Danielle M. Parson
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
PWN
prowomensnet.com

Since she came to Pittsburgh more than 15 years ago, Danielle M. Parson has been a news producer for KDKA-TV, director of communications for ACHIEVA and the senior director of Community Affairs at Propel Schools; in these roles she worked with and led dynamic teams with a focus on increasing diversity.

But something was missing.

As Parson puts it, she was in search of a space where she could find women who looked like her and who were on a similar professional journey — women she could learn and grow with.

“I never found that space, so I created it,” she says. “In 2016, PWN was born with the mission to nourish women to excel in their personal and professional lives while being a positive and active influence in their communities.”

PWN has since grown from hosting one annual event to today hosting more than six events per year, plus two professional coaching cohorts; the group has also connected more than 500 women across the country.

“We’ve grown our partner base from friends and families to corporate partners, community activists and foundation leaders,” Parson says.

A connector and a visionary who thinks big and strategically, Parson’s goal is to grow PWN into the premier organization to attract and retain women in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

“Pittsburgh will be PWN’s hub and serve as a learning model for future expansion in other cities,” she says. “I see PWN as being influential in families having longevity in the Pittsburgh area.

In the last few years, Parson has been recognized regionally for her work, including being honored with the Pittsburgh Pirates Champion Award, The People’s Office Hustle & Heart Award, Pittsburgh Courier 40 Under 40 and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.

She also serves on the board of the Boys Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council, working primarily with Scouts in under-served communities; is board chair of the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance; and sits on the board for Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens. In 2023, she was appointed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commision on Women, where she serves as vice chair.

“Here, I advocate for women across the state of Pennsylvania,” she says. “In all of my community roles I work to further connect women and their families, ensuring opportunities are equitable and accessible.”

For 15 years, Pittsburgh Magazine has spotlighted exceptional businesswomen within our pages and at quarterly networking events. Join us for a vibrant conversation with our four inspiring honorees and a keynote speaker at our Women & Business Awards.

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