OCC Alum Shines Bright as Youth Advocacy Leader and Author

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, Forbes Under 30 list-maker and author of Always Make Your Bed is making change, moving forward, and inspiring others
 
Danielle D. Hughes remembers vividly when she fell in love with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur.  
 
“I used to take violin lessons at Wayne State University on the weekends, and I would play my violin on the street afterwards for tips,” she said. “That experience made me fall in love with entrepreneurship and 20 years later – here I am.” 
 
In those 20 years, Hughes, who was born and raised in Detroit, has achieved a notable list of entrepreneurial accomplishments:

• Named to Forbes ‘30 under 30’ 2018 list for her profound work in education. 
• Released her debut book in 2019: “Always Make Your Bed: 7 Principles to Dream It, Do It & Get What You Want Out of Life.” Proceeds from sales go towards the David Jackson Scholarship for Emerging Leaders – a scholarship fund for students in honor of her late grandfather, a pioneer in the Detroit community and staunch champion of education. 
• Serves as CEO of Elite Global Vending, where she offers vending services to small businesses and corporations across Southeast Michigan. 
• Co-founded 'The Pose Experience' in 2021 – an immersive selfie studio and Michigan's first mobile selfie boutique -- which was featured in Essence Magazine for notoriously making $100k in just 90 days.  
   
  Throughout her career, Hughes has felt blessed with several different opportunities. But what makes her the proudest? Her partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). 
   
  “The Always Make Your Bed Academy is a comprehensive and interactive mentorship program for young women in the DPSCD community based off my debut book  ‘Always Make Your Bed,’” she said. “Seeing my work come to life in real time while making an impact in the lives of girls, who look like me, has been an invaluable experience.” 
   
  Why Oakland Community College was the right choice at the right time 
   
  Not knowing exactly what she wanted to do after high school, Hughes didn’t want to waste thousands of dollars at a university while she figured things out. She enrolled at OCC where she studied Communications and obtained an associate in arts degree in 2011. 
   

  “Attending OCC was quite possibly one of the best decisions I could have ever made in my life. Being able to complete my prerequisite courses in a nurturing environment with resources that catered to my individual learning style was extremely important to me. OCC did all the above. The long-lasting relationships I was able to create and the opportunities I was given there truly changed the trajectory of my collegiate and professional career.” 

   
  She credits Bernard Turner, former OCC faculty at the Southfield campus, with providing her guidance to pursue her dreams in Communications. She was most inspired by his dedication, relatability and enormous commitment to his role and his students.  
   
  She transferred to Georgia State University in Atlanta and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. 
   
  “I studied Communications because I wanted to become a news anchor – and I did! I worked as a reporter at WDHN News in Dothan, Alabama at 23 and when I was 24, I became an anchor at WRDW News in August, Georgia.” 
   
  Future goals and dreams 
   
  Hughes, who describes herself as "an unwavering lover of God, good novels and good manners,” is appreciative of her life and career. She looks forward to her continued focus on empowerment in the coming years and many new adventures ahead. 
   
  “I plan to write another book or two. I also look forward to growing Always Make Your Bed Academy and having one of my companies acquired.”

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