Art, Tenacity, and YWeb: How Dani RAD is Building a Creative Future

At just seven years old, Dani RAD discovered their love for art while sketching a family of pet rats. “My family was so surprised,” Dani recalls brightly. “Everyone was impressed with the level of detail in my drawing.” That early spark ignited a passion that would carry Dani RAD through the years. From sketchbooks to canvases and urban walls—and eventually cakes—Dani explored creativity in various forms.

After high school, Dani RAD knew they wanted a career in art, but the “how” felt out of reach. “The YWCA was literally the first place I walked into with my product,” they remember. But without clear paths or mentorship, Dani RAD shifted focus, eventually building a career as a cake decorator. Through that work, Dani RAD discovered a tool that would transform their artistic style—the airbrush. “It changed everything.”

Even with new skills, something was still missing. “By 25, I was fed up. Living in my community was really depressing. Going outside, you’d get harassed by cops and community centers were dry. I didn’t get any support from artists. I felt I couldn’t learn. I only realized it now that I was living in the script that society had put for people who look like me.” 

Then came a powerful epiphany, a butterfly landed on Dani RAD’s face. “I knew it was time to spread my wings.”

YWEB: A Turning Point

In 2020, Dani RAD returned to Madison, a place where they had spent a portion of their childhood before completing high school in Illinois. Dani RAD found themselves at YWCA and saw an opportunity with the YWeb Career Academy with the recommendation of their sister who was part of a previous cohort. 

Through YWeb, Dani RAD learned technical skills, built their own website, and importantly, discovered a supportive community. “YWeb motivated me—not just as a business owner, but as a person. It opened my eyes to other careers I could pursue.”

From Student to Commissioned Artist

In 2024, Dani RAD’s creative journey came full circle when they were commissioned by YWCA Madison to create a large-scale installation for the 10th anniversary of YWeb, unveiled at the Racial Justice Summit. That moment launched a new chapter.

“It has been such an honor to work with Dani in both YWeb and YWeb 2.0, and to witness their growth between the cohorts. Dani—an eclectic artist and free thinker—brought passion and energy to the classroom. Their mural is a powerful reflection of YWeb’s first 10 years and the journey we continue to take through the program. It is an honor to have Dani’s mural hanging in the YWeb classroom,” says Ashley Moncrief, Director of Employment and Transit Services. 

Since, Dani RAD has collaborated with Madison College and the Wisconsin Historical Society, and this summer, they’re back with YWCA Madison through Restore Art, a program blending restorative justice circles with community artmaking.

“I love working with teenagers,” Dani RAD shares. “I want them to experience what I didn’t have—being around other artists, sharing space, and realizing what’s possible.”

Art With Purpose

Dani RAD’s journey is a testament that every chapter matters, especially the hard ones. “Everything I’ve been through was for a reason,” they reflect. 

Today, Dani RAD creates bold, vibrant airbrush pieces of portraits, memorial art, and cultural works that tell stories and spark emotion. Their logo, featuring themselves giving a thumbs-up, reflects their ongoing vision: “I want people to feel uplifted and motivated. Art is powerful. It’s an experience.”

Looking ahead, Dani RAD dreams of building space for artists who look like them—to be seen, supported, and celebrated. “My purpose as an artist is to teach and be here for others.”

At YWCA Madison, supporting Dani RAD’s journey reflects what our mission is all about: co-creating pathways for people to live into their full selves with dignity and joy. We are proud that programs like YWeb help turn possibility into reality, and we are honored to stand alongside creators like Dani RAD as they lead, inspire, and transform.

To learn more about Dani RAD and support their work, visit their Linktree to connect with their social media accounts and website.

To learn more about YWeb Career Academy and YWCA Madison Employment Services programs that empower aspiring dreamers like Dani RAD, visit https://www.ywcamadison.org/yweb-career-academy.