Danielle James
Adjudicator
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
I’ve always believed in stretching myself – leaning into opportunities that make me a little nervous, the kind of nervous energy that comes from doing something new and exciting. That’s what drew me to Federated Health Charities (FHC).
I’m a chiropractor by training, and I moved to the Ontario Public Service because I wanted to help people on a broader scale. My day job involves reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations on applications from individuals with health concerns. It’s challenging work, and often heavy. So when I heard laughter and conversation coming from down the hall one day, I thought, What’s going on? You’re all having fun raising money for health charities? I’m in! That was the start of my FHC journey.
From there, it became: How can I help more? Advocacy and championing others comes naturally to me. I love going desk to desk, having conversations, sharing a laugh, and creating those moments where people pause and reflect. For me, it’s about opening the door so people can claim the knowledge for themselves. That’s how I learn, and that’s how I lead.
Advocating for FHC feels easy because it resonates so deeply. It’s a natural complement to the ministerial work we do. It just makes sense. One of my favorite memories is from an event where we didn’t just meet our fundraising target – we surpassed it. Whether by $5 or $500, that feeling of overcoming the odds stays with you.
FHC brings balance to my work. As an adjudicator, my role can be serious, sometimes sad. FHC adds joy – fun, fundraising, and connection with colleagues. It’s still health-related, still advocacy, but with joyfulness woven in. That’s why I see it as such a valuable addition to what I do.
I’m passionate about helping people think differently about the privileges we have and finding ways to give back. It doesn’t have to be financial – no one is ever left out. I want to create an atmosphere where generosity is contagious, where positive energy flows whether it’s for a client, a colleague, or someone we’ll never meet. If I can inspire someone to participate in something outside their job function, I believe they’ll also engage in other networks and opportunities that make the OPS stronger.
How did I become Chair of the Advisory Council and a member of the Board of Directors? Honestly, I’m a fish with an open mouth – I got reeled in, in the best way! I loved being on the Advisory Council, and when I saw the call for Board members, I applied. That curiosity – peeking around the corner years ago – has never left me. My mindset is always about continuous improvement: How can I help make this better?
In my dual role as a Board member, conversations are policy driven. At the Council level, we’re the bridge. I want to be that bridge – the connector – bringing transparency and turning ideas into action. I’m not the ideas generator; I’m the rationalizer. I help people move from the head space to the do space. I’m a verb. That’s my key skill as Chair: encouraging dialogue and translating it into direction.
It wasn’t by design – it was by saying yes. Seeing an opportunity and thinking, Let me put my thoughts there. Let me see what I can do to be that bridge for others. That’s why I keep saying yes.
