Danni Washington facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daniell "Danni" Washington
Washington in November 2019
Born	Miami, Florida, U.S.
Alma mater	Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami (BS)
Known for	Xploration Station Nature Knows Best (2016–present)
Scientific career
Fields	Marine Biology

Daniell "Danni" Washington is an American activist, artist, and TV presenter. She works to protect our oceans from plastic pollution. Danni also started a non-profit group called Big Blue & You. She hosts science-themed TV shows like Xploration Nature Knows Best and Mission Unstoppable. She also presents the web series Science the $#!* out of it.

Danni's Early Life and Education

Danni Washington grew up in Miami, Florida. Her family comes from Jamaica. She loved the ocean from a young age. Danni studied Marine Science and Biology in college. She went to the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. She finished her studies there in 2008.

Her Career and Ocean Work

When Danni was 21, she and her mom started Big Blue & You. This group teaches young people about the ocean. They also teach about the problems our seas face.

Danni won $10,000 in a contest. She used this money to create the ArtSea Festival in Virginia Key Beach, Miami. This festival uses art, crafts, and fun activities. It helps kids learn about science and the ocean. Virginia Key Beach was chosen for its history. It was once the only big beach open to people of color in the area. Danni often dresses as the 'Mocha Mermaid' at the event. This helps inspire young women to get involved in marine conservation. A newspaper called Caribbean National Weekly honored Danni. They named her one of the 'Jamaican Diaspora 20 under 40'. This was for her ocean work and her 'Mocha Mermaid' role.

In 2016, Danni started hosting her own TV show. It was part of the Xploration Station series on Fox. The show was called Xploration Nature Knows Best. It explored how scientists get ideas from nature for new inventions. The show ran for two seasons. Danni is thought to be the first African American woman to host her own science show. She also co-hosted two seasons of 'Science the $#!* Out of It'. In 2019, she joined the team for Mission Unstoppable. This is a STEM show led by women.

In 2018, Danni was a host for a discussion at the American Black Film Festival. She also spoke at the International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference. Another ocean activist, Anna Oposa, spoke with her. The Sarah, Crown Princess of Brunei also attended. That same year, Danni received a Global Impact Award. This was at the EarthXGlobal Gala. She shared the award with big names like Nike and Buzz Aldrin.

Untamed Science Videos

Danni worked for three years on Untamed Science. She was an on-camera person and filmmaker. This project worked with Pearson Publishing. They made about 200 educational films for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It's believed that many students across the USA have used these videos.

Xploration Nature Knows Best (2016 - Present)

Danni Washington is the host of Xploration Nature Knows Best. This is a TV show about STEM education. The show looks at new technologies inspired by nature. It is shown on FOX. You can also watch it on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Roku.

Mission Unstoppable (2019 - Present)

Danni joined host Miranda Cosgrove on the CBS show Mission Unstoppable. They are part of an all-female team. They feature leading women in STEM fields.

Bold Women in Science (2021)

Danni wrote a book called Bold Women in Science: 15 Women in History You Should Know. It was published in September 2021. The book tells the stories of 15 amazing female scientists. It is written for children aged 8 to 12.

Awards and Honors

Danni Washington has received several awards for her work:

• Green For All Fellow (2007-2010)
• ROXY Follow Your Heart Tour Winner
• Toyota & Audubon Society Together Green Fellow (2011)
• CA Technologies 2017 STEM10 Innovator
• 2018 EarthX Global Gala Emerging Female Leader of the Year Awardee

See also

In Spanish: Danni Washington para niños