Danelle Dodge

My Story:

Hello, I am Danelle Dodge and I thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me and my campaign for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 8th District.

My dad was in Vietnam when my twin sister and I were born. I was predominately raised by a single mother that worked at the local gas station and grew up in public housing until I left for college at age 18.

Marrying at 20, I spent 10 years supporting the mission of the US Navy as a military spouse, living in Guam, Hawaii and WA State. I have a heart for military families, spouses that have had to go through divorce to a service member and Veterans. I believe it is our duty to make sure America meets our end of the contract to those that serve and their families.

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree focused on Self and Society in 2000 and went back to school to become certified as a Childbirth Educator and a Doula (my passion) in 2005 working with families for 10 years in hospitals, birth centers and providing free classes for Military couples that couldn’t attend regular classes.

My experience as a Middle School Office Manager and Secretary at the local library gave me unique insights into the functioning, funding and support needs of these critical services to families and the community. Our Educational Technology company was born out of meeting a need for the school district my husband and I both worked for and sustained our family and semi-retirement.

As a small business owner for 17 years in the field of Educational Technology I have supported school districts nationwide in finding solutions for Student and Staff Network Account Management, distance learning and accountability for students on school networks. During Covid shutdowns it was a privilege to help schools going through huge technology demands to help their students succeed.

I am the proud mom of 4 amazing young adults in our big blended family who all succeeded on their own terms earning an AA, BA, MA and JD respectively. Opportunities I had as the first in my family to go to college on Pell Grants and fair student loans contributed to their achievements as well. Education is the foundation of success and we must make sure that Public Education remains a key component of our communities.

As you can see I work hard and multi task with a passion for service and education in my community. I believe, to whom much is given, much is required. I would love the opportunity to bring a new level of service, compassion and advocacy to the Space and Treasure Coasts!

My American Dream included getting a hand up when I needed it. To get here today, my family and I benefited from many programs such as:

  • Publicly Subsidized Housing
  • Head Start
  • Free and Reduced Lunch Program
  • Public K-12 and State College
  • Federal Student Loans and Pell Grants
  • US Navy Family Relief Society
  • US Navy Ombudsmen
  • WIC
  • GI Bill

My office will be a place of service and gratitude; service for my constituents and gratitude for the opportunity. Everyday I will ask my staff, how many people have you served today?

How Can I Serve You?

Danelle currently resides in Cape Canaveral, FL with her husband of 19 years, Andrew and Merlin the “quirky” dog. Two of her children reside in FL and two in WA state.

 

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