Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Yablonka.
Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I had the privilege of attending Design and Architecture Senior High School in Miami, where I had the opportunity to explore both Fine Arts and Fashion Design. It was during this time that I discovered my love for art and began to integrate it with my work as a fashion model.
As I delved deeper into my passion, I realized that I could use it as a powerful tool to express my story as a Gen-Z Jewish activist to inspire others to speak up for their beliefs. Through various social media platforms, I found a way to spread knowledge and education about Judaism to a diverse audience of all ages, races, and backgrounds. By combining my fashion modeling with my advocacy work, I was able to tackle antisemitism and anti-Zionism freshly. My new creative journey as a content creator has allowed me to share visuals that captured the essence of my beliefs.
My commitment to Jewish advocacy and education began after a difficult experience in high school when I was confronted with a swastika drawn on my Israel Israel flag during the multicultural day. This event sparked a fire within me, igniting my extroverted passion for education and advocacy. As I gained more knowledge about my heritage and the issues facing Jewish people throughout time, I found myself becoming increasingly confident in my appearance and my ability to use my voice to effect positive change.
My work in Jewish and Israel advocacy has opened up a world of incredible opportunities, from traveling and making new friends to graphic designing, collaborating on events, and even public speaking. Most recently, I had the honor of participating in the Geller International Fellowship to Israel and the UAE, where I joined 40 student leaders from across the country to study the Abraham Accords. This experience was truly life-changing, further fueling my desire to educate others about the importance of Jewish advocacy and the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After completing high school, I embarked on a journey to San Francisco to attend art school to pursue creative activism. Unfortunately, my experience there left me feeling completely lost and uninspired. To make matters worse, my peers consistently shut down everything I created. Despite it being the most challenging decision I’ve ever made, I decided to leave everything behind and transfer to FAU when Covid19 struck. It was then that my Jewish spirit felt reawakened.
During my first year at FAU, which was conducted online, I focused on collaborating with influencers on social media and conducting live-streamed interviews with diverse Jewish influencers to connect through storytelling. From there, I continued to refine my skills in Jewish social media influencing. Over the years, I’ve struggled with severe panic attacks that have often left me feeling debilitated. I’m not sure what triggers them, but they usually happen when I feel trapped.
Growing up with several learning disabilities made me feel like I was less than others, but with transparent therapy, medication, and support, I’ve been able to overcome these obstacles and am now on the Dean’s List, nearing graduation, and applying to Ivy League graduate programs. Coping with panic attacks can be incredibly difficult, but I’ve learned to manage them by asking for help when I need it and taking breaks or stepping back when I feel overwhelmed.
As a fashion model, I struggled with the exploitation of my body over the years, feeling that the only way I could be considered pretty was by posting photos in revealing clothing. However, when I began dabbling in politics, I was faced with an identity crisis, struggling to find a way to blend modeling with activism. Some peers advised me to look more professional if I wanted to be taken seriously in politics. Eventually, I found balance and became more confident in my skin, realizing that not everyone had to like me… and being “Hot and Jewish” is turning into my tagline.
Navigating the different aspects of my identity has been challenging, especially in terms of balancing personal expression with professional expectations. Nevertheless, I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to conform to anyone else’s expectations of who I should be. My unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets in both my artistic and political pursuits. As I continue to pursue my educational and career goals, I make it a priority to take care of myself and prioritize my mental health.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in sharing personal stories to inspire others through various mediums such as art, social media, speaking engagements, professional, and volunteer opportunities. My mission is to use my platform and voice to make a positive impact and influence people in a relatable way. At Miami Soho Beach House, I proudly serve as the youngest committee member and a creative voice for the Jewish community.
As a Jewish influencer, I use my influence to educate others on my culture and customs in a relatable and engaging manner. Social media is a powerful tool, and I am proud to leverage it to create communities and educate people. My passion for inspiring others does not hinder my other pursuits. I balance my full-time school workload, modeling career, and social media influence, along with seasonal nanny work in Palm Beach all at once.
These experiences have taught me how to navigate different social settings and build a diverse network, learning from successful families and business people. I am recognized as the model influencer who is making being Jewish cool again, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring others to embrace their culture and heritage.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I realize that this industry is not about being a pretty model influencer, it’s about using that influence to be a role model for others. I hope to launch a Jewish star collection very soon. It is in the works! I hope to grow my art workshops for people of all ages, and continue to connect and support others on their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danielleyablonka.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/danielleyablonka
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danielleyablonka
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielleyab
- Tiktok: @danielleyablonka
Image Credits
www.danielleyablonka.com
