This month, Fenton kicks off its new staff spotlight series where we profile members of our outstanding team. The first interview is with Danielle Schlanger, a vice president in our New York City office.
Christian Hendricks: What have been some of the exciting projects you’ve worked on over the past two years?
Danielle Schlanger: There have been so many. A (very) incomplete list includes: working with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin during the 2020 presidential election to flip Wisconsin blue, partnering with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates, and helping Human Rights Watch advocate for a commission to study reparations for slavery.
CH: What’s your favorite part about working at Fenton?
DS: Definitely the people. It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented and passionate colleagues. I learn from them every day.
CH: What are a few social causes you care about deeply?
DS: We desperately need more affordable housing, both here in New York City and around the country. The organ donation system is so deeply broken. And we’re not doing enough to address environmental racism and ensure everyone has access to the basics (clean air, potable water, and toxin-free land, to name a few). There’s a lot of work to do!
CH: As a vice president at the firm, what skills do you think are the most important for succeeding in this career?
DS: Being solutions-oriented is a big part of this job. So is being organized. And it’s an absolute must to be able to triage quickly and act decisively.
CH: What’s the best career or life advice you’ve ever been given?
DS: Your race, your pace.
CH: What do you like doing outside of work?
DS: I spend a lot of time biking, playing tennis, and exploring different parts of Brooklyn. During the pandemic, I’ve tried to write more as a creative outlet. And I’m always reading.
CH: What book are you reading right now?
DS: I recently finished Both/And, Huma Abedin’s memoir, which was excellent. I’m now on to The Palace Papers — Tina Brown is masterful at what she does.
CH: What’s your favorite spot in Brooklyn?
DS: It’s impossible to choose just one! Shelsky’s for bagels, Sunday in Brooklyn for brunch, Henry Public for burgers, Brooklyn Bridge Park for the views.
Thank you Danielle!