Today, we’d like to introduce you to Danika Whitsett. Danika was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Kelsey Ledezma.
Danika , can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was in a car accident back in 2018 during the middle of college classes that paralyzed me from the waist down. I went to school to be an event planner / wedding coordinator but didn’t end up finishing school. Before the accident, I worked in retail and hospitality, I realized I loved being involved with people, I became an event coordinator for a non profit called Childhelp and have worked there ever since. I love to event coordinate, and I also do social media on the side with my dance team (a wheelchair dance team in LA) called the Rollettes, telling my story and helping others love themselves just as they are and go after what they want!
Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
I work for a non profit called Childhelp as an event coordinator and would love to coordinate events of my own someday for clients. I do social media as a secondary source of income where I show people the real and raw sides of paralysis, show people how to not lose faith, etc. What I love most about my work is that I get to connect with hundreds of individuals I wouldn’t have met otherwise if social media was around. I love to see people smile and put on the best event for them and watch them enjoy it to its fullest potential. I love making people feel special even just for a little bit! What sets me apart is my determination and grit. I will do whatever it takes to make my people or clients happy!
So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Kelsey Ledezma and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Kelsey.
I ADORE Kelsey. She is beautiful on the inside and out and one of the most dedicated people while working on her craft. She has a stunning eye for the floral world, as well as the event coordinating world. I would trust her with anyone I know to make it the most extravagant event. She cares so much about not only the events but the clients mostly. I first discovered Kelsey because we were at a convention for disabled women, we both had found out each other lived in San Diego. We decided to meet up and I instantly fell in love with her! She’s a catch and such an easy person to be around, have fun with, but also work with. She will give people the most quality version of herself every time and I see how passionate she is in fighting for injustices in the disabled community but also how passionate she is about her floral and events that she works at. I’ve helped her at numerous weddings with the floral, more eyeballs to scout the vision, and to help encourage and support her. I will definitely be hiring her for my wedding too!
Instagram: danikajolenee
Image Credits
black swan studio for rollettes pictures
