I do everything in my power to be visible in the hope you don’t feel invisible.
Dani is a powerful storyteller and wellness advocate whose life is a testament to resilience, identity, and transformation.
Raised in South Auckland, Dani is of Cook Island and European heritage.
Navigating her cultural identity and embracing her queer identity was a lifelong journey shaped by early experiences of trauma and domestic violence. These challenges forged a deep sense of empathy and strength that now defines her work and voice.
Dani’s dream of working in radio came true when she became an announcer on Mai FM, where her authenticity and energy resonated with audiences across Aotearoa. But behind the mic, she faced a silent battle — burnout and a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a rare brain condition that led to partial vision loss and forced her out of work for several years.
During this time, Dani endured a painful breakup, struggled with alcohol, and suffered a serious ACL and meniscus injury. Her journey of recovery was not just physical — it was a complete rebuilding of her life, health, and identity.
Today, Dani is a passionate advocate for wellness, healing, and self-awareness. She uses her platform to inspire young people from low-decile communities to believe in their potential, and she speaks openly about the power of resilience, connection, and reclaiming your life. Her story is one of courage, transformation, and hope — a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can rise.
Talking Points
Burnout, Illness, and Rebuilding From Rock Bottom
Sharing the journey of losing everything, health, work, identity and the process of rebuilding a fulfilling, balanced life.
Burnout, Illness, and Rebuilding From Rock Bottom
Identity and Belonging: Navigating Life as Your Whole Self
Embracing every part of yourself, culture, sexuality, and personal history, as a source of strength, authenticity, and connection.
Identity and Belonging: Navigating Life as Your Whole Self
Healing Through Resilience and Connection
Highlighting how self-awareness, community, and support systems help us navigate life’s toughest challenges and regain control.
Healing Through Resilience and Connection
Storytelling as a Tool for Growth and Transformation
Exploring how sharing our stories can heal, inspire, and create meaningful change for ourselves and others.
Storytelling as a Tool for Growth and Transformation
Dani is professional in her approach, engages well at many different levels, has a friendly, calm and relaxed manner. Being an inaugural event she offered suggestions with the scripting and ... keep reading Blues Rugby
We were privileged to have Dani Fennessey as a motivational speaker for the RANZCO NZ Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025. Her talk on overcoming obstacles, resilience and living with idiopathic intracranial hypertension was delivered with such authenticity and warmth. It was incredibly heartfelt and deeply resonated, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees. It was a highlight of our meeting.
