About

Hi, I'm Daniela!

I’m so proud to serve as your alderperson, working to protect what makes our neighborhoods special. I’m here to make sure the 6th Ward is a place where everyone feels at home, where we can thrive together, and where your voice is heard.

At Home in the 6th Ward 

I’ve been lucky to call the Shaw neighborhood home for nearly 10 years. I love everything about it—the historic red brick buildings, the energy of Tower Grove Park, and the amazing shops and restaurants on South Grand.

The new 6th Ward—Shaw, Tower Grove South, Dutchtown, and Compton Heights—really captures what makes St. Louis so special: a sense of history, resilience, and community. I’m excited to work with you to make it an even better place for everyone.

So St. Louis 

I’m a first-generation St. Louisan. My parents moved to St. Louis from New York City, where they worked hard and chased their version of the American Dream. With their roots in Puerto Rico, St. Louis became our family's home, and I’m so proud of the journey that brought us here.

Growing up, I saw firsthand what it means to overcome challenges. My late brother, Marcus, a graduate of Missouri School for the Blind, showed incredible strength in navigating the world. Watching him choose curiosity and adventure taught me the importance of empathy, inclusion, and standing up for people who are often left out. These values guide everything I do.

From Journalism to Advocacy to Business  

I got my start at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, where I learned how to really listen and tell stories that matter. My career as a reporter took me to Florida, where I worked at the Tallahassee Democrat, The Tampa Tribune, and WFLA, an NBC affiliate.

Eventually, I found my way back home to St. Louis. I started a communications business and had the honor of working with the Ferguson Commission, which showed me how powerful community voices can be in shaping real change. Later, as Director of Communications for the ACLU of Missouri, I focused on issues like voter rights and criminal justice reform—using stories to inspire action and make a difference.

After working in advocacy, I took my communications skills to the private sector, where I counseled St. Louis-based nonprofit, government and corporate clients in their marketing and public relations efforts. Before I was elected to public office, I served as a vice president of corporate reputation at FleishmanHillard, helping the firm's Fortune 500 clients with executive communications and their diversity and sustainability programs.

Let’s Build a Better St. Louis, Together

Our city faces its challenges, but we can’t let them overshadow the positive progress unfolding around us. Together, we have the power to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.