Bayside with Leanne Danielsen

BAYSIDE WITH LEANNE DANIELSEN:

Meet Leanne, Save The Bay’s events manager!


Leanne-outside-of-Bay-Center-Providence
Leanne outside our Providence Bay Center.

Why and when did you get involved with Save The Bay? I have always worked for not-for-profit organizations through much of my career. I found Save The Bay while looking for a new job opportunity eight years ago. I had never heard of Save The Bay since I lived and worked in Massachusetts. I talked to my best friend and asked her if she knew of STB and she said “I LOVE Save The Bay!” The position and the mission really appealed to me. Save The Bay has extremely talented, dedicated staff, all with great senses of humor. They make it such a pleasure to work here. When I landed at Save The Bay, it was a perfect fit… and still is.

What is your favorite place/spot on Narragansett Bay?
I love Narragansett and kayaking in Warren. I also really like Fort Adams in Newport because I have enjoyed many Newport Folks Festivals there, and have so many great memories. I also really appreciate our Bay Center in Providence.

What’s a favorite project you’ve worked on, or highlight from your Save The Bay experience thus far?
I think implementing Taste of The Bay is one of my favorites because I started it in my tenor and have been able to really grow it and make it successful with the help of all our vendors and supporters. When you look around while you’re at this event, all you see are happy people enjoying the best of Rhode Island. Unfortunately, we won’t be face to face, enjoying all the wonderful food this year. But I am excited we were able to change it into a fundraiser to benefit our partners in the food and beverage industry who have been hard hit by the impacts of the pandemic. Our supporters are invited to buy virtual tickets and 100 percent of the proceeds will be shared among our most loyal vendors who have supported us over the years. 

Leanne-with-husband-Tom
Leanne with her husband, Tom!

What are you excited to be working on right now?
Our virtual Save The Bay Swim and Swim Open series. The Swim is our single largest fundraiser and we were able to get real creative, go virtual and added other events as well this year. We have extended the events to include, not only our 2.0 mile swim, but also a half-mile swim, a 5k run or walk, a 5k row, a 25-mile ride, a 2-mile paddleboard and a 5-mile kayak to include more athletes in a friendly competitive environment. This expands the opportunity for more people to engage and support our mission in a really fun way. 

What do you like to do outside of work?
Enjoy live music and festivals, travel, CrossFit, hiking, hanging out with my two dogs, cooking, gardening, camping, kayaking, and enjoying good food and wine with the husband and friends.

Leanne-and-Tom-at-Taste-of-the-Bay
Leanne and Tom at Taste of the Bay!

What are some things most people don’t know about you? I am an identical twin, I have written a novella and short story manuscript, I used to be a newspaper reporter, and I’ve run several marathons. I also love to rescue dogs and convince others to do so (as my colleagues can attest). I can also hold a mean plank.

How do you enjoy the Bay?
Kayaking mostly, and eating in restaurants supported by the Bay.

Last book you read? Last Netflix series you binged?
Show: The Great British Baking Show, VEEP, The Great, Better Things
Book: Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants