Meet Daniel
Daniel J. Downer is a dynamic community activist with a profound legacy in Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ movement. Over the past decade, he has seamlessly blended his lived experiences as a Black Queer man with a rich educational and professional background, championing movements in Central Florida focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Daniel served as the Executive Director (2019-2024) of The Bros in Convo Initiative, a trailblazing Black Queer-led community organization based in Orlando. In this role, he passionately educated and empowered gay and queer individuals of color, fostering a sense of community and resilience.
As a cocreator of the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute, Daniel has introduced an exceptional DEIB program that brings together nonprofit organizations and leaders in Central Florida. This innovative initiative, which has received the 2023 ALP Excellence in Innovation Award and the Innovation in Marketing Pivot & Persist Award, aims to drive cultural transformation and foster inclusive environments that elevate diverse voices within boardrooms.
Additionally, Daniel contributes his expertise as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Facilitator at The Equality Institute, a boutique firm committed to providing impactful and comprehensive solutions to organizations seeking to embed diversity and inclusion into their culture.
Daniel is a member of United We Rise, a national Black-led, intersectional movement that reimagines the path to ending the HIV epidemic while uplifting the health of all Black people. Through collaboration and advocacy, the movement strives to address systemic inequities in healthcare and create sustainable solutions for Black communities across the U.S.
Daniel's impactful work has been recognized and celebrated by various organizations. Notable accolades include the GLAAD Rising Star Award in 2018, Watermark's Most Remarkable Person in Central Florida in 2020, the 2021 LGBT+ Center Orlando Trailblazer Award, and being named a finalist for the 2023 OUT Magazine OUT100 Reader’s Choice Award.
Throughout his career, Daniel has consistently fought against systemic barriers for marginalized communities. He prioritizes coalition building, meaningful connections, and mutual learning as essential tools for societal transformation. His firm belief is in creating a world where everyone is affirmed, and the most marginalized are brought closer to justice and liberation.
