Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Danni Crombie
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
“I create for people like my brother who are fighting silent battles and just need a moment of connection, reflection, or understanding.”
Born in Anchorage and raised between Palmer and Wasilla, Danni Crombie, a proud Gwich’in Athabascan woman, spent much of her childhood outdoors, riding four-wheelers, fishing, and snowboarding. Her Indigenous identity is something she holds close; it shapes the way she moves through the world and the work she chooses to do. Danni deeply values the resilience, creativity, and cultural strength passed down through generations of her people, and she carries that forward with intention. Art has always been a part of her life, expressed through every medium she could get her hands on. Though she originally went to college to pursue journalism, a heart-to-heart conversation with her mother helped her realign with what she truly loved. Her mom reminded her that it’s never too late to change paths and encouraged her to follow her gut. That pivotal moment led Danni to switch her major and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art at Fort Lewis College, graduating in 2021. It was a scary decision, but one that led her to work that feels authentic, creative, and deeply rooted in community.
After college, Danni returned to Alaska and joined the Anchorage Museum as a Visitor Services staff member, working at the front desk and in the store. It wasn’t long before her passion for art and connection pushed her to grow within the organization. She was selected for a Programs Specialist role and eventually stepped into her current position as Community Engagement Manager in 2023. In this role, Danni blends creativity, cultural awareness, and care to design experiences that invite people into community and expression. One of her proudest accomplishments is the creation of Free Create First Fridays, an art activity hosted during the museum’s free admission evenings from 6-9 pm. The goal is simple yet profound: to offer a low-barrier opportunity for anyone, especially those who say “I’m not an artist” to make something. Danni believes that art is more about the process than the final product, and that even “bad” art has the power to spark healing, curiosity, and joy.
Her work is also deeply personal. Just months into her time at the museum, Danni lost her brother, one of her biggest supporters. His passing was a devastating loss, but it became a source of strength. He had always encouraged her to follow her passion, especially when she chose to pursue art, and Danni carries his pride and memory with her in all that she does. She creates for people like him, people who are quietly struggling, seeking moments of connection and care. That intention grounds her work and gives it purpose far beyond the walls of the museum.
Danni’s leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and authenticity. To her, leadership is not about control, it’s about building environments where others feel safe, seen, and empowered to thrive. Danni is motivated by growth, creativity, and a desire to make meaningful contributions, both in her professional and personal life. Whether she is writing poetry, supporting her team, or teaching teen summer art classes, she is always looking for ways to live with intention and stay aligned with her values.
She draws inspiration from the vibrant creative community around her, including artists like Dimi Macheras (Chickaloonies), Chloey Cavanaugh (Black and White Raven Co.), Crystal and Rico Worl (Trickster Co.), Madelyn Troiano, and Duke Russel, people who blend cultural expression with advocacy and imagination. She also speaks with admiration about women like Tammalivis Salanoa, whose courage, clarity, and commitment to the arts continue to inspire her.
Danni believes that both small and large actions can spark real change. Listening deeply, without judgment or interruption, can be transformative. Creating art with others, no matter the skill level, can ripple out in powerful, unexpected ways. Her advice to young women is to take up space, ask questions, and speak their truth, even if their voice shakes. “You don’t have to shrink yourself to be accepted,” she says. “The world needs what only you can bring.”
Looking ahead, Danni hopes to continue building spaces for creative exploration and connection, both within and beyond Alaska. Whether through visual art, writing, or community experiences, her dream is to reach more people and remind them that healing, growth, and joy can start with a simple act of expression.
“Learn from everyone, follow no one, watch for patterns, and work like hell” – Scott McCloud