In the bustling world of marketing and advertising, George Brown College (GBC) alumna Danielle Spencer has emerged as a transformative force, recently earning recognition on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for 2025. Her journey from GBC dual credit student to successful entrepreneur illustrates the power of authentic leadership and community-focused business.
The spark of educational excellence
Spencer's connection with GBC began during her high school years. "I did a dual credit program solely because I wanted a spare," she laughs, recalling her initial introduction to the college. However, that strategic choice became a turning point in her educational journey. "It was by far one of the best academic experiences I'd ever had," Spencer recalls. "The practicality of it, the learning space – my professor was absolutely amazing," she says.
"By the time I got to grade 11, I had 32 teachers. Finally, I found one that showed me what teaching could be," Spencer says of GBC Professor Derek Vigar. His practical approach to education made such an impression that Spencer knew exactly where to go to complete her studies when her university courses felt disconnected from real-world application. Enrolling in the Business Administration Project Management program, she discovered a teaching and learning style aligned with her goals and sensibilities.
Spencer's academic journey coincided with both motherhood and the onset of the global pandemic. While many found that time challenging, Spencer discovered unexpected benefits in the virtual learning environment. The college's flexibility was essential, especially when she needed to take concurrent courses to complete her diploma while expecting her second child.
Creating spaces for authentic leadership
Today, Spencer heads some creative agency, with offices in Toronto and New York, but her path there wasn't linear. Her project management skills first found a home at her mother's creative agency, where she helped grow it into a seven-figure business within a year. This experience, combined with her own retail venture success and commitment to diversity and inclusion work, led to the creation of her current enterprise.
"What was so nice about the pandemic was that we ended up letting go of a lot of things from corporate America, corporate Canada," Spencer reflects. This observation has shaped her approach to business leadership, where authenticity matters more than conventional corporate expectations. Her program, In Her Bag, brings corporate executives to summits where they can present their authentic selves, lift each other, and break down barriers.
Impact and recognition
Spencer has played a crucial role in launching the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, worth $160 million, and developed grant programs for Black women entrepreneurs. These initiatives, combined with her business acumen, caught Forbes' attention.
The Forbes recognition has opened new doors for Spencer's community-focused initiatives. "Our programs that are coming up that need funding now are getting a lot of response," she notes. This increased visibility is exactly what she hoped for – not for personal gain, but to enhance her ability to support other entrepreneurs.
Words of wisdom
Spencer emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. "If you don't think you're great and worthy of nominating yourself, why should anybody else?" She also stresses the value of learning through doing. "When I make an investment in my brand, I remind myself: this is just an investment in my learning."
Throughout her success, Spencer continues to champion the practical, real-world focus that first drew her to GBC while creating opportunities for others to follow in her footsteps. For aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those facing personal challenges, she encourages, "You can find a space that's significantly better for you; don't be afraid to take a chance on yourself."
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George Brown College Black Futures Month celebrations continue throughout February. Organized by Black Futures Initiatives with support from the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services and other college departments, the entire GBC community is invited to this month's events. Learn more at georgebrown.ca/black-futures.
