, and fundraising.  Yvonne's career history includes administrative work for the late Sammy Davis Jr., and public relations for Nina Blanchard Models Agency.  Draper currently works independently as a medical assistant as well as owns an accessory retail and interior design business.  Yvonne is an active member of the Lena Hubbard Guild which holds annual fundraising activities that support Seattle's Children's Hospital. Yvonne says "she looks forward to offering her expertise to Dance It Up."  She says that she is excited that such an organization finally exists for the sake of kids.  "We need more innovative activities that will help our kids grow into well-rounded individuals," says Yvonne.