Student Spotlight: Danya Levin is Turning Ideas Into Results Through Ads4Impact
“The most valuable shift was moving from thinking to doing. GWI showed me that you don’t need everything to be perfect to get started.”
-Danya Levin
Before joining Girls With Impact, Danya Levin saw herself as a student with big ideas, but wasn’t sure how to turn those ideas into something real.
“I had an interest in entrepreneurship, but it felt like something I would do in the future, not something I could start right away,” she says.
That changed during her freshman year of high school when she enrolled in GWI’s Innovation Academy program in early 2024. Drawn to the challenge of building a business concept from the ground up, Danya quickly discovered that entrepreneurship wasn’t just something for “someday;” it was something she could begin now.
A defining moment came when she presented her business idea to instructors and peers during the program.
“That experience made me realize I was capable of creating something real, rather than just thinking about ideas.”
Through GWI, Danya developed both business skills and the confidence to take action.
One of the most important lessons she learned was how to identify problems and turn them into opportunities. That mindset directly inspired the growth of her venture, Ads4Impact, a platform that connects nonprofit organizations with unused digital advertising space on streaming TVs and apps.
Instead of overlooking the untapped ad inventory she noticed online, Danya saw a chance to make a difference.
“GWI inspired me to take that observation and turn it into a real project,” she explains. “Even the name Ads4Impact was inspired by Girls With Impact and the idea of creating meaningful impact.”
Today, Ads4Impact is doing exactly that.
Since launching, the venture has facilitated more than $125,000 in donated advertising and helped nonprofit organizations reach over one million people. The platform currently supports eight nonprofits, with plans for continued expansion.
“My goal is to continue growing Ads4Impact and build it into a system organizations can rely on,” Danya says.
The journey has also transformed how she sees herself.
Before GWI, reaching out to unfamiliar people, even teachers, felt intimidating. Now, she confidently connects with media companies and nonprofit leaders to build partnerships and grow her business.
“The most valuable shift was moving from thinking to doing,” she shares. “GWI showed me that you don’t need everything to be perfect to get started.”
In addition to leading Ads4Impact, Danya has stepped into leadership roles throughout her school and community, continuing to use her voice and initiative to create change.
“GWI helped me realize that I don’t have to wait to make an impact,” she says. “My ideas and voice have value now.”
Her advice to other girls considering the program?
“Go for it. GWI helps you see what you’re capable of, even if you don’t have everything figured out yet.”
Congratulations to Danya and thank you for continuing to partner with GWI through Ads4Impact. We’re proud to be part of your story!
Interested in learning more about GWI’s Innovation Academy? Click here to learn more.