Source: Danneika Wiggins

Upon first look you’ll notice her beautiful eyes and warm smile.  Dannieka Wiggins, a freshman at Spelman College is the founder of “Haiti In-tents,” a fundraising project to provide tents for displaced Haitian earthquake survivors.  Her heart has lead her to partner with Shaun King, founder of Courageous Ministries; with a goal to provide temporary housing for at least 20 families in Haiti through generous donations from the community.

Through this partnership with Courageous Ministries, Danneika’s efforts  to get the community involved will provide waterproof tents at consumer-friendly prices ranging from $80 – $300. The waterproof tents are more efficient than the tarp shelter that is currently being provided.

But she doesn’t stop here. Danneika has plans to expand Haiti In-tents globally, and to reach out to other countries where individuals are displaced and in need of shelter. This is one of the reasons why we are featuring her as a Divanaire; she is giving wholeheartedly to those in need. We also had the chance to ask her questions about being a Divanaire!

What is your definition of a Diva?

A diva is a woman with style who is outspoken, outgoing, approachable, and intellectual but most importantly has a spirit that is positively contagious. People admire divas, want to be around them, and want to learn from them.

Name a Diva that you identify with and why.

Source: Danneika Wiggins

If I had to name a celebrity I would definitely say Terri Vaughn (a.k.a ‘Lavita’ from the Steve Harvey Show). I met her a while ago and she is so down-to-earth. She has a great sense of humor but knows how to balance it out when it’s time to be serious. I can relate to that a lot. It doesn’t seem like it takes her a long time to get acceptably comfortable with others, and when she does, the exciting side of her comes out. I see myself that way because at first I can seem very reserved and poised, however, once I get comfortable there’s so much joy and excitement inside me that I have to share. She is an outstanding and admirable actress, although extremely humble and appreciative of the greater things in life; love, family, happiness and pride. I respect that and see a lot of the same values in myself.

Yet, if I wanted to give a more personal and dear response to that question I would without a doubt say my Aunt, Veronica Douglas. She has taught me so much (directly and by exemplifying excellence) on being a successful and empowered black woman. She went to Northeastern and got a degree in communications but didn’t stop there. She received her masters a couple years ago. She’s been committed to her religion and as a result has maintained an exceptional amount of courage throughout all her endeavors. She has a beautiful new baby, supportive husband, flourishing career, and still manages to stay abreast of all the latest fashion. So I admire her beyond imagination. She’s the queen diva of divas in my life.

What is the one Divafying item you can’t live without?

The one divafying item I can’t live without is earrings. Although throughout the past couple of years I’ve become quite fond of pearls, I most definitely cannot live without hoops (preferably gold). They don’t have to be big but they have to be in my ears. Walking around without jewelry in general makes me feel extremely uncomfortable, but I can go a day or two without a necklace or rings, but not without earrings.

Please donate to Danneika’s organization through Courageous Ministries and make a difference!

Smooches,

Professor Cali