Monica Danna | Daring To Explore

• Each month we feature an ordinary woman leading an extraordinary life.  This month, it’s all about Daring.  When I sat down to think about the women in my life who epitomize Daring, the first name that came to mind was Monica Danna.

  Monica says yes to life in such a bold way that even Joseph Campbell would be impressed.  A little over a year ago, she left the comfort of a high paying corporate job to try her hand at running her own company.  Today that company, Colab, sits at the epicenter of the Houston Tech Community.  In fact, it’s hard to imagine what the Houston Community would be like without Monica Danna?

  We’re talking George Bailey effect here folks.

  Monica is an inspiration to me and thousands of others, and I’m excited and proud to have her as our first featured woman of the month!

  And did I mention that she always has the best tickets to the coolest parties and events in town?  No really.  Once she even helped me get a fabulous makeover at Azur Salon.  My hair NEVER looked better.

  Who are you?

  I am Monica Danna.

  I am a the founder of COLAB, a Public Relations and Event Planning Agency in Houston, TX.

  I use technology and new media tactics to help my clients connect to their audiences in novel and meaningful ways.

  I am part of a larger community that enables me to succeed.

  I am a dancer, a music lover, and a proud Texan.

  What do you love?

  I love being able to make decisions daily that shape my future.
  I love helping people discover new and different ways to communicate.
  I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they discover a piece of technology makes their life just a little simpler.
  I love that I am surrounded by creative, passionate, caring people, who truly care about making our community a better place.

  What scares you?

  As many others, I am scared of failure. Becoming an entrepreneur is a daily risk. The same passion that drives me forward, also keeps me up at night. I’m scared that I’ll awake one day and will be insignificant. In turn, I strive to measure my success on my relationships, rather than my accomplishments. If I wake up with no money one day, I’ll still be a daughter, a sister, and a friend. And that helps ease the scary times.

  Tell us about your proudest moment.

  In 2010, my last remaining grandparent, my father’s mother and the matriarch of our family passed away. My father is one of ten children, and when it came time to decide who would give the eulogy, I was chosen to speak on behalf of the family. I spoke of how as a mother of ten, and grandmother of many more, my grandmother’s love and commitment to her family helped instill an ability for her children and grandchildren to take risks and always endure unconditional love. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized just how many of my family members were entrepreneurs like myself. It was a moment I connected my past with my present and future, and it was one of the proudest of my life.

  Favorite Quote

  Karma’s only a bitch if you are.

  Who inspires you?

  My selfless, compassionate, patient parents. If i’m ever half the parent they’ve been, I’ll be successful in life.

  Tell us about a time in your life when everything fell apart? What helped you pull through?

  A few months ago in the midst of a very busy few months, I was exhausted, lost, and uninspired. I questioned my motives, my goals, and my strategies. My inability to gather the energy to remember my purpose weighed on me daily. Connecting with those closest to me and spending time with my family reminded me what is truly important in life. It’s easy to lose perspective in the day to day grind, which is why rest and relaxation are so important to make time for. No one wins when you’re not at your best. I’ve found that clients and colleagues will respect your personal boundaries, as it means a more efficient, creative mind. “Calm is more conductive to creativity than anxiety.” – Jenny Holzer

  Words of Wisdom. If you could give your 16-year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

  That talent is nothing without opportunity. You never know what opportunity will turn into your success. Explore much, and often. And give opportunities to all that you can.

  What’s your life theme song?

  Ha. Good question. It’d have to be the Dixie Chicks, The Long Way Around.

  Your Legacy. What do you want to leave behind? How will the world remember you when you’re gone?

  The older I get the more I think about influencing younger generations. In your early career, you care about showing other what you are capable of. The more you’re forced to question WHY you are doing what you do, the more you think of what you want other to take away from your work. I think I’d like for the world to remember that no one gets anywhere alone, and that sharing struggles and successes is the best way through life. Hug yer neighbors, y’all!

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  January 8th, 2011 | Erica OGrady | 4 Comments |

• Quote of the Day

  “Believe in yourself. And stop trying to convince others.”

  De La Vega

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