Meet Danielle McFadden of Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle McFadden.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 24 I had just finished graduate school and was ready to jump right into becoming a ‘real adult.’ To me, that meant getting a job, start making money and moving out of my parents’ house. Easier said than done, right?

Armed with two psychology degrees (B.A. Psychology, M.A. Community Social Psychology) and no clear-cut idea of “what I wanted to do with my life” I started applying for jobs. A couple of months (and dozens of babysitting gigs) later I came across the job of Marketing Director at Mills 42 Credit Union. A small credit union in Downtown Lowell.

I got excited as I read the job description… and a little less excited as I read the qualifications. Experience within the field needed, marketing/business degree strongly encouraged… Should I even bother applying? I did apply. And to my surprise, I interviewed and got the job! I loved that job and feel grateful for the opportunity because it takes me to where I am today.

While working at the credit union, I got involved with the Greater Lowell Chamber. First as a member, then as an active Community Service Committee member and a year later as a board member. As a member, I co-hosted the Chamber’s radio show (and still do 9 years later!), managed the Facebook page and helped the Chamber plan several events. My heart, time and passion were with this organization through and through.

When the President’s position opened up, I was thrilled! (The week before I told my mother I’d love that job someday. Talk about manifesting!) At the age of 28, I became the President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. I’m now 35 years old and have been in this role for 7+ years.

In addition to my work at the Chamber, my side hustle includes working with several clients to help them elevate their marketing efforts (with an emphasis on Social Media). I recently launched a website (www.meetdaniellemcfadden.com) and plan to create an online course for nonprofits all about marketing with little to no budget.

When I’m not at the Chamber or working on my side hustle, I am spending time with my husband Adam and our three kids (Zoe – 4, Landry – 2 and Milo – 1).

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel so fortunate that no matter where I was in my journey I always has my family to offer support and a soft place to land. This will absolutely sound cliche, but my parents are my rock and inspiration and always have been.

I definitely struggled in my mid-twenties to find my place, but always knew if I gave back more than I received, that things would work out.

Recently I was talking about my journey and mentioned that when I became President of the Chamber I lived with my parents! I was always embarrassed to tell people where my head landed at night. I absolutely could have reframed that… I was 28 years old and saving to buy a home.

Thankfully, the older I get, the more comfortable I am in my own skin.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce has 600 businesses and organizations throughout Greater Lowell (and 80 from outside the area) who are members for the marketing, education, advocacy and networking opportunities. I believe one thing that sets us apart from other business groups and Chambers is our fun personality and approachability.

A member recently called us a “high-touch organization” and it was one of the best compliments we’ve ever received. A business of 1-5 employees can be a member for just $329 a year and the exposure and opportunities they receive for that amount are truly amazing: at least two networking events a month, seminars and workshops, Social Media exposure, online and print directory listing, referrals, radio and TV guest appearances – the list goes on and on! Where else can you get that kind of advertising for just a few hundred dollars a year?!

What I love about my job at the Chamber is my ability to use my event planning and marketing skills on a daily basis. When I started at the Chamber I made it my mission to educate Chamber members on the power of using Social Media to grow their brand. I taught seminars, hosted YouTube Days where I would shoot, edit and upload videos for them and trained hundreds of people throughout the community.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have BIG plans for the future! I want to grow my personal brand, in addition to growing the Chamber.

For several years I’ve been listening to podcasts, reading books, taking webinars and writing articles all about the online marketing space and Social Media. I’m ready to kick it up a notch at the Chamber and increase my side hustle too!

I launched my website in July (https://meetdaniellemcfadden.com/). I’ve been blogging on my site, on LinkedIn and for several websites including Social Media Examiner. The next phase for me is to build an audience and then create an online marketing course to help organizations build their brands, get donors and up their marketing ante.

Contact Info:

• Address: 133 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852
• Website: https://bit.ly/2mVpy1n
• Phone: 978-459-8154
• Email: dmcfadden@greaterlowellchamber.org
• Instagram: nstagram.com/greaterlowellchamber
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterlowellchamber/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/greaterlowellcc
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemcfadden1/

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.