Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniya Dobbins.
Hi Daniya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started in community care and service work, first through the Baltimore PAL program supporting children and adults with disabilities, and later as a CNA where I continued learning the importance of patience, dignity, and consistent care. Those experiences shaped how I see people and built the foundation for everything I do today. Over time, I felt called to expand that work beyond direct care into broader community impact, which led me to start building my nonprofit efforts.
What began as small acts of service slowly grew into organized initiatives focused on supporting underserved individuals, especially those experiencing homelessness. I didn’t start with a large team or major funding—just consistency, relationships, and a strong belief in showing up for people in real ways. Along the way, I’ve been supported by my family and spouse, and inspired by my father, Donnell “Mookie” Dobbins, whose influence shaped my values around service and resilience.
Today, I continue to grow Making HERstory as both a mission and a movement—focused on restoring dignity, meeting real needs, and building community-based solutions that create lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was trying to properly legalize and structure my work as a stay-at-home mom, while still managing day-to-day responsibilities at home. Funding has also been a consistent struggle, especially when building community programs that require resources before they can generate support. On top of that, building a strong and reliable board took time because it’s not just about filling positions—it’s about finding people who truly align with the mission and understand the work. Each of those challenges taught me patience, structure, and the importance of building things the right way, even when it takes longer than expected.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Making HERstory is a community-based initiative focused on restoring dignity, support, and resources to underserved individuals and families, especially those experiencing homelessness. The work centers around meeting real, immediate needs like food, hygiene kits, and care items, while also creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and respected. What we specialize in is not just giving resources, but creating intentional moments of connection that remind people they are not forgotten.
What sets Making HERstory apart is the heart behind it—everything is built from lived experience, direct community engagement, and consistent hands-on service rather than distant or occasional outreach. It’s not a one-time effort or seasonal project; it’s an ongoing commitment to showing up in a real and personal way.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to turn simple acts of service into meaningful impact, where both volunteers and community members feel equally seen and valued. At its core, Making HERstory is about building dignity-driven care systems that don’t just help people survive, but remind them they matter.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was outgoing, bold, and a natural leader with strong energy and a very talkative, people-centered personality. I was also a fast learner, always curious, and naturally drawn to helping others wherever I could. One of the most formative experiences for me was sitting on my high school board alongside founders and investors, which gave me firsthand exposure to business conversations and leadership at an early age. I also received a letter of support from one of our founders, which affirmed my potential and direction during that time. It was in those spaces—along with guidance and encouragement from my teacher at Green Street Academy, Mr. Harrison—that the inspiration for Making HERstory first began to take shape. Those early experiences helped connect my love for leadership with my passion for service and community impact.
Pricing:
- Cookout Sponsorship Request: We are seeking sponsors to support our community cookout aimed at serving individuals experiencing homelessness and underserved families in Baltimore. Contributions will help provide hot meals, water, hygiene kits, and essential supplies for attendees.
- Women’s Picnic Sponsorship Request: We are requesting sponsorship support for our Women’s Picnic, a space created to restore, uplift, and connect women in the community through wellness, food, and empowerment activities. Your support will help cover food, seating, wellness resources, and materials that encourage healing and fellowship.
- Back to School Drive Sponsorship Request: We are seeking sponsorship for our Back to School Drive to help provide students with backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene kits for a strong and confident start to the school year. Your partnership will directly impact families by easing financial burdens and ensuring children are prepared for academic success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: MakingHERstory._
- Other: https://linktr.ee/makingherstory2022
