Meet Lift Her Up Awardee: Yolaunda M. Daniels

Yolaunda M. Daniel is a respected public servant, accomplished leader and dedicated community advocate whose work continues to shape education and civic life in Phenix City and the surrounding Tri-City area.

Daniel has been married to her husband, Darren Daniel, for 32 years, and together they are the proud parents of two adult sons, Darren and Dru. With more than three decades of service across local, state and federal government, she has built a career defined by leadership, integrity and a steadfast commitment to public service.

She currently serves as lead program specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service in the Southeast Regional Office. In that role, Daniel provides compliance and technical oversight for nutrition programs across eight states, ensuring adherence to federal regulations while advocating for equitable access to services that support children and families.

In November 2025, Daniel was re-elected to the Phenix City Board of Education and currently serves as board chair, a role she has held for five years. Guided by the principles of Advocacy, Collaboration and Transparency — known as A.C.T. — she works to unite educators, board members and community stakeholders around student success.

Her leadership earned statewide recognition when she was named a 2025 All-State School Board Member by the Alabama Association of School Boards. Through faith, service and leadership, Daniel continues uplifting the Tri-City community.