How she shines: In less than a year at Kansas State University, Danielle has made a remarkable impact on the daily operations of custodial services. Her dedication, vision, and commitment to continuous improvement have strengthened our team and helped create systems that better support the people who keep our campus running.
One of Danielle's greatest contributions has been her work in improving the accuracy, organization, and completeness of the university's operational data. She has invested significant effort into refining how we track work orders and manage custodial assets. With more than 1,000 custodial assets across the main campus, maintaining an accurate inventory is no small task. Yet this work is critical. Tracking and inventory provide the framework for how custodial teams work smarter, respond faster, and make informed decisions. Most importantly, they help ensure that the custodians who rely on these tools every day have the equipment they need to serve the university effectively.
Beyond systems and data, Danielle has been instrumental in improving our onboarding and training processes. She has worked collaboratively with others to make training more intentional, effective, and welcoming for new employees. What sets her apart is that she does not simply identify areas for improvement. She takes ownership of the solution, follows through, and helps turn ideas into lasting changes that benefit the entire organization.
As a Repair Technician, I have the opportunity to work alongside Danielle on many of these projects. Through that experience, I have learned that her role extends far beyond any job title. She brings strengths to our team that we were previously missing and helps those around her grow in areas where they may struggle. She has a unique ability to encourage others, challenge assumptions, and inspire improvement.
The question Danielle asks more than any other is, “Why?” It may seem simple, but it has become one of her most powerful leadership tools. By understanding why we do something, we can discover better ways to do it. Her curiosity drives innovation, her persistence drives progress, and her willingness to ask questions helps our team find more effective solutions.
Danielle's contributions are not always the most visible, but they are woven into the success of the department every day. Through her leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others succeed, she has made Kansas State University's custodial services stronger. She embodies the spirit of excellence, service, and continuous improvement, making her truly deserving of recognition as a Woman of Clean.
Years in the industry: 14 years
Job responsibilities: Danielle performs maintenance and repair on custodial equipment, tools, and dispensers. She also uses technology to track inventory and work orders, assists in training for existing and new staff on assets, and helps map and pace work loading for custodial teams.
Career path: Danielle's journey started at Champion Teamwear, where she worked in Quality Assurance, quickly demonstrating a willingness to learn and take on new challenges. Over time, she advanced through several operational roles, gaining a broad understanding of the organization's processes and developing a reputation for reliability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Her professional journey ultimately led her to the role of Operations Maintenance Repair Technician. In this position, she worked closely with Richard, the Maintenance Manager, whose mentorship helped shape her understanding of effective maintenance operations. Through this experience, Danielle learned the value of standardized maintenance procedures, the critical role they play in achieving consistency and efficiency, and the long-term benefits of a strong preventive maintenance program.
These lessons became foundational to her approach to work. She developed a passion for creating systems that improve accountability, increase reliability, and support the people who depend on well-maintained equipment to do their jobs successfully.
Champion Teamwear closed its doors last year. The knowledge, experience, and dedication she had developed throughout her career ultimately led her to Kansas State University, where she continues to apply those same principles of organization, continuous improvement, and service to make a meaningful impact every day.
Best advice received: "Perfection is the enemy of progress."
Fun fact: "I have a gecko, and I like spiders."