First Unitarian Portland

Danielle Garrett (she/her) is the ministerial intern for the 2023-2024 church year and a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Danielle feels called to ground her work for justice in the rich fabric of congregational life and believes in a God of liberation and the transformative power of a good church potluck. Before following a call to ministry, Danielle spent ten years working in health care policy and advocacy in Washington D.C. While living in D.C, she discovered Unitarian Universalism at All Souls Church and was an active lay leader—teaching children’s religious education, chairing the adult spiritual development committee, and serving on the leadership team for the Reproductive Justice Initiative. 

Danielle is also a pilgrimage enthusiast who has accompanied UU congregations on spiritual treks through Spain and Scotland. She graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School, where she received the Founder’s Medal for first honors. She also holds a B.A. from The College of William and Mary and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas. Her wife Mari and dog Jo March accompanied her to Portland for the year, and they are looking forward to exploring the trails and waterways of the Pacific Northwest.