Mission

Delivering transformational projects to move Philadelphia forward

Danielle DiLeo Kim is a social-impact leader who uses big-picture strategic thinking and collaborative engagement to deliver complex projects for public, private, and nonprofit sector clients.

Photo by Blinck Photography

About Danielle

As an architect and urban designer, Danielle is uniquely able to translate the skills she uses in capital and planning projects to any strategic challenge. She seeks out challenging initiatives and opportunities that will strengthen urban communities.

As an innovative leader, Danielle excels at coordinating multidisciplinary teams and engaging diverse stakeholders. Through her vision and leadership, she consistently identifies opportunities to leverage existing resources and relationships to exceed a project’s potential.

Danielle strives to create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment. She is a consummate community advocate and passionately puts her whole self into every endeavor.

Danielle is currently serving as the Executive Director of PHILADELPHIA250 an organization planning Philadelphia's role in the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.

Delivering Impact

With a 20-year record of accomplishment leading projects ranging from campus master plans to city-wide initiatives, Danielle specializes in managing large-scale capital and planning projects. She strives to produce more fully considered, inclusive, and aspirational community revitalization projects.

20+

Years Serving Philadelphia

Having worked in multiple capacities from volunteer to board member and founder to client, Danielle has sat on both sides of the community development table, always striving to innovate and collaborate for the good of the community and organization she is serving.

80+

Women Leaders Connected

Danielle co-founded Philly Girls Do Good in 2013. Philly Girls Do Good connects and celebrates Philadelphia women leaders in design and community development who devote their professional and personal time toward making a better urban experience for all.

Community-Centered Vision

Community is at the core of Danielle’s work. Whether it is leading a project that will impact the entire city of Philadelphia, serving as an advocate in her local civic association, or founding the first Montessori school in 35 years, she strives to effect change that is for the better, and takes the time to truly get to know the people, context, and forces at work in each community. She has worked with key stakeholders across the city and has a deep understanding of the circumstances that impact neighborhoods and communities. She strives to effect change that is for the better and takes the time to truly get to know the underlying forces at work.

“Danielle brings her passion for Philadelphia, and in particular, her expertise and experience to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s board of directors. Willing to roll up her sleeves and do the work, as well as, strategically ask and help answer the big questions like how to scale and drive impact so that everyone has a decent place to live, Danielle is an asset to Habitat and the Philadelphia region.”

—Corinne O'Connell; CEO Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Collaborative Leadership

Taking on complex, strategic plans requires a strong collaborative attitude. Her experience working through the full spectrum of urban design uniquely positions her to be fully embedded in a project. A dynamic leader, she excels at executing and translating both the visionary needs as well as the practical requirements. She works closely with clients, stakeholders, and community members to set aspirational, yet achievable goals and co-create mutually beneficial solutions.

Projects

Danielle has led the realization of institutional and cultural buildings, citywide and campus master plans, and engagement processes for community and high-level stakeholders in and around the Philadelphia region for over twenty years.

Citywide Vision Plans

Leading long-range, citywide plans with aspirational yet achievable goals and inclusive prosperity as a core value are central to Danielle's work.

USA250 Convening Campus in Philadelphia in 2026 >
Philadelphia2035 >
Philadelphia 2024 Olympic Proposal >

Image: Philadelphia in 2026, Rendering by KieranTimberlake

Development Master Plans

Multi-phased, and community-informed master plans that take a comprehensive understanding of the area and people impacted with a vision to create lasting, sustainable destinations.

Bridesburg Riverfront Park Master Plan >
Lower Schuylkill Master Plan >
Temple University 20/20 Master Plan >
Fairmount Park Centennial District Master Plan >
Schuylkill Banks Trail Master Plan >
Residential Site Planning for Somerton >

Image: Lower Schuylkill Master Plan, Rendering by NBBJ