Danielle Hoague

Dani Hoague is a sixth-year graduate student at UCLA, specializing in Environmental Justice. Her research and activism focus on reducing toxic lead exposure in drinking water in Watts, Los Angeles. Growing up in Altadena, CA, Dani experienced firsthand the impacts of environmental injustice due to toxic water contamination, fueling her commitment to addressing systemic inequities in underserved communities.

For Dani, the most crucial aspect of community-driven environmental justice is collective organizing and action. She believes diversity in STEM is essential for building trust and fostering meaningful relationships in minority communities, ensuring that people see advocates who reflect their lived experiences.

Beyond her academic and advocacy work, Dani finds healing and connection through crochet. She hosts “Crochet Corners” in Watts and Altadena, creating meditative spaces that honor ancestral healing practices for communities of color. As a third-generation Altadena/Pasadena “Dena” resident, she is deeply committed to the empowerment of her Black community. Dani aspires to continue her work in reducing toxic exposure in Watts and advocating for environmental justice in Los Angeles.