Danielle Gapinski serves Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties providing leadership as a 4-H Youth Development Educator. Gapinski focuses on 4-H club support, in-school and after-school programs, and the youth education initiatives identified as state and local priorities. In partnership with local 4-H program coordinators and volunteers, she plans, conducts, and evaluates programs that are consistent with the needs of local youth. Gapinski provides programming related to social and emotional learning, leadership, and healthy living in addition to her work with 4-H clubs. 

Danielle has extensive experience in coordinating, marketing, and executing youth programming and has a background in graphic design and dance direction. Prior to her role as an educator, Gapinski served as 4-H Program Coordinator in Bureau County from 2017-2023. 

Gapinski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Business Management and Administration from Bradley University and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She is also a certified Crucial Conversations facilitator. 

From her involvement in 4-H during her youth through her work to strengthen the program today, Danielle recognizes the value of 4-H and is passionate about expanding the opportunities offered by the program.

Gapinski’s professional associations include the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education.