Dana Garibaldi

Youth Leadership Board Member

“Learning shapes the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of the next generation. Its power must be recognized.”

Dana asks questions.

Dana’s first involvement with GripTape was in the summer of 2020 when she completed her Learning Challenge. As co-founder and co-host of the positive news podcast Fun Times with Dana and Heidi, she aimed to uplift people’s spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Youth Leadership Board, she has been involved with research, the GripTaped podcast, and the creation of its Alumni Community on Discord to extend Challengers’ experiences and connections beyond the 10-week Learning Challenge. 

Dana was raised in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a border city with a vibrant Mexican-American culture. A proud Latina, Dana is passionate about providing educational equity to diverse populations, especially in the field of STEM. Dana plans to start studies in molecular and cellular biology this fall.

Outside of school, Dana loves to hang out with her two cats, visit local thrift stores, unwind with an iced matcha latte, and watch movies.

GripTape team member since 2021
Location: McAllen, TX