Dannielle Miller is an educator, author and social innovator who has spent more than three decades working with young people, schools and communities to create positive change.
Beginning her career as a high school teacher, Dannielle went on to develop innovative programs supporting young people at risk of disengaging from education, including The Lighthouse Project, a pioneering mentoring and workplace learning initiative.
In 2003, Dannielle co-founded Enlighten Education, now recognised as Australia’s leading provider of in-school wellbeing workshops for young people. Enlighten’s evidence-based programs have supported hundreds of thousands of students across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, empowering them to think critically, build confidence and create meaningful change.
Dannielle is also the Director of Education and Special Projects at Women’s Community Shelters, where she created Walk The Talk, an innovative program that moves young people from education into activation by connecting schools with their local women’s shelters. She has also developed corporate domestic and family violence literacy programs that centre survivor voices and inspire practical action.
A sought-after speaker and media commentator, Dannielle has presented nationally and internationally on education, leadership, gender issues and social change. Her presenting highlights include keynote presentations for major organisations, appearances at the Sydney Opera House’s All About Women festival, and sharing the stage with leading Australian thinkers and advocates.
Dannielle is the author of five books, including the bestselling The Butterfly Effect: A Positive New Approach to Raising Happy, Confident Teen Girls (Random House). She has also been a newspaper columnist for The Daily Telegraph, a regular feature writer for Body + Soul and Stellar, and the parenting expert for Channel 9’s breakfast programs.
In 2021, Dannielle was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to education, women and youth. Her other honours include being named a finalist for NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, winning the Suicide Prevention Australia Life Award for Excellence in Media Reporting, receiving an Australian Leadership Award through the Davos Foundation, and being named NSW/ACT Small Business Champion Entrepreneur.
Beyond her professional work, Dannielle has served as an ambassador and advocate for community organisations, contributed as a pro bono founding board member for a women’s refuge, and founded The School Toilet Project, a global student-led initiative encouraging young people to transform overlooked school spaces into places of dignity, belonging and positivity.
