My name is Danielle Gray and I’m a celebrity trainer, fitness model, small business owner and 2023 Sports Illustrated Swim Search Hopeful.

Since 4 years old, I have done gymnastics and always dreamed of leading others. From teaching classmates in elementary to hosting retreats around the world, I am proud to have come such a long way. Bu tI’m just getting started as I enter my 30s.

After graduating from USC, turning down a promotion at a desk job, and starting my own company, I signed with one of the top modeling agencies in the world at only 5’4” after booking my first national campaign on my own. Since starting my modeling career, I have been able to work with brands like Meta, Nike, Women’s Health, Equinox, iFIT, and hope to be able to add SI to that list.

My life’s purpose is to show others how capable they really are and always remind myself of the same. I’m working towards a world where everyone will feel safe sharing their truth and mental health awareness will be as mainstream and respected as physical injury awareness. Along with continuing to model and scaling my business, I’d love to join the growing movement that’s pursuing a mental health curriculum to be taught in schools.

I want to be a part of this year’s swim search to be a voice for those who feel like they’ve never quite fit in and represent being unapologetically yourself despite being told you’re too this or not enough that. While I see others who have done so much more and I’m sure others look at me in the same way, comparison fatigue robs us, especially us women, of feeling fulfilled with all of our own accomplishments.

If people can hear and not just see how someone graciously, yet confidently toots their own horn, hopefully it will inspire others to put themselves out there more and share their talents with the world.

BG Music: Happy Cooking Food by Infraction