Junior Daneev Imbert is known across campus for her active leadership roles in over a half dozen organizations, clubs and departments. Despite her busy calendar, Imbert’s main focus is scheduling time to bring joy to others.
“I like to make people laugh, everyone should have a little joy in their lives,” said Imbert, a business finance major from Miami.
Imbert found her place as a leader in high school and knew she wanted to carry that into college. The daughter of Haitian and Dominican immigrants, she has used her leadership talent to help minority students find their home at The Catholic University of America.
“My aspirations and determination have always stemmed from all the sacrifices (my parents) made for me and my siblings,” said Imbert.
Imbert is a founding member and president of the Migrant Rights Coalition, a cultural organization on campus that supports the dignity and rights of migrants, immigrants, refugees and first-generation Americans through advocacy, outreach and inclusivity.
“Knowing that I'm making a difference in the CUA community and amplifying voices that go unnoticed or unheard is what inspires me to keep going,” said Imbert. “Even as a student I'm making a difference.”
As a first-year student, Imbert participated in Take Flight, a program from the Center for Cultural Engagement that accompanies first-generation students as they transition to University life. Now an upperclassman, she gives back by mentoring first-year students.
Imbert is also involved in leadership roles with the Black Student Alliance, Campus Ministry’s service and justice office, and Orientation and she works with the Office of Campus Activities and the Student Philanthropy Council.
Imbert said she receives incredible support in her service work from the Center for Cultural Engagement. She also credits her classes at the Busch School of Business for her leadership formation.
“There’s a lot of things I’ve learned about myself while taking these classes; learning how to be a good leader and how to support others,” said Imbert.
In summer 2022, Imbert went on a Campus Ministry Service and Justice Immersion Trip to Los Angeles that ministered to people in rehabilitation, inspiring her to work more after graduation in gang rehabilitation and immigration.
Imbert hopes to earn a master’s degree in social work and work with nonprofits. She also dreams of opening her own business, such as a dance studio or recreation center for children in low income communities.
Imbert’s three keys to success in servant leadership are empathy, listening and kindness.
“Sometimes it’s hard to be a student leader and also be a student,” said Imbert. “But it’s helped me realize my place here at Catholic is to help and support others.”