Daynise Joseph
Our annual list of trailblazing women are creating lasting legacies for themselves and for the city of Nashville. Now they’re sharing their stories, their triumphs, their setbacks, and their advice with us. Prepare to be inspired.
Early Aspirations
When I was a kid growing up in Nashville, I had no idea that a job like this existed. My great-grandmother wanted me to be a teacher, which was something I knew I did not want as a career. Although I did not know what I wanted to do, I knew who I wanted to be. This is how I began my career as a grassroots community organizer educating and empowering people to use their voice to make changes that improved their quality of life. I built solid relationships in the nonprofit space in Nashville both at the grassroot and grassstop levels. I was always willing to come to the table with other community stakeholders to share ideas and brainstorm various solutions nonprofits were facing.
Challenges Faced
Working on complex problems like social and economic justice is a long road that can take years before impact is made. Early in my career, there were times when I felt like I was doing a lot of work for very little result. I’ve worked with community stakeholders on digital inclusion efforts since 2015. One lesson that 2020 brought was the importance of digital access in the home. Students needed to be online for remote learning, some parents needed to be online for remote work. Many in-person services shifted to online and people with no or limited access to the Internet were disadvantaged. Digital Inclusion is also a complex issue without a simple solution, and it takes many different entities to get people all of the tools they need to successfully be online and safely navigate the web.
The Definition of Success
I count any forward momentum as success because things are at least moving in the right direction.
The Nashville Connection
Being from Nashville has given me a unique perspective on Nashville’s growth and positionality. Having this knowledge has been helpful at many points in my career.
Work Perks
I enjoy the people I work with. I work with many smart and accomplished people and I have learned a lot from different people throughout the organization.
Advice for Others
Continue to build your connections with diverse people and, above all, always follow up on your commitments.
Meet Daynise Joseph and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 24 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 200 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres from Virgin Hotels Nashville along with wine from Biltmore Winery and cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Beverages from a full bar will also be available for purchase (credit cards only).