Danielle Hannah began her career in real estate as a licensed realtor in Baltimore, MD, helping first-time homebuyers navigate the American Dream. Through her 15-plus years of experience, she has worked in both residential and commercial real estate, having managed mixed-use, multifamily, and class-A office space in both the Baltimore Metro and DC Metro areas. Danielle has also contributed her talents in real estate finance, having worked in Default Management at several mortgage servicers, including Fannie Mae and now Freddie Mac. Danielle is a Baltimore native, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
1. How have your perceptions of commercial real estate changed as a result of the Academy?
My perceptions have changed: I no longer feel like I am an outsider to commercial real estate or that I am not well-versed enough to excel in the industry. The Academy showed me that I have been working in commercial real estate and on CRE concepts for quite some time! I learned that I know more than I thought I did and have insights on hot topics like affordable housing that I didn't realize were needed. I am confident that I can excel in commercial real estate and belong at the table. My work experience is more than enough and is a consulting voice that needs to be heard.
2. What's your most memorable moment during the program, and why?
My most memorable moment was the Spring 2022 commencement ceremony. Our commencement speaker, Adam Weers, gave an amazing speech that touched my heart and encouraged me to continue on this journey. It granted equal parts validation, assurance, encouragement, and a challenge to go out and be impactful in our careers to another person who needs help along the way. Plus, the speech included a soul-blessing sermon that was right on time! It was like the cherry on top!
3. How will you leverage the Academy for professional growth and development?
I plan on utilizing the REAP alumni network and membership to Urban Land Institute to get into the spaces and places where new ideas are formed and decisions are made. I plan to continue education and networking event offerings from Urban Land Institute and leverage those new skills in my career when the time is right. Moreover, as a mid-career professional, I learned from the Academy that I can already be impactful to younger professionals, so I plan to enrich my development as a mentor by being available and open to helping younger professionals in any way that I can.
4. What was the last CRE article you read that captured your imagination?
As a Baltimorean, The Baltimore Business Journal’s article naming David Bramble as the developer for the long-awaited redevelopment of Harborplace struck me. The HarborPlace, an anchor of Baltimore tourism, is in dire need of a re-imagining and successful concept. It holds a special place in my heart as I worked there in the summers as a teenager. It sparked wonder and pride to know that David Bramble's firm would lead the charge in its redevelopment. It made me feel like in-roads are finally being made and that inclusion is happening. I immediately felt like I could have a real chance at lending my talents to a landmark, high-visibility project like this one someday.
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