Communication Graduate Pursues Philanthropy Career

Danielle (Chatterton) Czelusta, B.A., Communication, ’08

Danielle (Chatterton) Czelusta (B.A., Communication, ’08) has established a flourishing philanthropy career. 

“Life experience and my time as a UC Davis student and UC Davis Medical Center patient ignited my passion to pursue a career in healthcare philanthropy.” Over the past several years, Danielle supported the nonprofit medical centers in the Napa Valley, raising over $100,000 with her first effort. “My media-focused courses prepared me well, as I recorded radio ads, appeared on radio shows, and managed video productions.”

In 2014, her Reach for the Stars video was awarded the "Social Media Video of the Year" by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. During her time at Queen of the Valley Foundation, she launched and managed an annual gala that became a multimillion-dollar fundraiser, breaking $1M of revenue in its inaugural year and raising over $5M during her 3.5 years with the organization. It was the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history. Additionally, Danielle supported St. Baldrick's fundraising events at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, bringing awareness and fiscal support to pediatric cancer research. In 2015 she was "knighted," an honor celebrated with a pinning ceremony recognizing those that have supported the St. Baldrick’s organization for seven consecutive years. 

In early 2016, Danielle married U.S. Army Captain Zephrine Czelusta and relocated to the Washington, D.C., area where she continues her philanthropy work as a senior development officer at Inova Health Foundation, focusing on the women’s and children’s hospitals.

“The communications program was a multidisciplinary major, preparing me to pursue a variety of career paths. The emphasis on effective communication from a multitude of platforms has been a tool that I constantly utilize. I am grateful that my education prepared me to do such meaningful work.”