Danielle Green

Danielle Green is a U.S. Army combat veteran, former Division I athlete, and keynote speaker known for her powerful message on resilience and growth, trust and teamwork, and the power of purpose. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Green overcame early adversity through discipline, grit, and fortitude. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a basketball scholarship and became the 14th-leading scorer in program history when she left. She learned the foundations of leadership and trust that would shape her life beyond sports.

After a couple of years of teaching and coaching, she enlisted in the Army as a military police officer and deployed to Iraq. In 2004, after 15 months in the military, she was severely wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of her dominant arm. Rather than being defined by trauma, Green chose transformation with the help of Wounded Warrior Project and communities all over the country.

Green returned to Chicago and started working for the Chicago Board of Education as a city-wide coordinator. She completed her master’s degree in counseling and started a new path in serving veterans. As a readjustment counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs, she worked with veterans who suffered from the invisible wounds (PTSD, depression and anxiety) of war and adjustment challenges. Now Green travels the country as a speaker, advocates for veterans and lends her voice to various veteran causes.

She speaks to corporations, colleges, and veteran groups, inspiring others to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose. Her message is rooted in one guiding truth: no one climbs alone.

You will leave her talk inspired and wonder if you are making an impact in the world. In 2015, Green was recognized for her service when she received the Pat Tillman Award for Service ESPY awards. In 2025, Green made history and an impact with the first Call of Duty Endowment pack inspired by a female combat veteran. The Legacy: Tracer Pack, was inspired by her story of resilience and success following her combat injury. In the summer of 2025, Green summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, proving that resilience, adaptability and purpose can carry you to any summit. Green resides in Northwest Indiana with her son.