Dani Lechner is the Senior Specialist, Development and Training, on the national program team, where she develops and distributes tools and resources for effective advising practices. Dani also manages knowledge development opportunities and delivers training for staff and advisers to help them increase college readiness and meet the unique needs of students.

Prior to joining College Advising Corps’ national team, Dani designed and facilitated justice and equity-centered programs and training aimed at advancing opportunities for women in leadership, industry, and research with the Women’s Resource Center at Georgia Tech. From 2016-2018, Dani oversaw diversity education and dialogue programs as well as multicultural peer-leadership experiences for the Center for Multicultural Student Services at James Madison University. Dani began her career in educational equity in 2014 as a College Advising Corps adviser at North Carolina State University, supporting students at South Creek High School. While in this role, she researched and proposed advising practices and policies for advisers in rural communities as a CAC Data & Policy Fellow and, in 2015, served as the national office Evaluation and Impact Measurement intern.

Dani received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. Dani enjoys ghost tours, creating stained glass art, and is based out of Richmond, Virginia.