Dani Jo White-Yelito
Lowell,MA
Summary
Political strategist, educator, advocate, and public affairs leader with 20+ years of experience navigating complex education systems, shaping policy conversations, and mobilizing coalitions. Deep expertise in state-level policy advocacy, legislative strategy, public narrative shaping, stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and educator leadership. Proven ability to build durable educator power, lead issue campaigns, and serve as a trusted spokesperson with policymakers, media, funders, and community partners.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Teacher Policy Cabinet Member
Teach Plus
01.2026 - Current
- Advise federal policymakers and congressional staff; analyze policy proposals; represent Massachusetts educators in national conversations; prepare strategic messaging and policy positions.
Massachusetts Educator Collective for Change
Educators for Excellence
01.2026 - Current
- Contribute to statewide policy agendas; draft testimony and legislative communications; participate in advocacy actions; support educator leadership development.
Information & AI Teacher Advisory Council Member
Pulitzer Center
01.2026 - Current
- Serve as a public-facing leader on AI literacy and collaborate with journalists and national partners.
School & District Leader
Hill for Literacy
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with statewide literacy leaders to align systems with evidence-based practices.
DESE SPA Ambassador Program
01.2025 - Current
- Partner with state officials to advance STEM/STE priorities.
DESE Arts Leaders Network
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with arts leaders statewide to advance equitable arts access.
Literacy Action Team Member, Advocate & Trainer
Greater Lowell Technical High School
01.2023 - Current
- Facilitate professional learning and systems-level literacy implementation.
Trustee & Interim Assistant Property Manager
Wilmack Condominium Association
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee governance, budgeting, operations, stakeholder communication, and compliance.
Massachusetts Policy Fellow
Teach Plus
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted research on literacy and curriculum quality; delivered testimony; built relationships with policymakers and advocacy partners; strengthened educator engagement in legislative processes.
Board Member & Social Media Manager
Commonwealth Orchestra Outreach Project
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led digital communications strategy, public messaging, and community engagement efforts.
Founder & Campaign Lead
Save Woburn Middle School Bands
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Built and mobilized a coalition, coordinated public messaging, digital organizing, and testimony strategy.
Adjudicator
Syracuse University / Wakefield Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Evaluated student musicians for regional honors ensembles.
Flutist & Community Outreach Performer
Chelmsford Community Band
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Supported intergenerational community engagement and public cultural programming.
Education
M.M. -
University of Massachusetts Amherst
B.S. - Music Education & Biology/Environmental Studies
Ithaca College
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Greater Lowell Technical High School
06-2026
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Lawrence Public Schools
01-2022
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Woburn Public Schools
01-2019
Skills
Political Strategy
- Legislative Navigation
- Government Affairs
- Issue Advocacy Campaigns
- Coalition Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Communications
- Media Engagement
- Public Narrative
- Relationship-Building
- Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Matrix Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Message Discipline
- Rapid Response
- Policy Analysis
- Research Synthesis
- Testimony Writing
Websites
Certification
- SEI Endorsement
- Microsoft Innovative Educator
- Quizizz Certified Game Changer
- Population Education PD Trainer
Timeline
National Teacher Policy Cabinet Member
Teach Plus
01.2026 - Current
Massachusetts Educator Collective for Change
Educators for Excellence
01.2026 - Current
Information & AI Teacher Advisory Council Member
Pulitzer Center
01.2026 - Current
School & District Leader
Hill for Literacy
01.2025 - Current
DESE SPA Ambassador Program
01.2025 - Current
DESE Arts Leaders Network
01.2025 - Current
Massachusetts Policy Fellow
Teach Plus
01.2024 - 01.2025
Literacy Action Team Member, Advocate & Trainer
Greater Lowell Technical High School
01.2023 - Current
Trustee & Interim Assistant Property Manager
Wilmack Condominium Association
01.2023 - Current
Board Member & Social Media Manager
Commonwealth Orchestra Outreach Project
01.2019 - 01.2022
Founder & Campaign Lead
Save Woburn Middle School Bands
01.2018 - 01.2019
Adjudicator
Syracuse University / Wakefield Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2019
Flutist & Community Outreach Performer
Chelmsford Community Band
01.2012 - 01.2018
B.S. - Music Education & Biology/Environmental Studies
Ithaca College
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Greater Lowell Technical High School
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Lawrence Public Schools
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Woburn Public Schools
M.M. -
University of Massachusetts Amherst