The Ivorgba Center Welcomes New Advisory Board Member

We’re excited to welcome Danielle Hodge to The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center Advisory Board! With her extensive expertise in community impact, partnership building, and water safety programs, Danielle’s leadership will inspire new initiatives to empower and uplift our community. Danielle Hodge is the visionary founder and CEO of Alma Ocean and the Alma Swim Foundation, passionately committed to transforming water spaces into environments that are safer, more joyful, and inclusive for all. Based in Orlando, she has spent over 15 years honing her expertise in brand marketing and experiential events, skills she leverages to develop impactful programs that advance community well-being and empowerment.

Through Alma Ocean, Danielle creates culturally inspired aquatic accessories. Every purchase from her line helps fund swim lessons for children and adults who might otherwise lack access, promoting water safety, confidence, and joy. Her approach emphasizes celebrating diverse cultures while addressing critical gaps in water accessibility. In 2023, she founded the Alma Swim Foundation to further this mission by providing free and low-cost swim lessons, lifeguard scholarships, and large-scale water safety events. These initiatives are carried out in partnership with schools, municipalities, and community organizations, aiming to make water education accessible to underserved populations.

A core focus of Danielle’s work is closing the swim equity gap, particularly in Black communities where disparities in water safety and confidence persist. She recognizes that feeling safe in the water is essential for personal development, recreation, and safety, and she is dedicated to reintroducing the joy and empowerment that come from mastering water skills. Her programs strive to foster a sense of belonging and confidence, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy and thrive in aquatic environments.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts, Danielle is a committed community leader and a new board member of the Emmanuel Ivorgba Center. There, she applies her extensive experience in social impact, partnership building, and community-centered program design. Her leadership emphasizes creating opportunities for people to learn, lead, and thrive—whether in water, in their neighborhoods, or in the wider world.

Danielle’s work is driven by a deep belief in equity and inclusion. She aims to break down barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing water safety and recreation. Her initiatives not only promote physical safety but also foster cultural pride and confidence. By reimagining water spaces as places of joy and belonging, she hopes to inspire generations to come. Danielle Hodge’s vision is to create a world where everyone can experience the transformative power of water—feeling safe, confident, and joyful. Her dedication to community, culture, and inclusion continues to inspire positive change, making water spaces more accessible and equitable for all.